By Alejandra Garcia on July 8, 2025
BRICS nations make up 56% of the world’s population. chart: Global Economy
The closing of the BRICS summit chaired by Brazil ended with a resounding message to the world: the geopolitical balance is shifting, and the bloc is determined to assert itself in the face of growing pressure from Western powers. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva warned that the increasing influence of BRICS is “causing discomfort,” and he didn’t crumble when addressing recent threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Earlier that day, Trump had publicly announced a new tariff policy targeting countries that support the BRICS agenda. He also commented on the legal situation of Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s former president, who is under investigation for allegedly being one of the masterminds behind an attempted coup in 2023. Trump claimed Bolsonaro is being persecuted and stated he is closely watching the situation.
Responding to Trump’s statements, Lula was firm. “I don’t think it’s very responsible or serious for the president of a country the size of the United States to spend his time threatening the world via the internet. It’s not right. He needs to realize that the world has changed. We don’t want an emperor; we are sovereign countries. If he thinks he can impose tariffs, other countries have the right to impose tariffs too. It is called the law of reciprocity.”
Push for Global Reform and Multipolarity
One of the summit’s central themes was the need to reform the United Nations Security Council. Brazil’s Foreign Ministry thanked Russia and China for their support in pushing for greater inclusion of Brazil and India in the group. BRICS members voiced concerns over the UN ineffectiveness in the face of escalating global conflicts.
In this context, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized the group’s united stance: “We share positions on key issues on the international agenda and confirm our desire to shape a more just, multipolar world order based on the principles of the UN—not selective principles chosen by Western partners, but the universal system as outlined in the UN Charter.”
BRICS Expansion and Latin American Engagement
Despite speculation about internal divisions, the expansion of the BRICS bloc did not hinder the summit’s work. Lula da Silva affirmed the group’s openness to new members, like Ethiopia and Iran, stating, “The BRICS are a constantly evolving entity and the doors are never closed.” And Latin America is gaining ground within the group.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canel speaking at BRICS meeting. foto: presidencia
Cuba’s inclusion as an associate member beginning in 2025 was among the most notable developments. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel celebrated the decision. “BRICS are synonymous with hope. Cuba reaffirms its commitment to promoting South-South cooperation and believes it can become a vital hub for the economic development of the Greater Caribbean.”
Regarding climate change, a key issue in this 17th Summit’s agenda, Diaz-Canel also criticized the inaction of wealthier nations on environmental issues. “Wealthy societies are reluctant to change their unsustainable patterns of production and consumption. Minimal commitments are being made, and there is no political will on the part of those who should be contributing the most to solving the environmental crisis.”
The summit placed strong emphasis on collaboration in artificial intelligence, and public health. Brazilian and Cuban officials highlighted existing partnerships, such as joint production of medications and vaccines via Brazil’s Fiocruz Institute, seen as examples of effective South-South cooperation. “We want to strengthen that cooperation and produce more,” Diaz-Canel mentioned. The Cuban Head of State also stressed the inequalities in global health. “The gaps between countries, inequality in access to services and technology, and unilateral sanctions are excluding tens of millions from their right to health.”
BRICS nations now represent 56% of the world’s population as Brazil prepares to hand over the rotating BRICS presidency to India at the end of the year, it leaves behind a legacy of active engagement and expansion. The Rio summit confirmed that the bloc is not only growing in size but also in confidence, seeking a larger role in shaping a world order that reflects the realities of a multipolar century. In Lula’s words, “The world has changed. We are not subjects, we are sovereign nations.”
Source: Resumen Latinoamericano – English