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BRICS Explained: Meaning, Origins, 2026 Theme and Why It Matters

BRICS Explained: What It Means, How It Started, 2026 Theme And Why It Matters
Countries
BrazilChinaIndiaRussiaSouth Africa
Cooperation areas
Economic GrowthInclusive MultilateralismInstitutional DevelopmentSustainable Development

Source: Free Press Journal | Original Published At: 2026-09-11 04:34:17 UTC

Key Points

  • BRICS traces its origin to the 2001 BRIC concept by economist Jim O'Neill, later formalized through meetings among Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
  • South Africa joined in 2010, transforming BRIC into BRICS, and the grouping has since expanded to include countries from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
  • India is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit under its 2026 BRICS Presidency, while Brazil holds the 2025 presidency.
  • The 2026 BRICS Summit theme is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,' focusing on economic resilience, supply chains, AI, climate action, and clean energy transitions.
  • BRICS serves as a platform for cooperation on trade, investment, development, technology, energy, and climate change, and seeks a greater voice for emerging economies in institutions such as the IMF and World Bank.
  • The New Development Bank, established by BRICS in 2015, finances infrastructure and sustainable development projects.
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