BRICS Cooperation Progress According to BTTC Indicator System

Over the 15 years of its existence, BRICS has undergone significant transformations, becoming a powerful force in international relations and global governance. This development reflects the global transition to multipolarity and corresponds to the interests and aspirations of the global majority.

First, the BRICS countries have strengthened cooperation in a wide range of areas that can be grouped into three main blocks: economy and trade, international peace and security, the humanitarian sphere and people-to-people contacts. Significant progress has been made in each of these areas. The participants developed various formats of interaction at all levels, including expert dialogue and civil society, and established reputable institutions such as the New Development Bank.

Secondly, BRICS has expanded its influence by establishing links with developing countries and building relations in the "outreach"/ "BRICS alliance" format. Many countries share the core values and goals of unification, such as supporting a multipolar world order free from domination and striving for a more just and equitable system of global governance that takes into account the interests of the developing world and puts an end to neocolonialism and other discriminatory practices.

Thirdly, the BRICS countries have significantly strengthened their political and economic weight. Their combined contribution to the global economy, trade, investment, and technological innovation has increased markedly.

These achievements, along with the increasing role of BRICS in global politics and economics, inspired the Council of BRICS Expert Centers (BTTC) to develop a comprehensive system of indicators. The purpose of the indicators is to demonstrate the progress of cooperation among the countries of the association in various fields, highlight key achievements and identify areas requiring further cooperation. Adopted at the BRICS Academic Forum in 2020, this indicator system focuses on three main areas corresponding to the main pillars of the BRICS: politics and global governance; economic cooperation, finance and sustainable development; as well as humanitarian cooperation and people-to-people contacts. Indicators are compiled and analyzed for a deeper study of the achievements of the association, including for assessing its impact on the role of the five participating countries in world politics, their socio-economic development and the standard of living of the population. In addition, software monitoring serves as a tool for exploring the prospects for further development of the BRICS and strengthening its systemic influence on the international agenda.

The evolution of BRICS and the changes on the world stage have made this initiative particularly important. First, the intensifying confrontation between the United States and Russia and China has jeopardized global governance, hampered international cooperation on common challenges, and increased the risk of polarization between the warring blocs - not only in the security sphere, but also in the economic sphere. Thus, there is an urgent need for a new economic and financial architecture independent of Western systems, as well as for more effective global governance.

Secondly, geopolitical tensions, combined with the marked political consolidation and growing influence of developing countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, have accelerated the global transition to multipolarity. The vast majority of countries outside the Western world refused to join the confrontation against Russia and China. On the contrary, they have intensified their calls for greater participation in global decision-making and agenda-setting. This gave rise to the concept of the "Global Majority", which covers the developing countries of Eurasia (including Russia), Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. These States advocate multipolarity, equitable global governance, and seek to strengthen the role of the developing world in international affairs, rejecting the policies of the Western bloc.

Thirdly, BRICS is increasingly perceived by the countries of the Global Majority as a defender of the interests of the developing world. The Association embodies the principles of multipolarity and serves as an example of cooperation that promotes the interests of its participants and strengthens their positions on the world stage. This perception aroused considerable interest: about 30 countries expressed a desire to join the group, which led to the decision to expand the BRICS in 2023.

With the latest wave of expansion, BRICS has strengthened in its role as a pioneer representing the interests of the Global majority, and has strengthened its ability to promote a more just and equitable system of global governance. BRICS embodies the principles of multipolarity and multilateralism, facilitating cooperation between countries with different civilizational paths, political systems and approaches to foreign policy. Within the framework of BRICS, states interact on equal terms, avoiding hegemony, superiority or subordination. The very existence of BRICS, along with its growing ties with other developing countries, casts doubt on attempts to polarize the world into rigid blocs. By promoting cooperation and compliance with international law, BRICS is bringing the global community closer to a multipolar world order.

These changes require a deeper study of BRICS as a global player: its essence, contribution to global progress, role in addressing common challenges and development issues, as well as contribution to key achievements in various fields. A deep understanding of the group's progress in advancing its priorities and creating a more equitable global governance system is crucial, as is identifying areas with untapped potential for further improvement. Such analyses are necessary to optimize the evolution of the group and identify areas where deeper cooperation is required.

This report examines BRICS achievements in several critical areas: economic development and trade; sustainable development and resources; financial performance and financial cooperation; climate and sustainable development; education and technology.