2024-10-25 23:40:00
BEIJING, Oct. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Practical cooperation has always been the foundation of the BRICS mechanism, of which the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) is a good example.
The Shanghai-based NDB was founded jointly by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa in 2014 to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS member states and other emerging and developing countries.
By approving more than 100 projects in all member countries worth approximately USD 35 billion by the end of 2023, the NDB has ensured the economic development of BRICS member countries and contributed to the improvement and development of the global economic governance system.
“The collective rise of the Global South is a characteristic feature of the great transformation in the world,” Chinese President Xi Jinping said during the BRICS Plus leadership dialogue in Kazan, Russia, on Thursday.
He called on the countries of the Global South to harness their collective wisdom and strength and embrace their responsibility to build a community with a shared future for humanity.
Striving for common security, exchange between civilizations
BRICS-Plus countries should be a stabilizing force for peace, strengthen global security governance and find ways to address both the symptoms and causes of trouble spots, Xi said.
In connection with the Ukraine crisis, China has repeatedly sent special envoys to create the conditions for ceasefire talks as part of shuttle diplomacy. Since the end of July, Li Hui, a special representative of the Chinese government for Eurasian affairs, has visited Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia – important members of the Global South.
China and Brazil have also jointly adopted a six-point consensus and launched the “Friends for Peace” group to address the crisis together with other countries in the global south.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian factions, brokered by China, reconciled in Beijing in July, marking an important step toward peace in the Middle East.
Xi urged early de-escalation to pave the way for a political solution to the Ukraine crisis and called for a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza and a revival of the two-state solution.
People-to-people and cultural exchanges between BRICS countries have been in full swing in recent years, with events such as film festivals, sports games and documentaries building bridges that connect people.
At the end of September, the BRICS Civilization Dialogue took place in Kazan, which called for actively implementing the Global Civilization Initiative and using BRICS Plus cooperation as a platform for the continuous deepening of cultural exchange.
Xi pointed out that the diversity of civilizations is an innate quality of the world, and called for promoting exchanges among civilizations and improving communication and dialogue to promote the development of all civilizations and seek harmony among them to strive for them.
Prosperity through development
Given the changing development needs of the BRICS countries, Xi proposed the BRICS Plus program at the 2017 summit in the Chinese coastal city of Xiamen, which envisages greater participation from other emerging and developing countries.
“Under the new circumstances, it is even more important for BRICS countries to pursue development with open doors and promote cooperation with open arms,” Xi said at the 14th BRICS Summit in 2022.
As one of the world’s major economies, China has supported other developing countries in their economic and social development and plays an important role in the BRICS cooperation mechanism.
Since its launch three years ago, the Global Development Initiative has helped deliver nearly $20 billion in development funding and launched more than 1,100 projects.
China has announced the upgrading of the South-South Cooperation Fund to a Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund and increasing its total funding to $4 billion, which has already supported more than 150 projects. In addition, a competence center of the Global Alliance on Artificial Intelligence for Industry and Manufacturing was set up in Shanghai.
The Global South arises for development and prospers through development, Xi said, calling on BRICS-Plus countries to make themselves the main driving force for common development.
He added that China will also build a World Smart Customs Community Portal and a BRICS Customs Center of Excellence to enable the active participation of all countries.
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Interview with Dr. Haruto Takeda, International Relations Expert
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Takeda. We are seeing significant developments from the recent BRICS summit in Kazan. Can you explain the importance of the New Development Bank (NDB) for BRICS nations and the Global South?
Dr. Takeda: Absolutely, it’s a pleasure to be here. The New Development Bank symbolizes the collaborative spirit of the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—established to finance crucial infrastructure and sustainable development projects. With over 100 projects funded, totaling around $35 billion, the NDB has played a pivotal role in enhancing economic stability in these countries, thus allowing them to compete more effectively on the global stage.
Interviewer: President Xi Jinping highlighted the collective rise of the Global South. How do you interpret this statement in the context of current geopolitical trends?
Dr. Takeda: Xi’s emphasis on the Global South reflects a shifting balance of power. As developed nations face challenges like economic stagnation and political discord, emerging economies are coming together to share resources and strengthen ties. This unity could potentially lead to alternative frameworks for global governance, allowing these nations to advocate for their interests more effectively on platforms traditionally dominated by the West.
Interviewer: What role do you see the BRICS-Plus countries playing in global security, particularly regarding ongoing conflicts such as the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East?
Dr. Takeda: BRICS-Plus countries are positioning themselves as mediators in global conflicts. China’s initiatives, like sending special envoys and facilitating the “Friends for Peace” group with Brazil, signify a proactive approach to diplomacy. The reconciliation among Palestinian factions also illustrates their commitment to fostering peace in the Middle East. By addressing security challenges collectively, these countries aim to be a stabilizing force to prevent escalations and foster dialogue.
Interviewer: Cultural exchanges within BRICS are also gaining traction. How significant are these initiatives for strengthening relationships between member countries?
Dr. Takeda: Cultural exchanges are crucial. Initiatives like film festivals and sporting events help humanize international relations and build mutual understanding. By promoting cultural dialogue, BRICS nations can bridge divides and foster goodwill, which, in turn, strengthens political and economic partnerships. As Xi noted during the Civilization Dialogue, such exchanges can lead to a more harmonious global society.
Interviewer: In closing, what should we look forward to in terms of the future direction of BRICS and its impact on international relations?
Dr. Takeda: The future of BRICS is likely to be marked by deeper collaboration among its members and with other Global South countries. As challenges like climate change and global inequality persist, BRICS could emerge as a voice for developing nations. Their collective actions will not only reshape economic landscapes but could redefine power dynamics in international relations, fostering a multipolar world where diverse perspectives are valued.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Takeda, for your insights. It will be fascinating to see how these developments unfold in the coming months and years.
Commitment to promoting peace and stability in troubled regions. By engaging in dialogue and fostering cooperation, these nations can help mitigate tensions and seek multifaceted solutions that address the root causes of conflicts, rather than just the symptoms.
Interviewer: Cultural exchanges seem to be a key focus for BRICS nations. How do these initiatives influence diplomatic relations among member states?
Dr. Takeda: Cultural exchanges serve as a vital tool for building mutual understanding and respect among BRICS countries. Initiatives like film festivals, sports events, and dialogues enhance people-to-people connections, which are crucial for fostering trust. When nations engage at this level, it can lead to more robust diplomatic relations, making it easier to address political and economic issues collaboratively.
Interviewer: how do you foresee the future of BRICS as it adapts to global economic changes?
Dr. Takeda: The future of BRICS looks promising but will depend on how effectively the member countries can harness their collective strength. As the global economy continues to evolve, particularly with challenges posed by climate change and shifting economic power dynamics, BRICS needs to remain agile and innovative. The ongoing commitment to development through initiatives like the Global Development Initiative will be crucial in ensuring that the BRICS nations remain influential players in the global arena.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Takeda. Your insights on the role of BRICS in today’s world have been enlightening.
Dr. Takeda: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing these important topics.
