The current system of international relations is unfair and must be reformed in the interests of all countries of the world by mobilizing progressive forces, including the political parties of the BRICS member states and their allies, said ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula.
"The architecture of international relations built under the dominance of one power is now creating a threat to peace and security, generating crises, increasing inequality and leading to greater social instability," he said in his closing remarks at the BRICS Political Parties Plus Dialogue.
He emphasized that the BRICS group and its supporters all over the globe "refuse to be victims of discrimination," and oppose any form of economic pressure, including unilateral sanctions.
According to Mbalula, there is an urgent need to reform the international governance system and its institutions in order to create a "more just world order based on multilateralism."
Mbalula stressed that the BRICS group has recently become a unifying force for all the nations that are seeking to change the system of international relations so that it corresponds to the interests of the developing world.
"The growing influence of BRICS [...] is evidence that countries are refusing to be spectators of this changing geopolitical environment. As this BRICS Political Parties Plus Dialogue showed, we are co-architects of change in our world," he stated.
The politician pointed out that BRICS and all its associated meetings or programs are not aimed at opposing any global forces, as the bloc "refuses to declare any country as an enemy." The members states are advocating for progressive development and working together to create "a new and better world for all."
He also noted that BRICS will always be open to engagement with all, welcoming those who want to be part of the "BRICS family of nations" and thus guarantee their right to choose their development path.
Mbalula announced that in the near future, on the basis of the BRICS party movement, a forum of parties from countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America will be formed to promote a progressive agenda in the world and reform the system of international organizations.
The three-day event took place at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg from July 18 to 20. Hosted under the theme "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable growth and inclusive multilateralism," the dialogue is one of the many events leading up to the BRICS Summit scheduled to take place in Johannesburg this August.
The meeting was attended by 54 parties from 45 countries, including the United Russia Party, the Communist Party of Russia, the Communist Party of China, the Indian National Congress and the Brazilian Workers Party.