Brazil has an ambitious agenda for its BRICS presidency this year. Brazil hosted the BRICS Leaders’ Summit on July 6-7, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, to tackle global challenges and strengthen economic and strategic cooperation.
The summit brought together leaders from 20 nations, including full members and partners.
Here are some of the key take-aways from the summit:
Read the BRICS Leaders Declaration here.
BRICS leaders back India’s chairship of 2026 summit, reaffirm support for UN Security Council bid
In a unanimous decision, the leaders of BRICS member states have extended their full support to India’s Chairship of the 18th BRICS Summit, set to take place in 2026. The endorsement was formally announced in a joint declaration issued at the conclusion of the 2025 BRICS Summit.
BRICS nations call for a more equitable global order at Rio Summit
This gathering brought together leaders from the original five BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa—alongside newer members Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Ahead of BRICS Summit in Rio, diplomats urge stronger anti-terror collaboration
Ahead of this month’s BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, senior envoys from key member states have emphasised the need for intensified cooperation to combat terrorism and to more fully integrate the priorities of the Global South into the group’s agenda.
BRICS summit gets a holiday in Rio
In preparation for the upcoming BRICS Summit, the city of Rio de Janeiro has officially declared July 7, 2025, a public holiday, aiming to ensure smooth logistics and enhanced security during the high-level international gathering. The announcement was made by Rio’s municipal government in coordination with Brazil’s federal authorities.
10 things to know about the upcoming BRICS Summit in Brazil
The 2025 BRICS Summit is a critical test of whether they can transition from a loose economic alliance into a cohesive geopolitical force. Key challenges include:
Managing expansion (integrating new members smoothly)
Navigating U.S. tensions (potential trade wars)
Delivering on Global South leadership (beyond rhetoric)
BRICS unites on climate action in Brasilia
At a high-level meeting in Brasilia, BRICS representatives came together under the BRICS Contact Group on Climate Change and Sustainable Development to strengthen joint efforts toward a more inclusive, low-carbon future. The session, hosted by Brazil’s Ministries of Environment and Climate Change, focused on advancing coordinated climate strategies across member states.
Brazil hosts first BRICS meeting on the space sector
The Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) has convened its first BRICS space leaders meeting, setting the stage for Brazil’s 2025 BRICS Presidency.
Lula invites Mexico, Colombia, and Uruguay to BRICS Summit
Lula stressed the need to expand participation in the dialogue to reinforce multilateralism and enhance global trade. He extended the invitation during his visit to Montevideo for the inauguration of Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi.
Cross-border payments, A.I. and climate action: Key agendas for BRICS Summit
Mayor Paes has already formed a commission to oversee preparations, underscoring the summit’s potential to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Key topics will include advancing sustainable development, enhancing public health collaboration, and ensuring responsible regulation of artificial intelligence.
Brazil spearheads drive for alternatives to the dollar at pivotal Rio Summit
Key discussions will center on deepening financial cooperation, with a strong focus on boosting trade in local currencies to reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar—an initiative that could reshape global financial dynamics.
Brazil wants a united BRICS front for Climate Summit
Brazil wants BRICS countries to present a joint position at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30).
Brazilian Ambassador Mauricio Lyrio said that his country would suggest to the BRICS emerging economies forum that it design a joint proposal to finance the fight against climate change in the poorest countries.
Brazil at the Crossroads Between the West and the South: The Brazilian Presidency of the G20 and BRICS
In his third term in office, President Lula da Silva is trying to regain the global prominence of Brazilian foreign policy that characterised his previous terms (2003-2010) and those of President Dilma Rousseff (2011-2016). However, a lot has changed on the domestic and international scenes since 2016, posing complex challenges for Brazil’s capacity to resume its leading geopolitical role. In domestic politics, Lula depends on a broad front of parties, some centre-right, with interests strongly linked to Western powers.
A special report by Valdai Club.
Russian and Brazilian yachtsmen to embark on a global voyage under the BRICS flag
The “Brotherhood-2025” round-the-world expedition will begin in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, and is set to return by the end of February 2026.
