On October 25, 2023, Xinhua News Agency reported from Kazan, Russia, entitled: “As the Winds of Our Era Grow Stronger, We Must Stand Firm at the Forefront.”

This piece captures President Xi Jinping’s visit to Kazan for the 16th BRICS leaders’ summit. The story starts with President Xi’s journey from Beijing, highlighting the over 5,000 kilometers he traveled, crossing five time zones, to arrive at Kazan International Airport. Stepping out into the midday sun, he was greeted by a vibrant scene of oranges and greens—a welcome sight on his tenth visit to Russia, marking his first trip to the historic city of Kazan.

From October 22 to 24, the 16th BRICS summit marked the first in-person meeting of the enlarged BRICS family. This gathering initiated a new chapter in diplomatic relations among the member states. Over the course of less than 48 hours, President Xi participated in numerous bilateral and multilateral discussions, emphasizing that “every step of his visit was closely watched by the international media.”

During the summit, leaders held a series of focused discussions on the future of BRICS cooperation, aiming to strengthen unity among the Global South, foster sustainable development, and jointly draft a visionary roadmap for collective growth. In this turbulent era, the summit aimed to harness positive energy for peace and development.

“BRICS nations unite based on common aspirations and in line with the global trend towards peace and development. We must seize this summit as an opportunity to maintain BRICS momentum, plan for strategic direction, and bolster our collective reinvigoration,” President Xi stated.

The summit transformed Kazan into a symbol of collaboration among emerging markets and developing nations, ushering in a new era of partnership.

President Xi articulated a vision for collaboration that put emphasis on “Peaceful BRICS,” positioning member nations as defenders of common security; “Innovative BRICS,” advocating for high-quality development; “Green BRICS,” promoting sustainable practices; “Fair BRICS,” leading reforms in global governance; and “Cultural BRICS,” fostering coexistence among civilizations. These five proposals reflect a commitment to long-term goals, emphasizing peaceful cooperation and development.

Moreover, concrete plans were introduced, ranging from establishing international research centers on deep-sea resources to launching development initiatives in education and industry. The summit was described as a reflection of a proactive partnership focused on shaping a sustainable future.

“BRICS is not a mere discussion circle, but a pragmatic force for action,” President Xi noted, underscoring China’s role as a leader in this collaborative effort. Leaders from other BRICS nations expressed strong support for the initiatives presented, confirming the significance of China’s contributions for collective development.

Amidst the changes in the global landscape, the summit allowed leaders to address both challenges and opportunities. President Xi emphasized that the evolving world demands collaborative efforts, particularly among developing nations who face the uncertainties of modernization.

As the summit concluded, the ambiance of Kazan transformed into a celebration of camaraderie, with various cultural performances drawing together the diverse nations of the BRICS community. President Xi’s speech resonated with a call for unity and action as the world navigates through tumultuous times, urging member states to work together more closely than ever.

In essence, the Kazan summit encapsulated a pivotal moment in the journey of BRICS as it seeks to assert its influence in the international arena and faithfully represent the interests of the Global South through mutual cooperation and solidarity.