Konferensi Tingkat Tinggi (KTT) BRICS ke-17 recently held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasized the significance of the BRICS group as a reflection of the spirit of the Asia-Africa Conference or the Bandung Conference, which rejected the domination of world superpowers. The meeting saw the presence of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, marking Indonesia’s first formal attendance at a BRICS summit.
Lula highlighted that BRICS embodies the essence of the Bandung spirit, which prioritizes non-alignment and independence. He also expressed concerns about the current global situation, pointing out the crisis of multilateralism that is unfolding worldwide. Lula recalled the establishment of the United Nations (UN) and its symbolic importance in defeating fascism and representing collective hope for the world, noting that many BRICS member countries were among the founding members of the UN.
The President underscored the rejection of world division based on spheres of influence and the advocacy for a multipolar international order at the Bandung Conference, reaffirming BRICS as the rightful heirs of the non-aligned movement. Indonesia officially became a full member of BRICS on January 1, 2025, highlighting its growing role in global affairs.
The BRICS summit provided a platform for leaders to discuss various political and global security issues, such as ongoing conflicts in different regions, global governance reform, and the reinforcement of multilateralism. Additionally, economic and financial cooperation opportunities, along with discussions on artificial intelligence governance, environmental sustainability, climate action, and global health challenges were on the agenda for BRICS leaders.
