KAZAN DECLARATION
During the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, the member countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—issued a declaration calling for reforms in international institutions to promote a “just” and democratic global order.
The summit also emphasized the importance of trade in local currencies and reaffirmed the central role of the United Nations (UN) in maintaining international peace and security.
The summit was held under the theme: “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security.”.
KEY POINTS
Need for Reform of Global Institutions
- Bretton Woods Institutions: The declaration calls for the reform of the Bretton Woods international financial system institutions, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), to better represent the interests of developing countries.
- Opposition to Unilateral Measures: BRICS opposes “unilateral, prohibitive, discriminatory, and protectionist” measures taken under the pretext of fighting global climate change, including carbon emissions adjustment mechanisms and taxes.
- UN Reform: The leaders support comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including the Security Council, to make it more representative and highlight its central role in international relations.
New Initiatives
- Information and Communication Technologies: BRICS recognizes the potential of these technologies in bridging the digital divide between nations to aid socio-economic development.
- New Development Bank: The organization intends to transform the New Development Bank to better serve the needs of the 21st century.
- New Technology Platform: BRICS supports creating a New Technology Platform to strengthen development cooperation, including producing high-tech products using domestic technological potential for sustainable and inclusive growth.
- Transport and Logistics: The declaration welcomes the creation of a united transport and logistics platform.
- Grain Exchange: The leaders support Russia’s proposal to create a Grain Exchange to promote rules-based trade in agricultural products and fertilizers and minimize disruptions.
Expanding Cooperation
- Use of National Currencies: The declaration welcomes the expanded use of national currencies for transactions between BRICS members and their trade partners.
- Strategic Partnerships: It highlights the importance of expanding cooperation based on common interests and further building strategic partnerships among BRICS members while continuing to implement the bloc’s Economic Partnership Strategy.
- Global South Participation: BRICS acknowledges the interest shown by countries in the Global South and calls for greater participation of the least developed nations, especially in Africa, in global processes.
Opposing Global Crises
- Outer Space Weapons: BRICS opposes the deployment of weapons in outer space and supports strengthening global non-proliferation and disarmament regimes. The leaders called for implementing a Security Council resolution on preventing weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) from falling into the hands of terrorists.
- Law Enforcement Cooperation: There is a call for strengthened ties between law enforcement agencies to aid in the fight against narcotics.
- Ukrainian Crisis: BRICS outlined its positions on the Ukrainian crisis and noted proposals for mediation to resolve the conflict through negotiations.
- Support for Palestine: The declaration expresses support for Palestine’s full-fledged membership in the UN, condemning Israel’s attack on UN employees in Lebanon and a terrorist attack on September 17.
- Haiti: BRICS welcomes the creation of a Haitian Transitional Presidential Council and an electoral council to address the crisis in Haiti.
- Sudan: The declaration expresses concern over the escalating violence and worsening humanitarian situation in Sudan, calling for a ceasefire.
- Human Rights Issues: The leaders criticized the politicization of human rights and double standards, opposing all forms of discrimination in sports.
Global Governance and Multilateralism
- Role of G20: The leaders highlighted the importance of the G20 in global decision-making, stating, “We recognize the importance of the continued and productive functioning of the G20, based on consensus with a focus on results.”
- Financial Architecture Reform: BRICS nations agreed to improve global governance by advocating for a more responsive and representative system. They stressed the need to reform the international financial system to meet global challenges.
- Financial Innovation: The summit encouraged new financial practices through the BRICS Interbank Cooperation Mechanism (ICM), focusing on expanding and facilitating these practices.
- International Monetary Fund (IMF): The declaration reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining a strong Global Financial Safety Net, with the IMF at its center.
Economic Cooperation and Local Currencies
- Cross-Border Payments: A key highlight was the agreement to strengthen trade and financial settlements using local currencies. The declaration stated, “We recognize the benefits of faster, low-cost, and safe cross-border payment systems that minimize trade barriers.”
- BRICS Clear Depository: Leaders agreed to explore initiatives for economic integration, including establishing a BRICS Grain Exchange and studying the feasibility of a BRICS Cross-Border Payment System.
- BRICS Grain Exchange: The initiative for creating a grain trading platform within BRICS was welcomed, promoting agricultural cooperation.
- BRICS Plus Partnership: With growing interest from countries in the Global South, leaders endorsed the creation of a BRICS Partner Country category, inviting new members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Pandemic Preparedness and Environmental Conservation
- Health Initiatives: The summit emphasized the importance of strengthening health systems through collaboration, supporting the BRICS R&D Vaccine Center, and developing an Integrated Early Warning System for infectious diseases.
- Leaders recognized the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), welcoming outcomes from the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR and noting the significance of the first BRICS Conference on AMR planned for May 2024.
- Conservation of Endangered Species: India’s initiative to create an International Big Cats Alliance was recognized, with BRICS countries pledging to work together to protect endangered species. The declaration encouraged joint efforts to contribute to the preservation of big cats.
Membership and Expansion
- India expressed its readiness to welcome new countries as BRICS partner nations.
- However, Modi emphasized that decisions regarding new memberships should be unanimous, respecting the views of the founding members.
- This statement indirectly referred to several pending membership requests, including one from Pakistan.
Cyber Attack Incident
- On the same day as the summit, the Russian Foreign Ministry experienced a significant cyber attack, identified as a large-scale distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, as reported by spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
Concerns Over Sanctions
- The BRICS nations expressed deep concern regarding “unlawful unilateral coercive measures” and illegal sanctions, particularly those imposed on Russia, highlighting their adverse effects on the global economy.
- The Kazan Declaration addressed the ongoing conflict in West Asia, calling for an immediate, comprehensive, and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. It demanded the unconditional release of all hostages and detainees held by both sides.
The Kazan Declaration reflects a strong commitment from BRICS leaders to enhance cooperation and address global challenges together. By focusing on mutual interests, reforming global institutions, and supporting development initiatives, BRICS aims to promote a more inclusive and equitable international order.
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