May 02, 2025
Brazil, on April 28 and 29, with a delegation led by Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos participating in the discussions.It is worth recalling that Brazil assumed the BRICS presidency for 2025 under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” Key priority areas for the year include the reform of global governance and enhanced cooperation among countries of the Global South. Within this framework, issues such as climate change, the reform of international financial institutions, artificial intelligence governance, and the institutional development of BRICS have been identified as areas of special focus. The Ministerial Meeting, which followed a preceding Sherpa meeting, involved high-level policy discussions on three key topics.
In the first session, titled “The Role of BRICS in Addressing Global and Regional Crises and Advancing Pathways to Peace and Security,” ministers exchanged views on the challenges facing institutions of global governance and proposed reforms. These included reform proposals for the international financial system, the UN Security Council, and the UN General Assembly.
Referring to current global tensions and the risk of conflict among major powers, Ethiopia recognized the efforts of BRICS countries to seek peaceful and diplomatic solutions. Minister Gedion emphasized that for reforms to be sustainable, they must effectively advance the security, economic, and overall interests of the Global South. The discussions complemented key elements of the Pact for the Future, the landmark outcome of the UN “Summit of the Future” held in September 2024 under the co-chairmanship of Germany and Namibia.
During the second session, “Reforming International Institutions for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” ministers agreed that reform efforts should focus on strengthening the UN-centered multilateral system. Ethiopia underscored that in light of emerging global challenges, multilateralism under the United Nations has regained critical importance. Minister Gedion highlighted the responsibility of BRICS countries to lead by example, using their collective voice to push for a global system that is inclusive, fair, and effective. He further stressed that global governance reform must prioritize equitable representation for developing countries, particularly from Africa.
In the final session, “The Role of the Global South in Reinforcing Multilateralism,” Minister Gedion reflected on the historical role of the Global South in advancing nonalignment and promoting the principles of the UN Charter. These include decolonization, peaceful dispute resolution, friendly relations among nations, the right to development, and global peace and security.
He emphasized the importance of South-South cooperation, which leverages the comparative advantages of Global South countries in areas such as agriculture, energy, technology, ICT, defense, trade, and connectivity. He also stressed that competing global interests must be managed through solidarity, without compromising unified positions on matters of global significance.
In addition to the nine BRICS countries, foreign ministers and senior representatives from BRICS Partner Countries—including Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Uganda—attended the second day of the meeting. The Ministerial meeting concluded with a “Chair’s Summary” of the discussions.
The meeting also facilitated bilateral engagements. Minister Gedion held productive discussions with his counterparts and representatives from Brazil, China, Russia, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates, focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation and launching tangible joint initiatives. He also met with the Vice President of the Brazilian aerospace company Embraer, which is in the process of establishing a partnership with Ethiopian Airlines.
The BRICS Ministerial meeting was held at a critical moment, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced global partnerships to meet agreed targets on sustainable development, climate action, and international peace and security. The meeting sets the stage for the upcoming BRICS Leaders’ Summit.