Rio de Janeiro: President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Brazil to attend the XVII BRICS Summit, held on 6 and 7 July 2025, at the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil. The summit will focus on strengthening cooperation among countries from the Global South, with the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”

According to African Press Organization, the summit aims to enhance South Africa’s efforts to diversify trade and foster growth and development. BRICS leaders will discuss synergies with outcomes from COP30 and the G20, focusing on global governance of artificial intelligence and climate finance. The leaders will advocate for reforming global governance systems to include more meaningful participation from the Global South in international decision-making, particularly within the United Nations Security Council.

South Africa’s engagement in BRICS seeks to foster growth and strengthen intra-BRICS relations across cooperation pillars, including political, security, financial, economic, and cultural aspects. These efforts aim to contribute to a better South Africa, Africa, and world through BRICS partnerships. The summit will address global governance reform, peace and security, and artificial intelligence governance.

The summit, attended by BRICS member states Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and partner states including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Indonesia, will conclude with the adoption of the Rio de Janeiro Declaration. President Ramaphosa is supported by key ministers, while international organizations, including the United Nations and the African Union, also participate.