Lula opens first Sherpas meeting of Brazil’s presidency

The BRICS Plus session brought other Global South leaders into dialogue on peace, development and more representative governance. Attendance was distinct from full membership.

Brazil began its annual chairship with priorities of global governance reform and cooperation among countries of the Global South.

Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan took part in the new partner category. This status was separate from full membership.

Brazil’s chairship announced Indonesia’s formal entry, bringing Southeast Asia into the full membership after earlier expansion discussions.

Brazil welcomed Nigeria’s acceptance of partner status, widening African participation without making it a full BRICS member.

Ministers addressed climate action and environmental cooperation while recognizing differences in national circumstances.

After meetings on 28–29 April, Brazil’s chair issued a statement on multilateral reform, peace and Global South cooperation. It was a chair’s statement.

The ministers called for World Trade Organization reform, greater developing-country participation and cooperation on the digital economy.

Ministers linked cultural exchange with inclusion, sustainability and a more plural global order.

The high-level meeting advanced coordinated climate action, energy transition and more equitable climate finance ahead of the Rio summit and COP30.