Background
Per the government announcement, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty) hosted the first meeting of sherpas under Brazil’s BRICS presidency on February 25 and 26, 2025, in Brasília. Ambassador Mauricio Carvalho Lyrio, Secretary for Economic and Financial Affairs at the Ministry and Brazil’s BRICS sherpa, chaired the discussions. Representatives from Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran – acting as special envoys appointed by their respective heads of state/government – participated. Ambassadors from partner countries including Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan also attended.
Analysis
The meeting’s structure—four thematic sessions in addition to an opening session with Minister Mauro Vieira and a special session featuring President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva—suggests Brazil intends to focus on several key areas during its presidency. These include global health cooperation, climate change, trade, investment, and finance, as well as artificial intelligence governance, and BRICS institutional development. The inclusion of Iran, UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Egypt points toward an effort to broaden the group’s membership beyond the original core.
The statement does not mention any specific commitments or deliverables emerging from these preparatory discussions.
Implications
The success of this sherpa meeting is dependent on the July 6 & 7 Leaders’ Summit proceeding as planned in Rio de Janeiro. Should that summit take place, it could enhance Brazil’s standing within BRICS and among emerging economies. If implemented as described, the summit will likely provide a forum for strengthening existing economic ties between member states. However, the absence of stated commitments following these sherpa discussions indicates a cautious approach to defining substantive outcomes.
The statement does not address any specific mechanisms for conflict resolution should disagreements arise at the July summit.
Outlook
Several scenarios are possible. A successful summit could demonstrate renewed commitment to collaborative action within BRICS on issues such as global health or climate change. Should trade and investment initiatives emerge, they could attract increased foreign direct investment into member states. Alternatively, persistent disagreements over issues like sanctions regimes could exacerbate existing divisions within the group. Brazil may attempt to mediate disputes, but given diverse interests—particularly Russia’s ongoing engagement in Ukraine—a unified front remains uncertain.
Conclusion
Brazil’s assumption of the BRICS presidency has begun with preparatory meetings focused on establishing its leadership role. Whether these initial engagements will translate into tangible outcomes remains to be seen, raising questions about Brazil’s ability to foster consensus among disparate interests within the alliance.