IBSA nations advocate multilateral reforms

Multilateral reform and counter-terrorism

India, Brazil, and South Africa (IBSA) are reaffirming their commitment to a reformed multilateral system and planning to strengthen their trilateral partnership. Fresh from their success at the G20 summit, the three nations have expressed their intent to infuse more substance into their collaboration. They have agreed to hold a dedicated IBSA meeting in Brazil in early 2024.

In their joint communique, the countries emphasized their dedication to key principles, including reformed multilateralism, participatory democracy, human rights, and international law. They view themselves as bridges between developed and developing nations and are committed to promoting South-South Cooperation, exemplified by the IBSA fund supporting projects in 37 countries.

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IBSA underlined the urgency of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform, expressing frustration with the slow progress and calling for concrete outcomes within a fixed timeframe. They also supported India's claim for a UNSC seat. The group aims to deepen counter-terrorism cooperation, emphasizing the UNSC's authority in imposing sanctions. They called for UN Security Council Sanctions Committees' reform to enhance effectiveness, responsiveness, and transparency.

Sustainable development and trade

IBSA members stressed the importance of fully implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and supporting climate agreements like the Paris Agreement. They regretted that developed countries haven't met the goal of providing $100 billion annually. Regarding debt vulnerabilities, they called for resolution and highlighted the significance of a rules-based multilateral trading system.

Starting from December 1, 2023, the three IBSA nations will form the G20 troika, with India taking the presidency in 2023, followed by Brazil in 2024 and South Africa in 2025. They see this opportunity as valuable for integrating a developmental perspective into the G20 agenda and amplifying the Global South's voice.

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