Brazilian Foreign Affairs Minister Mauro Vieira has opened the first BRICS Sherpas meeting under Brazil’s rotating presidency, which will focus on global governance reforms and economic cooperation, the Foreign Ministry confirmed.

In his opening remarks on Tuesday, Vieira called for “more multilateralism” in response to global challenges, emphasizing that BRICS plays a key role in shaping a fairer and more inclusive world order. He noted that existing institutions struggle to adapt to global shifts while emerging economies demand greater representation.

The meeting, held at Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia, marks the first gathering of BRICS negotiators since the bloc expanded last year to include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia alongside its original members—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Several associated nations, including Belarus and Nigeria, are also engaged in discussions.

Key topics include advocating for an open and balanced trade system, strengthening the BRICS Development Bank, and advancing cooperation in health, trade, climate change, artificial intelligence, security reforms, and institutional development. Vieira highlighted the need for a multipolar economic system to address inequalities.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will participate in a special session on Wednesday. In the afternoon, a summary of the discussions will be released.