Russia has assumed the chairmanship of BRICS for the year 2024 and according to an official statement on the Kremlin website, the theme for this year is “Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security.”
Initially designated for Brazil, the BRICS presidency for 2024 was deferred to 2025 following a request made to Russia in 2019, allowing Brazil to concentrate on its G20 responsibilities. Over 200 events are scheduled to take place across multiple Russian cities, culminating in the BRICS Summit in Kazan in October.
Russia’s leadership role in BRICS this year comes against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as member countries navigate their diplomatic and economic relationships amid broader international dynamics.
President Vladimir Putin has said that BRICS is attracting an increasing number of supporters and like-minded countries that align with its core principles. This year BRICS has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates as new full members. He emphasised the importance of integrating new members harmoniously into all aspects of BRICS activities, drawing on the association’s rich history.
Russia’s agenda for its chairmanship includes enhancing foreign policy coordination among member countries and jointly addressing international and regional security challenges. The country aims to contribute practically to the BRICS Economic Partnership Strategy 2025 and the Action Plan for BRICS Innovation Cooperation 2021-2024.
Key focus areas include:
- Energy and food security
- Enhancing BRICS’s role in the international monetary system
- Expanding interbank cooperation
- Promoting the use of national currencies in mutual trade.
- Additionally, Russia plans to boost cooperation in science, technology, healthcare, environmental protection, culture, sports, youth exchanges, and civil society.
