Emerging Powers Seek Common Voice on Wars and Global Affairs

The BRICS summit in New Delhi is producing a major diplomatic development, with member countries agreeing on a joint declaration that is expected to oppose unilateral warfare.

The agreement is significant because BRICS now includes countries with very different political and foreign-policy positions.

The expanded group includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

The leaders are also discussing ways to increase economic cooperation, strengthen trade and reduce dependence on traditional Western-dominated financial systems.

South Africa’s participation is particularly important for Africa because Pretoria has long pushed for stronger representation of developing countries in global institutions.

Monafrika’s Take

The world is changing.

For decades, many major international decisions were largely shaped by Western powers. BRICS is part of a wider push by emerging economies to have a bigger say.

Africa should not simply watch this change happen.

The continent needs to use platforms like BRICS to demand better trade opportunities, investment, technology transfer and stronger representation in global institutions.