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President Kagame is in Samoa to attend the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Upon his arrival in the Samoan capital, Apia, he was welcomed by the country’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Customs and Revenue, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, before engaging in talks with Prime Minister Afioga.

The Commonwealth comprises 56 member countries from across all continents, with 33 of them being small states, including 25 island nations. By 2023, the Commonwealth had an estimated population of 2.5 billion people.

President Kagame has served as Chairperson of the Commonwealth since June 2022, following Rwanda’s successful hosting of CHOGM that year. He took over the role from former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

During this year’s CHOGM, which runs from October 21-26, Rwanda will officially hand over the two-year chairmanship to Samoa.

This handover was confirmed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, on October 22, 2024.

Samoa was selected as the incoming Chair-In-Office and host of the next CHOGM during last year’s Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda.

Additionally, a new Secretary-General of the Commonwealth is expected to be elected, replacing Patricia Scotland, who has held the position since March 2016.

This year’s CHOGM marks a historic occasion, being the first held in a Pacific Small Island Developing State and the first since Gabon and Togo officially joined the Commonwealth, raising the total membership to 56 nations.

CHOGM, traditionally held biennially, serves as the Commonwealth’s main political gathering.

Building on the progress since CHOGM 2022, this year’s leaders are expected to address pressing global challenges, including economic, environmental, and security issues.

Discussions will also focus on how the Commonwealth can work together to enhance resilience, boost trade, foster innovation and growth, and empower the Commonwealth’s 1.5 billion youth to build a more peaceful and sustainable future.

The main CHOGM event is scheduled for October 25, 2024, preceded by several side meetings, including the Youth Forum and the Women’s Forum. The Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will take place on October 24.

President Kagame has held talks with the Prime Minister of Samoa.

Upon his arrival in the Samoan capital, Apia, Kagame was welcomed by the country’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Customs and Revenue, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio.

President Kagame ina conversation with Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Customs and Revenue, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio.

Samoa is an island state.

Commonwelath member countries’ flags have been raised along different roads in Samoa.

IGIHE

The Ministry of Environment said in a statement on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, that the funding was approved during the 40th Board Meeting of the GCF, held in South Korea.

The ministry affirmed that the Green City project, which is being implemented by the Rwanda Green Fund , will serve as a model for sustainable urbanization, showcasing climate-resilient, low-emission infrastructure development.

Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, said the project aims to address challenges emerging from the city’s rapid urbanization, with a focus on upgrading informal settlements through innovative, sustainable, and climate-resilient solutions. These solutions will help mitigate climate-related risks such as floods and landslides.

“This agreement underscores the strength of our partnership at a critical time when the effects of climate change are increasingly evident. These impacts not only threaten the country’s economy but also pose serious risks to the lives of our people. The Green City Kigali Project represents a proactive step towards creating a sustainable and resilient urban environment, aiming to mitigate these challenges and promote a better quality of life for all Rwandans,” said Dr. Uwamariya.

The GCF funding will support the Ngaruyinka Project, which forms part of a larger 600-hectare urban transformation plan. This initiative includes several key components, starting with green infrastructure investments aimed at developing resilient systems for stormwater management, ensuring water security, incorporating renewable energy, and enhancing waste management within Ngaruyinka Village.

Another essential element is capacity building and skill development, with the establishment of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) center. This center will focus on nurturing green construction skills and fostering sustainable livelihoods.

Additionally, the project emphasizes the scaling-up and replication of best practices throughout Rwanda, achieved through training programs designed for professionals in green construction and urban development.

Henry Gonzalez, Chief Investment Officer of the Green Climate Fund, stated that the project not only introduces a new model for urban development in Rwanda but also has the potential to serve as a blueprint for other cities in Africa and globally, enabling them to plan resilient and sustainable urban growth in response to a changing climate.

'GCF will look to replicate this approach in other countries, drawing on the lessons from Kigali,' said Gonzalez.

The project will be implemented over the next five years, positioning Kigali as a model for sustainable, climate-resilient urban development in the region.

'The GCF board’s decision to support this project is a significant boost to our vision for sustainable urban development. By integrating green technologies and improving settlements in a challenging environment, this initiative complements the broader Green City Kigali program, addressing climate challenges and promoting long-term resilience,' said Teddy Mugabo, CEO of the Rwanda Green Fund.

GCF is a global initiative established to help developing countries combat climate change by funding projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting climate resilience. The fund was launched in 2010 as part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The Ministry of Environment affirmed that the Green City project, which is being implemented by the Rwanda Green Fund , will serve as a model for sustainable urbanization, showcasing climate-resilient, low-emission infrastructure development.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The funds will be made available to Rwanda upon the completion of an economic review by the IMF Executive Board in mid-December.

A team from the IMF concluded a two-week mission on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, to assess the country’s economic performance, praising its strong growth momentum despite external shocks.

The IMF team, led by Reuben Atoyan, stated that Rwanda’s real GDP is projected to grow by 8.3% in 2024. According to the IMF, this growth is driven by strong performances in the services and construction sectors, as well as a recovery in food crop production.

The team observed that despite external challenges, inflation remains under control, staying within the central bank’s target range of 2% to 8% due to favorable food prices and a tight monetary policy.

Atoyan highlighted that the 6.6% depreciation of the Rwandan Franc against the US dollar was a necessary measure for facilitating essential external adjustments, while international reserves stood at 4.5 months of prospective imports by mid-2024, providing a buffer against external shocks.

“Despite the challenging environment, macroeconomic policy performance through the end of June 2024 remained aligned with program objectives under the PCI/SCF arrangement. All quantitative targets were met, and reforms aimed at enhancing the transparency of public investments and strengthening foreign exchange market functioning are progressing well,” Atoyan stated.

The IMF representative emphasized the Rwandan government’s strong commitment to implementing climate-related reforms under the RSF arrangement, with measures for climate budget tagging, improving the climate resilience of public investments, adopting sustainability disclosure standards, and developing a green taxonomy on track for completion in the coming weeks.

The IMF team acknowledged that recurrent shocks in recent years have complicated the government’s goal of rebuilding policy buffers. Fiscal consolidation has progressed more slowly than anticipated, resulting in a continued increase in the public debt-to-GDP ratio.

However, the government has reiterated its commitment to fiscal prudence, focusing on concessional financing and advancing a medium-term revenue strategy to stabilize its fiscal position.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Straddling the ridge that separates the Congo and Nile water catchment areas, the park lies within the ecologically rich Albertine Rift. This hilly landscape offers stunning views both laterally and from above, inviting explorers to immerse themselves in its natural beauty. As one of the few remaining natural forests in the Congo-Nile Divide, Gishwati-Mukura is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

A visit to this park is a chance to encounter some of the region’s most fascinating species. The park is home to a large number of chimpanzees.

Other species such as servals, genets, civets, and a variety of small mammals roam the forest floors, while amphibians and reptiles thrive in the park’s lush environment.

Birdwatchers will be enthralled by the more than 230 bird species spotted in Gishwati and 160 in Mukura, including the rare Black-Fronted Duiker and Southern Tree Hyrax. The park also boasts over 250 plant species, making it a true botanical treasure trove.

The flora of Gishwati-Mukura is equally captivating. Visitors are greeted by a vibrant mix of montane, bamboo, swamp forests, and grasslands. Towering trees like the Harungana montana, Prunus africana, and the impressive giant tree ferns (Cyathea manniana) dominate the landscape. These species not only add to the park’s natural beauty but play a crucial ecological role, supporting the delicate balance of life within the forest.

Despite its beauty, Gishwati-Mukura has a history of degradation. Human activities, including encroachment, illegal mining, and livestock farming, have taken a toll on the park, particularly on Gishwati forest, which shrunk dramatically from its original 700 square kilometers in the 1930s to just 6 square kilometers by 2002.

However, thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, the forest has since been restored to 15.7 square kilometers. In 2016, the government elevated Gishwati and Mukura from forest reserves to full national park status, marking a significant milestone in their preservation.

For visitors, Gishwati-Mukura National Park offers a wealth of experiences. Those seeking a deeper connection with the local community can participate in a variety of cultural activities, including handicraft-making, beekeeping, and tea plantation tours.

You can stay on a local farm, enjoy live cultural dances, or learn from traditional healers who use natural plants to complement modern medicine. Gishwati-Mukura promises an unforgettable journey into Rwanda’s untamed wilderness.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is home to a large number of chimpanzees.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park also boasts over 250 plant species.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park was gazetted as Rwanda’s fourth national park in 2015.

As one of the few remaining natural forests in the Congo-Nile Divide, Gishwati-Mukura is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Théophile Niyitegeka

This project was launched in September 2021 in the districts of Huye, Gakenke, Gicumbi, and Burera in collaboration with the World Bank and the Government of Rwanda. Its goal is to empower citizens with development skills beginning with the ability to think and discover what benefits them based on the characteristics of their local environment.

The beneficiaries first underwent six months of training through development pathway meetings known as the ‘Facilitated Collective Action Process (FCAP). These meetings helped citizens identifying their own problems and the potential they have to tackle them to attain long-term and sustainable solutions over immediate need.

This community, spearheaded by the Community-Based Facilitator (CBF) locally known as Inyenyeri, has shown that poverty can be fought even in the most remote areas through local ownership and collective action.

The financial support is not given directly in cash but rather invested in the projects the community chooses. Spark Microgrants provided this funding in two phases, with each village receiving 4.6 million Rwandan Francs in the first phase (60% of the total), followed by an additional 3 million Rwandan Francs (40%) along with 5% of contributions from the district, amounting to 380,000 RWF.

Poultry is among the projects that the local residents have taken on in the ACE project.

Rwigemure Yahaya, a resident of Kabaya village in Ruhanga cell, shared how the bulls farming project they selected in their village has brought wealth to the community. 'With the first grant, we bought 14 bulls. We took care of them and sold them once they matured, and distribute the profits among group members', he said.

After selling the bulls, 'the profits were shared. Part of the money went towards reinvesting in younger bulls, while the community also prioritised supporting its most vulnerable members, where they bought sheep, a hen, or any other materials for those in need to ensure that everyone benefits, no matter their situation,” Yahya added.

From the first round of shared profits, the group bought 41 sheep for 41 households in need. In the next cycle, after reselling bulls, the profits allowed them to distribute 37 more sheep to 37 additional households, bringing the total to 78 sheep distributed so far.

Some of these sheep have already reproduced, with some households now owning more than three sheep, helping them meet various domestic needs where necessary including manure.
Rwigemure further explained that the village received the second tranche which was invested in loaning scheme projects to support household small-scale businesses and improve their livelihoods.

In Gicumbi district, beneficiaries have started farming for the market. In Mutete sector, beneficiaries reported that agricultural production has become a source of income after receiving support from Spark Microgrants.

Odette Ugirasekuru, a resident of Kabeza cell in Kagarama village, shared how the cow she received significantly boosted her agricultural output. 'After receiving the cow, as able to collect organic fertilizers and decided to establish a banana plantation. Unlike previously when had to buy fertilizers, could barely harvest three kilograms of bananas, now I harvest bunches weighing up to 80 kilograms each. Every month, I harvest around 40 bunches.'

'My cow produces eight liters of milk per day, and over the past three months, I’ve earned 270,000 RWF from selling the milk. I still have enough for my family to drink, and I even share with needy neighbors.'
In that village, out of 202 households, only nine have not yet received cows, but they are expected to be assisted by their neighbors.

Beneficiaries in Huye district also report positive changes due to the project. Appolinaria Mukanyabyenda, a resident of Kigoma cector and community-based facilitator for Kabingo village, said that the residents have successfully eradicated malnutrition by focusing on providing children with balanced diets.

Vestine Nyiramanywa, an elderly woman from Gishamvu sector, said that Spark Microgrants has helped them achieve food security through pig farming, which generates income and promotes savings on top of their usual agricultural activities.

Ange Sebutege , the Mayor of Huye district says that Spark Microgrants has greatly improving the well-being of residents, citing an example in Gishamvu sector, which ranked second in health insurance enrollment, in a district that used to lag behind such government programs.

Ange Sebutege , the Mayor of Huye district says that Spark Microgrants has greatly improving the well-being of his residents.

He said, 'What we did with Spark was to provide capacity support, but the ideas are theirs. They must remember that these projects are like investments for the village, where each resident has a share. We aim to eliminate poverty entirely in the future, so it is crucial to follow up on these projects.'

According to Donald Ndahiro, Spark Microgrants Country Director for Rwanda, the achievements of the ACE project so far offers hope for sustainable community development.

'When we look at the results since 2021, we see that their domestic possessions, like TVs, radios, money on bank accounts, livestock, and more, have increased by 120% as a result of the projects they implemented. Regarding nutrition, the number of people eating only one meal a day has dropped from 54% to 33%,' he said.

The ACE Project operates in 249 villages, but Spark Microgrants plans to expand to 2,500 villages in the coming years and collaborate with the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) to integrate lessons learnt from the project into national planning.

According to Donald Ndahiro, Spark Microgrants Country Director for Rwanda, the achievements of the ACE project so far offers hope for sustainable community development.

Spark Microgrants is an international non-profit based in the United States, which started its operations in Rwanda in 2010. The organization has transformed the lives of residents in over 339 villages across Gakenke, Gicumbi, Burera, Musanze, Huye, Nyabihu, Rulindo and Gisagara, districts.

With more than 240,000 beneficiaries, 64% of whom are women. Spark Microgrants operates in Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Ghana, Liberia, DRC, Malawi, and Ghana.

A saving culture through groups has enabled the local residents achieve some of the basic requirements such as medical insurance.

Cattle farmers are also reaping good harvests

Eggs have become a good source of nutritious supplements to fight malnutrition as well as a sorce of income

IGIHE

The decision was made by the second collegiate court of the National Supreme Court of Specialized Criminal Justice, making Toledo the first of four investigated former presidents to go to jail in Odebrecht case, one of the largest bribery and graft scandals in Latin America.

The 78-year-old former president was extradited from the United States in April last year to face charges for allegedly taking at least 20 million U.S. dollars in bribes from Odebrecht, a Brazilian construction company, in exchange for a government contract to build the Interoceanic Highway linking Peru and Brazil.

During a hearing, Toledo insisted that he was “innocent,” saying that “I never made any arrangement with Mr. (Jorge) Barata,” former head of Odebrecht in Peru.

Peruvian former President Alejandro Toledo in court where he was sentenced to more than 20 years behind bars for accepting bribes in Lima, Peru, on Monday, October 21, 2024

Xinhua

The election took place during the General Assembly of the Chamber of Deputies on October 21, 2024.

PAP was set up under the 1991 Abuja Treaty to ensure the full participation of African peoples in the economic development and integration of the continent.

The legislative body of the African Union also serves as a platform for people from all African states to be involved in discussions and decision making on the problems and challenges facing the continent.

Each member country in PAP is represented by five national legislators, with a requirement that at least one must be a woman.

The representatives come from different political parties holding seats in their respective national parliaments and are appointed by their parliaments rather than through direct public elections.

For Rwanda, three Deputies and two Senators represent the country in PAP, and their mandate aligns with their tenure in the national legislature.

Deputy Jennifer Wibabara was elected with 77 out of 79 votes. She holds a Master’s degree in project management and has 30 years of experience in both government and non-governmental organizations.

Wibabara expressed her dedication to advancing Africa’s development, inspired by the leadership of President Kagame.

'This parliament represents the people, and we represent them too. I will work diligently and with dedication, following the leadership of our President, who strives for a proud, united, and self-sufficient Africa,' she said.

Deputy Diogene Bitunguramye, who received 78 votes, has served in Rwanda’s Parliament since 2016. He holds a Master’s degree in education and has held various government roles throughout his career.

Deputy Aimée Marie Ange Tumukunde, elected with 74 votes, highlighted her extensive experience resolving citizens’ issues in previous roles.

She committed to using her expertise at PAP to advocate for the welfare and economic development of Africans.

The Pan-African Parliament consists of 275 representatives from African Union member states that have ratified its protocol.

Deputy Jennifer Wibabara was elected with 77 out of 79 votes.

Deputy Aimée Marie Ange Tumukunde committed to using her expertise at PAP to advocate for the welfare and economic development of Africans.

Deputy Diogene Bitunguramye has served in Rwanda’s Parliament since 2016.

IGIHE

Gachagua, on Sunday, October 20, 2024, alleged that undercover security agents attempted to poison his food in two separate incidents in Kisumu and Nyeri counties in August and September of this year.

In a summons to Gachagua dated October 21, the DCI termed the allegations serious and directed him to appear before the detectives on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, to record a formal statement to enable investigations into the matter.

'These are serious allegations emanating from a person of your stature and cannot be taken lightly. In light of the seriousness of this matter, we kindly request your presence on October 22, 2024, at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters, Mazingira Complex-Kiambu Road, to formally record your statement to enable prompt and thorough investigations into the matter,' the summons read in part.

'We understand the sensitivity of the allegations and assure you that this matter will be handled with the seriousness it deserves. Your statement is a crucial component of our investigation.'

Gachagua had claimed that it was after the two failed assassination attempts that an impeachment plot was hatched against him.

“On August 30, undercover security agents entered my room in Kisumu, bugged it, and one of them tried to poison my food, but we were able to detect the scheme. I was supposed to be killed through food poisoning. On September 3 in Nyeri, another team from the National Intelligence Service came and tried to poison food that was meant for me and the Kikuyu Council of Elders,” Gachagua said.

The impeached Deputy President spoke after being discharged from Karen Hospital in Nairobi, where he had been hospitalized with chest pains as the Senate debated his impeachment motion last Thursday.

In yet another political divorce in Kenya, Gachagua accused President William Ruto of being vicious and orchestrating the impeachment against him.

He told the press that the Head of State had illegally ordered the withdrawal of his security and staff despite the High Court suspending the Senate’s resolutions to uphold his impeachment by the National Assembly.

“I don’t understand this level of viciousness toward a man who has been your deputy, a man who helped you become president. Irrespective of what he has done, at his lowest moment in life, when he is literally struggling to stay alive, you unleash such viciousness against him. I bear no grudges against anybody, but I had not seen this in President William Ruto. The man I am seeing now is not the one I thought I knew,” he said, citing constant persecution over the past year and a surprisingly rushed effort to remove him from office.

Gachagua said he doesn’t feel safe, and if anything happens to him, President Ruto should be held accountable.

“Do whatever you want, but please, Mr. President, I beg you, don’t kill us. Don’t kill my children. You have caused me enough pain over the past year. Please, leave me alone,” he added.

“I want the people of Kenya to know that as I go home today, I have no security. It is good that they know that if anything happens to me or my family, President Ruto must be held accountable.”

Gachagua was impeached over allegations of violating the constitution by undermining national unity through ethnic utterances and gross misconduct.

The bitter fallout between Gachagua and Ruto mirrors the current Head of State’s fallout with former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018, when he served as Deputy President in the former Jubilee Party administration.

In a summons to Rigathi Gachagua dated October 21, the DCI termed the allegations serious and directed him to appear before the detectives on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, to record a formal statement to enable investigations into the matter.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

BRICS is an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, five major emerging markets with considerable economic potential. It has now evolved into an influential international cooperation mechanism with an expanded membership.

Over the past 18 years, China has upheld the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation and helped drive the BRICS cooperation mechanism to a new level, serving as a constructive force for safeguarding world peace, promoting common development, improving global governance and facilitating democratization of international relations.

This year marks the beginning of greater BRICS cooperation. During the upcoming summit, the first such gathering to be held after the BRICS expansion, Xi and leaders of other BRICS countries are expected to draw a blueprint for the development of its mechanism, inject new impetus into a multipolar world, facilitate economic globalization and democratization of international relations, and open up a new chapter for the solidarity and development of the Global South.

NEW STARTING POINT

“BRICS is an important force in shaping the international landscape. We choose our development paths independently, jointly defend our right to development, and march in tandem toward modernization. This represents the direction of the advancement of human society, and will profoundly impact the development process of the world,” said Xi during the 15th BRICS Summit in August 2023.

Other than the countries that officially joined the BRICS family on Jan. 1, 2024, over 30 countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Türkiye and Azerbaijan have either formally applied for or expressed interest in its membership.

After the expansion, the BRICS countries account for about 30 percent of the global GDP, nearly half of the global population and one-fifth of global trade.

China has been committed to deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with its BRICS partners. In the first quarter of this year, China’s imports and exports to BRICS countries increased by more than 11 percent year on year.

Ahmed Al-Ali, a researcher based in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), said that the BRICS has become an important engine to drive global economic recovery and maintain world peace and stability thanks to its steady economic growth, and equal and extensive cooperation opportunities.

“Ethiopia’s BRICS membership could significantly boost the country’s socio-economic development through various economic opportunities, including increased investment, expanded South-South cooperation and trade partnerships,” said Balew Demissie, a researcher at the Policy Studies Institute of Ethiopia.

China’s cooperation with other BRICS members has strongly defended multilateralism and promoted the democratization of international relations, said Evandro Carvalho, a Brazilian professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, an economic think tank.

The appeal of the BRICS cooperation mechanism comes from its spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation. “BRICS countries gather not in a closed club or an exclusive circle, but a big family of mutual support and a partnership for win-win cooperation,” Xi said during the 14th BRICS Summit in June 2022.

From the “BRICS Plus” cooperation approach proposed in 2017 to the historic expansion of BRICS membership, the mechanism is widely welcomed, with growing influence and appeal.

The BRICS cooperation mechanism respects the interests of all parties involved and is an “attractive platform for cooperation and mutual benefit,” said Elshad Mammadov, an Azerbaijani economics expert.

FRUITFUL ACHIEVEMENTS

At present, the mechanism is at a crucial stage of building on past achievements and ushering in a new era of cooperation. China is working with other BRICS partners, embarking on a new journey of greater BRICS cooperation.

“We should navigate the trend of our times and stay in the forefront. We should always bear in mind our founding purpose of strengthening ourselves through unity, enhance cooperation across the board, and build a high-quality partnership. We should help reform global governance to make it more just and equitable, and bring to the world more certainty, stability and positive energy,” Xi has said.

Applauding more participants and exploring new ways of cooperation within the mechanism, the BRICS countries will also have more opportunities and their roles in the global arena will continue to expand, said Ivan Melnikov, first vice-chairman of the Russian State Duma and chairman of the Russia-China Friendship Association.

China and its BRICS partners have worked together to advance practical cooperation and deepen mutual benefit, setting up projects such as the China-BRICS Science and Innovation Incubation Park for the New Era and the China-BRICS AI Development and Cooperation Center, as well as hosting the BRICS Forum on Partnership on New Industrial Revolution and BRICS Industrial Innovation Contest.

Set up by the BRICS and opened in 2015, the New Development Bank (NDB) aims to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging market economies and developing countries.

Meanwhile, people-to-people and cultural exchanges among BRICS countries are in full swing, with popular events such as film festivals, sports games, and co-productions of films and documentaries.

The first special session for BRICS countries of the International Youth Poetry Festival kicked off in the Southeastern Chinese city of Hangzhou in July, attracting 72 poets from BRICS countries.

In mid-September, over 60 media leaders from more than 40 countries joined the BRICS Media Summit in Moscow, discussing the role of BRICS media in promoting a multipolar world.

People-to-people exchanges have deepened among BRICS countries, and BRICS member states have worked towards a closer friendship, providing a “BRICS model” for promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, said Ahmed Hamadi, a political commentator of the Aletihad News Center of the UAE.

BRIGHT FUTURE

Thanks to the concerted efforts of all parties, the BRICS has increasingly become an important force in shaping the international landscape and safeguarding global stability.

The BRICS cooperation mechanism is now a key venue for emerging markets and developing countries to strengthen solidarity and cooperation and safeguard common interests, thereby serving as the most pivotal mechanism representing the Global South.

China is a significant promoter of BRICS cooperation and a natural member of the Global South. Beijing has all along stood with other developing countries through thick and thin.

While pursuing its own development, China has continuously provided new opportunities for the rest of the world by sharing its development dividends.

“China’s role in promoting the continuous development of BRICS is significant,” said Zukiswa Roboji, a researcher at Walter Sisulu University in South Africa.

The BRICS mechanism effectively promotes solidarity and cooperation among countries of the Global South, and enhances the representation of developing countries in global governance, and China has made positive contributions to raising the global influence of BRICS cooperation, Roboji said.

The genuine multilateralism advocated by China and its efforts in promoting the modernization of the Global South have brought confidence and important strength to the world, said Bunn Nagara, director and senior fellow at Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for Asia-Pacific.

“Today, China is exactly what the countries of the Global South want to be,” said Dilma Rousseff, former Brazilian president and president of the NDB, adding that China’s advocacy of more just and effective global governance is helping the world build a bright shared future.

Xinhua