The 2026 BRICS Summit, held in New Delhi from Saturday to Sunday, brought together leaders of major emerging economies to promote inclusive global governance, strengthen multilateralism, and foster sustainable global economic growth. The summit marked the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation, a milestone that Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted during his address at the session on Saturday. Xi noted that over the past two decades, BRICS countries have actively explored development paths suited to their own national conditions, setting an example of self-reliance and unity among emerging markets and developing countries. This emphasis on self-strengthening through solidarity has particular significance for the Global South, where many nations are navigating similar developmental challenges.
On the sidelines of the summit, the People's Daily released a video titled "Through Xi's Eyes: Finding the answer to the 'warmth of BRICS,'" which illustrates the warmth of multilateral cooperation and how China's development philosophy resonates across the Global South. The video features insights from prominent figures, including Busi Mabuza, South African chairperson of the BRICS Business Council, who emphasized the common bond among emerging nations. "Because most of the Global South countries are recently emerging from developing nation status, they understand the importance of not leaving anybody behind," Mabuza said. She further noted that BRICS "has opened up relationships in markets that are not just large, but that believe in multilateralism, that believe in supporting BRICS partners through sharing of technology, through sharing of skills." Such collaboration is crucial for sustainable growth and technological advancement in the Global South.
R. Deepak, professor of Chinese studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, who brought stacks of President Xi's works back from China, observed that Xi's early years laid the foundation for his people-centered approach and poverty alleviation strategies. According to Deepak, such grassroots governance deeply resonates with nations of the Global South that share similar developmental journeys and strive to build a better life for their people. This resonance is not merely rhetorical; it reflects a shared understanding that development must be tangible, improving daily lives from infrastructure to employment. As the video reflects, for people across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, development is not an abstract concept but concrete improvements, from a paved road to a new job. As nations come together for this common goal, the paths to development and modernization open up to more possibilities.
The implications of this summit and the highlighted philosophy extend beyond diplomatic rhetoric. By championing a people-centered approach and South-South cooperation, China and BRICS are positioning themselves as alternative models for development, one that prioritizes inclusivity and mutual support over conditional aid. For the Global South, this offers a framework that acknowledges their historical contexts and aspirations. The emphasis on sharing technology and skills could accelerate industrialization and innovation, reducing dependency on traditional powers. Moreover, the summit's focus on multilateralism challenges unilateral approaches, potentially reshaping global governance to be more representative. As BRICS continues to evolve, its ability to translate these ideals into actionable policies will determine whether it can truly deliver on the promise of leaving no one behind. The coming years will test whether this collective vision can overcome divergent national interests and external pressures, but the resonance of China's development philosophy across the Global South suggests that the demand for such an approach is profound. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
