Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the host of the summit and in charge of its opening, called on people to not remain “indifferent” to Israel's “genocide” in Gaza, said that postponing UN Security Council reform makes the world more dangerous every day, and criticized the increase in defense spending by the countries that make up the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Trump tariffs in the spotlight

The meeting began just three days before the deadline set by Trump to reach trade agreements with interested countries before a historic increase in tariffs to place products in the world's largest economy. In the specific case of the BRICS, Trump has also threatened to impose additional tariffs of 100% if emerging economies take measures that challenge the dollar's hegemony in international trade. If we don't find a new formula, we will end the 21st century as we began the 20th, said Lula da Silva.