Brazil’s BRICS Presidency: Driving Multipolar Growth and Innovation

Fabiano Mielniczuk, Professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, outlined four key priorities Brazil is expected to pursue during its BRICS presidency.

He shared his insights with Sputnik during the international scientific conference “New World Order: Formation of a Multipolar World and the Role of Russia.”

🟠Conflict Mediation & Dialogue: Brazil will promote agreements rooted in mutual respect and diversity among member states;

🟠Institutional Clarity: Efforts are underway to define BRICS membership criteria while avoiding rigidity;

🟠Trade in Local Currencies: Brazil supports advancing Russia's 2024 initiative, aligning with growing interest in de-dollarized trade;

🟠Leadership in Tech: The country is taking a bold stance on AI and the digital economy, advocating for data to be recognized as a tradable commodity.

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Lavrov to attend meeting of BRICS foreign ministers

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will participate in a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers to be held in Brazil on April 28-29, the Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated at a briefing.

"On April 28-29, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will attend a full-scale meeting of foreign ministers of #BRICS member states in Rio de Janeiro," the diplomat said.

The upcoming meeting under the Brazilian chairship will be a valuable opportunity for substantive and thorough discussion of pressing issues on the international agenda, crisis and conflict resolution processes, and prospects for improving the system of global governance, especially enhancing the role of states of the Global Majority, Zakharova pointed out.

"The ministers will review the implementation of the agreements of BRICS leaders and outline further steps to develop strategic partnership amid preparations for the 17th BRICS summit, which will also be held in Brazil on July 6-7," she added.

As part of the upcoming event, a separate session on the role of the global South in strengthening multilateralism will be held. It will be attended by the foreign ministers of the BRICS partner countries, Zakharova said.

#NEWS #Brazil #Summit #diplomacy

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Kremlin: Russia to talk alternative to ICC with BRICS partners

Russia will pursue a dialogue with its BRICS partners on the initiative to create an international legal alternative to the International Criminal Court (ICC), Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, commenting on the idea proposed by Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev in an article.

Peskov noted that he had not yet reviewed the details of the initiative.

"However, it has certainly been worked out, and we will further engage in dialogue with our partners in the #BRICS countries," the Kremlin spokesman said.

#NEWS #security

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🇷🇺🚀🇨🇳 Shooting for the moon: Russia and China join forces in space

On Space Day, celebrated in China on April 24, let’s explore the key milestones of Russia–China space cooperation.

☢️🌚 Nuclear power on the Moon

🔸 China could install a nuclear power plant on the Moon to support the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) it plans to build with Russia, according to a presentation by Pei Zhaoyu, Chief Engineer of the Chang’e-8 mission set for 2028.

🔸 China aims to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030. The Chang’e-8 mission to the lunar south pole will lay the groundwork for constructing a permanent manned base, says the China National Space Administration.

🤖 Resources and robotics

🔹 Russian Space Agency Roscosmos also presented plans at the Shanghai conference to explore mineral and water resources on the Moon, including potentially using lunar materials as fuel.

🔹 Between 2033 and 2035, Russia and China plan to deploy a joint nuclear power plant on the Moon to power the ILRS, addressing the lack of solar energy during the Moon's 14-day nights, Roscosmos chief Yuri Borisov told Sputnik last year.

🔹 By April 2025, 17 countries and organizations have joined the Russo-Chinese ILRS project. China aims to expand this to 50 partners, focusing on BRICS and Global South nations.

🌝 Step-by-step plan for the Moon base

In 2022, Roscosmos and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) outlined a plan for 2023-2027 to build the International Scientific Lunar Station in three stages by the 2030s:

1️⃣Joint Russo-Chinese missions will scout the Moon, identify the best location for the base, test high-precision soft landing technologies and collect rock samples.

2️⃣Construction of orbital power and communication hubs, bulk cargo drops and the use of smart tech, mini rovers and even a hopping robot for lunar logistics.

3️⃣Expanded surface exploration, station modules supporting deeper scientific research, tech tests and ultimately—human exploration.

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🌐 The BRICS alliance – originally comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – has evolved from an economic coalition into a significant geopolitical entity, particularly with its recent expansion into BRICS+.

As of 2025, nations like Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia have been included to amplify the voice of the Global South. This inclusion also illustrates the ambition of BRICS countries to challenge current global governance structures, which have proven largely ineffective in addressing present challenges. It also promotes a multipolar world order.

BRICS+ stands at a critical crossroads, navigating the delicate balance between reforming existing global governance structures and ambitiously seeking to redefine them.

At the heart of this evolution lies the dynamic between Russia and India – a relationship marked by both deep strategic cooperation and underlying geopolitical strains, Pravesh Kumar Gupta writes.

https://valdaiclub.com/a/highlights/brics-reforming-or-redefining-global-governance/

#ValdaiYouth #Valdai_NewGeneration #India #BRICS

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Uncertainty in global economy was key topic of IMF

Russian Ministry of Finance declared that management authorities of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) discussed the dramatic growth of uncertainty in the global economy at the spring session.

"Dramatic growth of uncertainty in the world economy related to escalation of trade conflicts became the key topic of all the discussions. The countries expressed concerns of future adverse consequences of the increase of trade tariffs both within the framework of the G20 meetings and at the #BRICS platform, which will eventually lead to the slowdown of global economic growth," the ministry said.

The IMF also lowered its outlook for global economic growth from 3.3% to 2.8% in 2025:

"Disinflationary processes are also expected to weaken: inflation will be 4.3% as of the year-end," the ministry added.

#NEWS #G20 #IMF #finance

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🌍🌍🌍 Brazil’s BRICS presidency: Four key moves to strengthen the bloc

🇧🇷💬 There are four ways Brazil’s BRICS presidency can help cultivate the association, Fabiano Mielniczuk, Professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, told Sputnik at the International scientific conference ‘New world order: formation of a multipolar world and the role of Russia.

🤝 Brazil aims to mediate conflicts and promote agreements based on mutual respect and diversity within the group, Professor Mielniczuk said. Additionally, Brazil is actively engaging in discussions on the institutionalization of BRICS, working to clarify membership criteria without making the organization rigid, he added.

🇧🇷🇷🇺 Brazil is also expected to push forward Russian initiatives from 2024, particularly regarding trade in local currencies, which is gaining traction in Brazilian diplomatic circles. Lastly, Mielniczuk highlighted Brazil’s bold leadership on issues like artificial intelligence and the digital economy, stressing the need to view data as a commodity.

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Space agencies heads from BRICS countries to discuss joint initiatives

From 27 to 29 April 2025, Brazil will host a meeting of heads of space agencies of the BRICS countries. It will be attended by Dmitry Bakanov, Director General of Roscosmos State Corporation, who will speak at five sessions and hold talks with colleagues from Brazil, China, India, South Africa, Egypt and the UAE.

Among the main topics to be discussed are: remote sensing of the Earth, the efforts of #BRICS governments to increase cohesion, harmonisation and efficiency within the bloc, and the problem of asymmetry between BRICS space agencies.

Bakanov's participation underscores Russia's active position in the international space dialogue and its desire to build a partnership with the BRICS countries.

#NEWS #space

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BRICS Shake-Up: Russia’s Trade With Ethiopia Soars—What’s Next?

With a sharp 40% rise in trade between Russia and Ethiopia this year, new opportunities are opening up across key sectors:

🟡Fertilizers: Russian supply can meet Ethiopia’s growing demand

🟡Agriculture & Drought: Russian expertise in drought-resistant crops and land restoration can help Ethiopia address these challenges

🟡Machinery: Russian equipment can support Ethiopia’s drive toward mechanized farming

🟡Agrochemicals: Russia’s agrochemical capabilities can boost grain productivity and food security in the African country

🟡Hydropower: Russia’s expertise could help Ethiopia build and operate projects in Ethiopia

🟡Natural Gas: Exploration of natural gas will enable Ethiopia to exploit its reserves properly

🟡Renewables: Joint ventures in solar and wind energy will expand Ethiopia's energy options

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Russia discusses BRICS countries' contribution to Great Victory

Moscow hosted a roundtable discussion "80th anniversary of the Great Victory: Perception in the BRICS countries". The event was attended by diplomats and scholars from the BRICS countries who discussed the contribution of their countries' peoples to the victory in the World War II. The meeting focused on the preservation of historical memory.

Vice Chancellor of the Girijananda Chowdhury University Kandarpa Das complemented the speakers' speeches with concrete examples:

"There were 2.5 million volunteers from India in the Second World War. Soldiers fought not only in the north-east of the Republic but also in the deserts of Africa, in Europe, in South-East Asia, and also in Persia. Two brave soldiers, Narayan Rao Nikkam and Havildar Gajendra Singh Chand, played a significant role in preserving the Red Army's vital supply route, the Persian Corridor, by their own heroic deeds. For this, they were both honoured in 1944," he stated.

The roundtable participants expressed confidence that the deeds of the peoples continue to influence the destiny of the states of the union. The Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow Berlian Helmy emphasised that historical unity and humanistic principles unite the #BRICS countries in the face of global challenges.

This year, the leaders of all BRICS countries have been invited to Moscow to celebrate Victory Day. The leaders of Brazil and China, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Xi Jinping, have already announced their intention to attend.

#NEWS #Russia #VictoryDay

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Lavrov and the Brazilian Foreign Minister discussed bilateral relations

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira bilateral interstate contracts and the upcoming participation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in celebrations dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory.

"There was a substantive exchange of views on topical issues of cooperation between the two countries in various fields. The focus is on further strengthening the entire range of Russian-Brazilian relations," the statement by the press service of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

It is noted that before the start of the upcoming #BRICS summit, which will be held in Rio de Janeiro from April 28 to 29, representatives of the foreign ministries of the two countries discussed cooperation between Moscow and Brasilia within BRICS.

Lavrov arrived in Rio de Janeiro on April 27 to attend a meeting of the foreign ministers of the BRICS countries. The main topic of the discussions will be economic issues and peacekeeping issues.

#NEWS #Brazil #Summit #VictoryDay #diplomacy

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Oreshkin noted the growing role of the BRICS countries in the global economy

The influence of the BRICS countries on the global economy continues to increase. This was stated on April 28 by Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office during the open dialogue "The Future of the World. New Platform for Global Growth."

He clarified that at the beginning of the 21st century, the BRICS countries accounted for less than 25% of the global economy. However, according to the latest data, this figure has increased to a third. Taking into account the states that are gradually joining the bloc, the #BRICS share in global GDP is approaching 50%.

"And our task is to create conditions for economic growth in these countries to develop actively and consistently," Oreshkin said.

On February 26, the Swiss government stated that the BRICS countries are able to contribute to the stabilisation of the situation in the world, the role of BRICS in the global economy and politics is becoming more significant against the background of Western influence.

#NEWS #economics

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President of Congo: The country would like to take its place in BRICS

Congo would like to take its place in the BRICS, the republic sees the benefits of the bloc projects. President Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo said in an interview.

"I have participated in several BRICS meetings, the most recent of which was held in Russia. We observed that #BRICS is opening its doors to other states and is ready to expand. I believe this is a significant step. In our view, BRICS projects are of interest to Africa and to our country in particular. We believe that, in this context, the Republic of the Congo will be prepared to take its place within BRICS," he said.

The leader is also going to take part in Victory Day celebrations:

"We are going to take part in the parade that will take place on Red Square in honour of the victory. Then, I hope we will hold talks with President Vladimir Putin to review the co-operation between our countries and to outline further plans. However, it is important to stress that 9 May will be a historic day not only for the Russian people but also for the peoples of the whole world who defeated nazism and fascism. We will therefore be happy to celebrate this day in Moscow," Sassou-Nguesso said.

#NEWS #Congo #VictoryDay #Summit

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Lavrov: Russia conducts 90% of its trade with BRICS countries in national currencies

Trade between Russia and other BRICS countries by the end of 2024 by 90% was conducted in national currencies. This was reported by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in an interview with the Brazilian newspaper O Globo.

"We have been working within BRICS to ensure that there are no disruptions when carrying out payments and have been quite effective in our efforts. To give you an example, the rouble and currencies of our friendly countries accounted for 90 percent of Russia’s settlements with #BRICS countries in 2024," the minister said.

According to him, in the conditions of fragmentation of the world economy, the countries of the Global South and East are reducing the use of Western currencies in their settlements. Lavrov noted that no one wants to suffer from sanctions that the West imposes against unwanted countries using its monopoly position in financial markets. He considers it unacceptable when reserve currencies are used as a weapon of competition, and payment transactions, even for the supply of socially important goods, are blocked under political pretexts.

The Russian Foreign Minister pointed out that Russia's top priorities include building sustainable payment mechanisms:

"Establishing resilient payment mechanisms is also among our priorities. Adopted in Kazan, the declaration of the BRICS 2024 Summit mentions the Trans-Border Payment Initiative, as well as payment and clearing infrastructure, a re-insurance company, and the New Investment Platform. These initiatives are designed to create favourable conditions for increasing trade and investment within BRICS. Russia hopes that we will continue working on these projects this year as part of Brazil’s chairship," Lavrov stated.

#NEWS #Brazil #Brazil #KazanDeclaration

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Wang: Mutual trust between Russia, China in face of changes in world remains unchanged

Mutual support and trusting relations between Moscow and Beijing remain unaltered in the face of changes in the world, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the BRICS countries’ foreign ministers meeting.

Wang highlighted the strategic leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which "has always been a fundamental guarantee of the high dynamics of Russian-Chinese relations. It is important to make common efforts to translate constantly the important agreements of our leaders into real results," the Chinese Foreign Minister added.

According to him, "China and Russia, being the founding countries of the BRICS, should step up coordination of cooperation within the framework of #BRICS. To expand and deepen solidarity and cooperation within the developing world and growing economies, constantly increase the attractive power and authority of the big BRICS, give a powerful impetus to the development and prosperity of the world, and play a role worthy of the BRICS in shaping a fairer, more rational system of global governance," Wang added.

#NEWS #China #RussiaChina #diplomacy

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Russia set to launch six automatic orbiter and lander probes to Moon

Russia is set to launch six automatic orbiter and lander probes to the Moon, State Space Corporation Roscosmos Head Dmitry Bakanov announced on Tuesday.

"Russia plans to launch some space probes for distant and contact explorations of the Moon. These are the orbiter probes Luna-26 and Luna-29 and the lander modules Luna-27 No. 1 and No. 2, Luna-28 and Luna-30 for landing in various parts of the Moon’s surface," the Roscosmos chief said at a meeting of #BRICS space agency heads.

In addition, Russia plans to deploy an electric power station on the Moon as part of the joint project with China for creating the international lunar station, which has already brought together 13 foreign partners, he said.

The Roscosmos chief suggested that the BRICS countries should pull their efforts together to address it and get closer to the Moon’s real exploration.

#NEWS #space

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Expert Dmitry Suslov on reaffirming support for UNSC reform and the candidacies of India and Brazil

Russia has reaffirmed its support for UN Security Council reform and the candidatures of India and Brazil for permanent membership, emphasising the importance of African representation.

Dmitry Suslov, Chief Expert of the “Country analysis and analysis of BRICS national strategies” Working Group of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia and Deputy Director of the Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies at HSE University, noted that the current composition of permanent members of the UNSC does not reflect the interests of the Global South, while India and Brazil are seen as viable candidates.

The issue of African representation remains unresolved — options with South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia or rotational representation through the African Union are being discussed. However, the prospect of reform is still dim due to disagreements among the current permanent members and fears of some countries losing influence. Controversies around the rights of future members (e.g. the idea of giving up the veto) could increase divisions in the UN.

📎 Full commentary is available on the official website of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia

#EXPERT #BRICSExpertCouncil #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia #India #Brazil #UN

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Today, we commemorate a momentous occasion—the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II. This day stands as a powerful symbol of the heroism and unity displayed by people from diverse nations who fought for peace and freedom. We pay tribute to the brave souls who demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience during the darkest of times.

We express our deep gratitude to all veterans and citizens whose unwavering dedication contributed to the defence of peace and justice. We firmly believe that the lessons learned from our past serve as a foundation for building a harmonious future and fostering cooperation among our nations.

Happy holiday! May peace, friendship, and mutual understanding forever illuminate our path!

BRICS Expert Council-Russia team

#VictoryDay

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First Lady of Brazil participated in a round table discussion at HSE University

On May 7, 2025, the First Lady of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Janja Lula da Silva, visited the HSE University, where she met with Rector Nikita Anisimov to discuss Russia-Brazil cooperation in the field of science and education. During the visit, a round table was held on the topic "The Global Alliance against hunger and poverty as a key to modern international cooperation."

At the meeting, Victoria Panova, Head of BRICS Expert Council-Russia, Vice Rector at HSE University, and Russia's Sherpa in the Women's Twenty (W20), emphasised the importance of strategic partnership with Brazil, noting that the country actively expresses the position of the World Majority. She highlighted how the mutual understanding between Brazil and Russia on key international issues creates strong foundations for advancing multipolarity and enhancing scientific, expert, and humanitarian collaboration.

First Lady Lula da Silva shared her deep personal commitment to fighting poverty and hunger, which she considers her life's work. She revealed a special family connection to Russia, mentioning her grandmother's Moscow roots, which made her visit particularly meaningful.

#BRICSExpertCouncil #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia #Brazil #HSEUniversity

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Keep in touch with BRICS

We are pleased to announce the launch of a digest on the BRICS Expert Council-Russia channel! In each issue we will share relevant news about BRICS.

Keep up to date with the latest information on BRICS with us!

#BRICSExpertCouncilDIGEST

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