Farewell to 2024: Russia’s BRICS Legacy and Hopes for Unity

2024 Ends, but Global Complexity and Tensions Persist: A Look Back at Russia’s BRICS Presidency

As 2024 draws to a close, the international stage seems more intricate and fraught with challenges than ever. Amid this turbulent backdrop, Russia’s year-long presidency of the BRICS bloc concludes, with Brazil set to take the reins on January 1, 2025. For Think BRICS, it’s been a year of tireless work, memorable achievements, and an unwavering commitment to delivering informed, balanced reporting.

One of the highlights of the year was our direct participation in the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in Kazan, a pivotal moment not just for the bloc but for global multipolar dynamics.

Russia Wraps Up a Dynamic Year of Leadership in BRICS

In a symbolic ceremony on November 28 in Yekaterinburg, Russia formally handed over the BRICS presidency to Brazil. Sergey Ryabkov, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister and BRICS Sherpa, presented Eduardo Paes Saboia, Brazil’s Foreign Affairs Secretary for Asia and the Pacific, with a handcrafted “chairperson’s hammer” from the Urals. The event marked the culmination of a year filled with over 250 BRICS-hosted initiatives across diverse domains.

Reflecting on the year’s accomplishments, Ryabkov remarked, “It’s a bittersweet moment. While it’s hard to bid farewell to our presidency, we celebrate the milestones we’ve reached together.” He highlighted progress across three key pillars: policy and security, economy and finance, and humanitarian cooperation. Notable achievements include:

• The establishment of the BRICS Grain Exchange and a Contact Group on Climate Change and Sustainable Development.

• The launch of a transport dialogue and agreements to enhance nuclear medicine collaboration.

• A breakthrough in creating sustainable payment mechanisms centered on national currencies.

Kazan Summit: A Turning Point for BRICS Expansion

The XVI BRICS Summit, held in Kazan in October, stood out as the cornerstone of Russia’s presidency. The gathering saw the adoption of the forward-looking Kazan Declaration, which lays a robust foundation for future cooperation among an expanded BRICS membership. With new members including Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, and partnerships established with countries like Belarus, Indonesia, Malaysia, and other 10 more, the bloc now plays a pivotal role in shaping a more equitable, multipolar world order.

Ryabkov underscored the group’s resilience amid rising geopolitical tensions, stating that BRICS has become a driving force for global transformation rooted in respect for sovereignty and international law.

A Year of Collaboration, Challenges, and Gratitude

For Think BRICS, 2024 wasn’t just about covering the milestones—it was about bringing clarity and balance to complex global issues. Despite criticism from some quarters, our commitment to independent reporting has resonated with our audience. Entirely self-funded and free from state influence, our work remains driven by a passion for truth and analysis.

Over the year, we’ve hosted thought leaders and professionals across various fields, from geopolitics to journalism. Esteemed guests like Professor

Glenn Diesen

, journalists like Pepe Escobar and

Li Jingjing

, analysts such as Yaroslav Lissovolik,

Warwick Powell

,

Alex Krainer

and Dr. Ankit Shah (just to name a few!) have enriched our coverage. You can find their insights on our platform, and we encourage you to explore their thought-provoking contributions.

Looking Ahead to 2025: New Beginnings in Brazil

As the BRICS presidency transitions to Brazil, Think BRICS is preparing to continue its mission with even greater determination. With two young talents, Heuler Reis and João Gabriel Monteiro Pinheiro, joining our team, we aim to provide unparalleled coverage of BRICS developments from Brazil, ensuring our audience stays informed on pivotal events.

We extend heartfelt thanks to the hundreds of thousands who’ve supported us—whether by watching our videos, reading our articles, or engaging in discussions. Your trust fuels our dedication.

A special note of gratitude goes to our collaborators, whose efforts have made everything possible:

Shankar Iyer

,

Clive Ettia

,

Yifan Liu

,

Xiaoguang Yin

, Alexis Lisiak,

Megas Alexandros

, Pooria Asteraky and Luhan Soriano Vaz.

To all our viewers and readers: thank you for standing by us. Here’s to a wonderful 2025—stay tuned for more insightful coverage as we embark on this new chapter together.