The 2026 BRICS Summit, held in New Delhi from Saturday to Sunday, brought together leaders of major emerging economies to promote inclusive global governance, strengthen multilateralism, and foster sustainable global economic growth. The event marked the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation, a milestone that underscores two decades of self-reliance and unity among emerging markets and developing countries.
In his address to Session I of the 18th BRICS Summit on Saturday, Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted that BRICS countries have actively explored development paths suited to their own national conditions, setting an example of self-strengthening through solidarity. This approach, rooted in mutual support and shared goals, has become a cornerstone of the bloc's philosophy.
On the sidelines of the summit, the People's Daily released a video titled "Through Xi's Eyes: Finding the answer to the 'warmth of BRICS,'" which illustrates how China's development philosophy resonates across the Global South. The video features Busi Mabuza, South African chairperson of the BRICS Business Council, who emphasized the common bond among emerging nations. "Because most of the Global South countries are recently emerging from developing nation status, they understand the importance of not leaving anybody behind," Mabuza said. She further noted that BRICS "has opened up relationships in markets that are not just large, but that believe in multilateralism, that believe in supporting BRICS partners through sharing of technology, through sharing of skills."
R. Deepak, professor of Chinese studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, who brought stacks of President Xi's works back from China, observed that Xi's early years laid the foundation for his people-centered approach and poverty alleviation strategies. Such grassroots governance, Deepak noted, deeply resonates with nations of the Global South that share similar developmental journeys and strive to build a better life for their people.
For people across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, development is not an abstract concept but concrete improvements, from a paved road to a new job. As nations come together for this common goal, the paths to development and modernization open up to more possibilities. The summit's outcomes and the shared vision articulated by leaders like Xi and Mabuza signal a continued commitment to inclusive growth and multilateral cooperation.
The implications of this gathering extend beyond the BRICS nations. For businesses and organizations in Long Beach and surrounding areas, the strengthened ties among emerging economies could open new avenues for trade, investment, and collaboration. As BRICS partners prioritize technology sharing and skill development, local companies may find opportunities to engage with these markets, fostering innovation and economic growth. Moreover, the emphasis on not leaving anybody behind aligns with broader efforts to promote sustainable and equitable development, a principle that resonates with communities worldwide.
The 2026 BRICS Summit reaffirms the importance of unity among emerging markets and developing countries. As these nations continue to explore paths to modernization, their collective efforts could reshape global economic dynamics, offering a model for inclusive governance that benefits all. For more information on the summit and related initiatives, visit the official BRICS website and the People's Daily coverage.
