Brazil is one of the founding countries of the South Global Block, which will hold meetings focused on global health cooperation, trade, investment and finance, as well as the fight against climate change
A little over eight months after the Museum of Modern Art (MAM) will receive the world’s spotlight for the meeting of (group formed by 19 countries and European and African unions), the It again occupies a prominent scenario on the stage of international relations. On Sunday (6) and Monday (7), the meeting of under the Brazilian presidency. Forum of the largest economies outside the G7, which brings together the powers aligned with the United States, the group is pointed out as a voice from the global south. Understand more about this international event with the question and answers series below.
What is BRICS?
The group defines itself as a forum of political-diplomatic articulation of countries that form the so-called global south, seeking international cooperation and the multilateral treatment of global themes. Besides seeking more influence and equity of its members in institutions such as International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and the World Trade Organization (WTO), BRICS has on its radar the creation of institutions aimed at its participants, such as the New Development Bank, called the BRICS Bank. Because it is not an international organization, BRICS does not have its own budget or permanent secretariat.
How many countries are part of BRICS?
Currently, the group has 11 member countries and ten parceling countries. Member countries: South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, China, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, India, Iran and Russia. PARCY COUNTRY: Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakh, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
What is the difference between member country and caring country?
The country-standing mode was created during the Kazan summit in Russia in October 2024. These countries are invited to participate in meetings and debates. The main difference between the categories is that only member countries have deliberation power, that is, to vote for the meetings, for example, to endorse the group’s final statement.
How many countries started with BRICS?
The term BRICS was born in a 2001 study formulated by Goldman Sachs chief economist Jim O’Neil, who projected the growing importance that Brazil, Russia, India and China would have in the 21st century economy and geopolitics. The organization of these countries as a group took place in 2011, the acronym won the South Africa (South Africa S ” English).
In 2024, the group included Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. Argentina was invited, but under the presidency of Javier Milei, refused the ticket. In 2025, Indonesia became part of BRICS. Also last year, it was announced that the Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan were part of BRICS from January 1, 2025.
Nigeria received the status on January 17. The latest partner is Vietnam, which was announced on June 13. More than 30 nations have already expressed interest in participating in BRICS, both in the quality of members and partners.
What is the global south?
Global South can be understood as a union between developing countries in regions such as Latin America, Africa, Southern Asia and Southeast Asia. These countries have similarities, such as colonization, diverse economies and social challenges. Nations seek articulations with each other to claim reforms in the global economic and political order, reducing the dependence of developed countries. Despite the name, many of these countries are geographically located in the northern hemisphere, such as Russia, China, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Can more countries enter the group?
According to the Brazilian presidency, there is currently no new expansion process. Any manifestation of interest in BRICS will be evaluated on a case by case basis. The final decision on adhesion is made by consensus among the group’s leaders.
Does BRICS have decision -making power on international topics?
BRICS is not an international organization or a formal block. It is a coordination and cooperation forum between global southern countries. Consensus of discussions need to be implemented internally by countries if they want to follow the referral.
Why does the meeting happen in Brazil? Is it the first time?
The summit meeting takes place in the member country that occupies the rotating presidency-in 2025, it is Brazil’s turn. Therefore, Rio de Janeiro was chosen. Throughout the Brazilian presidency in 2025, more than 200 online and in -person meetings were held. In 2026, the summit will be in India. Last year, the meeting was in Kazan, Russia. Brazil hosted three editions of the summit: Brasilia (2019 and 2010) and Fortaleza (2014).
Does BRICS represent how much of the population and the world economy?
The 11 countries represent 39% of the world economy, 48.5% of the planet’s population and 23% of global trade. In 2024, BRICS countries received 36% of everything that was exported by Brazil, while we bought 34% of these countries from these countries.
What is the potential of BRICS in the energy area?
In terms of energy capacity, the group represents 43.6% of world oil production and 36% natural gas. BRICS holds 72% of world reserves of minerals classified as rare lands, fundamental chemicals for various technological applications, from electronics to renewable energy.
What are the Brazilian priorities at BRICS?
Global Health Cooperation;
Trade, investment and finance;
Combating climate change;
Governance of Artificial Intelligence;
Multilateral Architecture of Peace and Security;
BRICS Institutional Development.
What is the BRICS bank?
Created in 2015, the New Development Bank (NDB), Novo Development Bank, also known as Banco do Brics, is a multilateral development bank created to mobilize resources to fund infrastructure and sustainable development projects in developing countries. According to the institution’s website, the NDB has already approved 120 projects and US $ 39 billion (equivalent to over R $ 210 billion) in financing.
Countries outside BRICS, cases of Uruguay, Algeria and Bangladesh, can also be part. BRICS founders are the largest depositors of the funding bank. Colombia has already expressed interest in becoming a member. On the other hand, entry into the BRICS does not guarantee access to the NDB. In 2023, former President Dilma Rousseff was chosen president of the NDB, being reelected in 2025.
What is the contingent reserve arrangement (ACR)?
The contingent arrangement of reserves (ACR) is a financial support platform among BRICS members for cases of balance of payments in the country (foreign currency escape, for example). The ACR is fully operational and can be triggered at any time at the initiative of one of the members. Through the ACR, members are committed to making international reserves available of up to $ 100 billion, distributed as follows: China (US $ 41 billion), Brazil ($ 18 billion), India ($ 18 billion), Russia ($ 18 billion) and South Africa ($ 5 billion). New BRICS members may request adhesion from ACR.
*With information from Agência Brasil
