BRICS seen as helping to bolster governance

NEW DELHI－BRICS countries have become a significant force worldwide and should play a "crucial" role in bettering the global governance system, said an Indian economist.

The 14th BRICS Summit concluded with a futuristic and pragmatic agenda not only for BRICS, but also for developing countries and the world, said Mohammed Saqib, secretary-general of the India China Economic and Cultural Council, in a recent interview with Xinhua News Agency.

Saqib said the summit was held against the backdrop of severe global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic disruptions, supply chain snarls and geopolitical tussles.

BRICS leaders reiterated solidarity and cooperation, as well as the commitment to strengthening and reforming global governance, combating the pandemic, safeguarding world peace and security, speeding up economic recovery and implementing the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, he said.

'Critical role'

"I believe BRICS can play a critical role in overcoming these challenges," Saqib said.

He said the existing governance system, which is dominated mainly by Western countries including the United States, has not been able to adequately address the current economic, social, political and security issues in a globalized world.

"The new emerging challenges of globalization and concerns of the developing countries are not addressed," he said.

Noting BRICS countries have evolved into an internationally influential force when it comes to globalization processes, he called on BRICS to play a crucial role in pushing for a global governance system that is not unipolar and based on inclusive, fair and just principles of governance.

"The Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative are good initiatives and should be seriously pursued," he said.

China's proposal at the High-Level Dialogue on Global Development is "an excellent idea" and meets "the need of the hour", Saqib said. "It will need a concerted effort and intensive coordination among BRICS countries," he said.

Xinhua