BRICS backs fairer access to health products

Presidents of five national science academies met at a forum on using data and scientific cooperation to support sustainable development.

The bank’s governors approved a plan to scale up infrastructure and sustainable-development finance and continue gradual membership expansion.

The ministers called for stronger multilateral cooperation and a greater role for emerging and developing countries while addressing public health and security.

At its first meeting, the committee adopted rules and technical procedures for exchanging satellite-observation data under the 2021 agreement.

The virtual summit addressed global governance, public health, sustainable development and cooperation among the five member countries.

The declaration supported discussion of guiding principles, criteria and procedures for possible expansion through the Sherpas. It did not yet admit new BRICS members.

Leaders supported the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Africa’s work toward the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Leaders from BRICS and other developing countries discussed cooperation to implement the UN 2030 Agenda. Participation in the dialogue did not constitute BRICS membership.

At their third meeting, ministers addressed disaster prevention and management capacity and continued exchange on risk reduction.

Egypt deposited its accession instrument and became an effective member of the New Development Bank; its later BRICS invitation was a separate decision.