Brazil at the centre: BRICS and the chance to lead a popular agro-climatic pact

By Marina do MST*
From the MST website

In a global scenario of accelerated geopolitical turbulence, the historic BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro gave the Global South back its leading role in three inseparable areas: climate action, food security and economic integration. From the first paragraph of the ‘Leaders’ Declaration’, the 11 member countries reaffirm the ‘Leaders’ Framework Declaration on Climate Finance’, in which they commit to guaranteeing ‘accessible climate finance, with adequate urgency and at viable costs’ to support just and sustainable transition trajectories.

In practice, BRICS proposes mobilizing multilateral resources, such as those provided for in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, to offer green credit to family farmers and settlements, with low interest rates aimed at adopting agroforestry systems and solar energy. It also advocates issuing bonds in local currency to finance energy efficiency projects in vulnerable communities, reducing costs and inequalities.

One of the presented proposals was the creation of a BRICS Grain Exchange, with platforms to stabilize prices and guarantee supply. To be effective, the measure requires the integration of small producers into export chains and the formation of coordinated regional stocks.

Another step forward was the adoption of the ‘Principles for Fair, Inclusive and Transparent Carbon Accounting’, which standardise the measurement of emissions among the bloc’s countries. The measures include a joint repository of methodologies, technical training for public agents and co-operatives, and the incorporation of these standards into national legislation, linking tax benefits to real emission reductions.

BRICS also proposed mechanisms to facilitate access to green technologies. The report on Intellectual Property advocates voluntary licensing agreements and public-private partnerships for the shared use of patents and the creation of a joint research and development fund, adapting global innovations to local realities.

In the field of research, the Summit approved the Terms of Reference for the BRICS Climate Research Platform, which sets up a scientific committee to exchange data, climate models and adaptation strategies. The 2025-2028 Work Plan includes investments in climate alerts, academic networks between member countries and social indicators for emergency actions.

The Declaration also calls for the reform of multilateral financial institutions and a more representative monetary system. Mechanisms such as swaps between local currencies and regional development banks would increase investments in green infrastructure and innovation, with less dependence on the dollar.

Finally, the text expresses concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and condemns the use of hunger as a weapon of war. By taking a critical stance towards sanctions and protectionism, BRICS points the way towards a more autonomous Global South diplomacy, in which Brazil can and should play a leading role.

As an elected representative in the Global South, I believe that Brazil is in a position to lead the way in operationalising these measures. In Rio de Janeiro, we can strengthen agro-climatic research networks in partnership with universities and social movements, creating an innovation ecosystem that translates international commitments into effective public policies. By aligning President Lula’s vision of a structured fight against hunger with BRICS guidelines, we will ensure that food security is the foundation for any advances in climate justice and regional integration.

The “BRICS Leaders’ Declaration” offers a clear roadmap for progress on climate justice, food security and economic integration. It’s up to us to turn these commitments into concrete initiatives, building Bills, articulating green finance, strategic stocks, local currency swaps and scientific cooperation, mapping communities, allocating resources and promoting constant debate with civil society.

The answer to building a new world order must not only be given by chancellors, CEOs or generals – but also by peasants, young people, women, workers and committed intellectuals. People who live the daily contradictions and violence of the international system. People with a hand in the daily struggle.

If the world is moving towards multipolarity, protagonism also needs to be plural. If we want a world of many voices, we need to make BRICS a listening field. If we want redistribution, we need to turn the bloc into a lever for economic transformation. And, above all, if we want peace, we have to break the silence that still surrounds the systematic violence imposed on the South.

The peoples of the Global South have projects. The world doesn’t have to be a dispute between empires, but an encounter between equals. History is open. The people’s BRICS cannot hesitate.

*Rio de Janeiro State Deputy for the PT.
**Edited by Solange Engelmann
***Translation: Leslie Nii Ashaley Nikoi
****Proofreading: Natalie Illanes Nogueira