BRICS important role in new world order
By Alexander Dynkin
IMEMO director
The BRICS group possesses the necessary resources and political capacity to conceptually redefine the United Nations’ development goals post-2030, shifting from the failed policy of “sustainable development” to “responsible development.” According to the International Monetary Fund’s April 2024 estimates, the combined GDP of the 10 BRICS countries is 7% higher than that of the G7 nations.
With the clear trend of increasing economic power among BRICS countries, the political East, as a counterbalance to the historically dominant political West, is fully capable of advancing an agenda based on its values on the international stage. The concept of “responsible development” might replace the “failed sustainable development,” emphasizing the maximum utilization of renewable resources, including intangible ones. Key aspects of responsible development include the increased share of intellectual (renewable) resources in production and consumption, such as artificial intelligence, information technology, nuclear energy, productivity enhancement technologies, and green agriculture.
Human resource capacity development, considered an infinite renewable resource for responsible development, is also emphasized. The promotion of non-material incentives such as education, science, culture, and volunteerism, recognized as social values of life, forms the concepts of responsible development while considering other civilizational features.
Given the characteristics of responsible development, this approach could become a common goal for societies and countries with diverse ideological and political perspectives. The current crisis in the unipolar world order necessitates the formation of new institutions and instruments for a new global order. Institutions like BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Eurasian Economic Union can and should adopt innovative approaches in this arena. Politically, the establishment of a “political East” as an alternative to the existing “political West” is crucial. President Putin’s recent visit to Beijing marks a significant step towards forming such a political East. Economically, BRICS countries currently play a vital role in developing transport, logistics, and financial infrastructure, food security, and access to energy resources. Complex issues like expanding mutual settlement systems and cooperation in developing technical regulations and standards are on the group’s agenda.
BRICS countries may successfully shape innovative approaches in the global agenda, including within the United Nations framework. It is clear today that the UN’s sustainable development goals for the 2015-2030 period will not be achieved, particularly regarding poverty, hunger, climate, and inequality in the Global South. These indicators are steadily worsening.
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