by Xinhua writer Hu Xiaoming
BRICS countries have become a significant force worldwide and should play a "crucial" role in bettering the global governance system, an Indian economist has said.
The 14th BRICS Summit "concluded with a futuristic and pragmatic agenda not only for BRICS but for developing countries and the world," Mohammed Saqib, secretary-general of the India China Economic and Cultural Council, said in an interview with Xinhua on Monday.
Saqib said the summit was held against the backdrop of severe global crises, such as the still-spreading pandemic, economic disruptions, supply chain snarls, and geopolitical tussles.
BRICS leaders reiterated solidarity and cooperation, as well as commitments to strengthening and reforming global governance, combating the pandemic, safeguarding world peace and security, speeding up economic recovery, and implementing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, he added.
"I believe BRICS can play a critical role in overcoming these challenges," Saqib said.
The economist said the existing governance system dominated mainly by Western countries including the United States has not been able to satisfactorily 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."
Saqib said China has immensely contributed to the world, especially poor developing countries, through material aid, technical cooperation, human resource development cooperation, the dispatch of medical teams, emergency humanitarian aid, overseas volunteer programs, and debt relief.
Editor: Galia
