Speaking at the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Angolan President João Lourenço, in his capacity as Chairperson of the African Union (AU), urged BRICS nations to strengthen multilateralism and align global institutions with contemporary realities.
He also called for greater support for Africa’s development priorities.
In remarks reported by the Angolan presidency on Sunday, President Lourenço advocated for the reform of global governance structures established in the post-World War II era. “The world has changed profoundly over the past eight decades,” he stated, “and institutions must evolve accordingly.”
Representing the African Union, Lourenço emphasized the need for BRICS to help rebalance the global governance discourse between the Global South and developed countries. He warned that the current erosion of multilateralism is contributing to global instability and tensions.
He highlighted Africa’s long-term development roadmap, Agenda 2063, and invited BRICS members to support its implementation. This includes crucial investment in electrification, industrialization, and infrastructure to accelerate the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Lourenço also announced that Angola will host a major African Union conference in October. This event will focus on “Infrastructure as a Driver of Development in Africa,” with the goal of mobilizing international partnerships to help realize “a great African dream.”
On the issue of global conflicts, the AU Chairperson called for peaceful solutions to crises, citing the war in Ukraine, tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, the conflict in Sudan, and terrorism in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa. He also urged an end to the violence in Gaza and advocated for the establishment of a Palestinian state in line with United Nations resolutions.
Addressing Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Lourenço praised Brazil’s “timely and relevant” priorities under its current BRICS presidency and congratulated Lula on assuming leadership of the organization.
AC/sf/lb/abj/APA