In a historic moment, President Samia Suluhu of the United Republic of Tanzania addressed the BRICS summit on August 24, 2023, marking her as the first Tanzanian President to participate in such a platform. The summit, hosted by South Africa, the current chair of BRICS, has gathered the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to discuss pertinent global issues.

President Suluhu commenced her address with gratitude for the opportunity to speak and conveyed her appreciation to the founding members of BRICS for sustaining the organisation’s vitality since its inception in 2009.

She highlighted that the world’s challenges, which led to the establishment of BRICS, have grown more complex. Against this backdrop, President Suluhu emphasised the significance of dialogues like BRICS in candidly addressing the profound issues affecting our global community.

President Suluhu expressed her positive confidence in BRICS, noting its sincere commitment to combating shared challenges nations face and resolving common concerns worldwide.

Furthermore, she stressed the imperative for global efforts to bridge the North-South divide, advocating for enhanced trade cooperation and strategic investments that prioritise fairness and equality.

President Suluhu lauded BRICS for introducing a system that aims to rectify global trade inequalities, addressing a persistent problem that had long lacked a comprehensive solution.

Advocating for continental collaboration, President Suluhu urged BRICS to create opportunities in Africa aligned with the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Tanzania perceives BRICS as a partner in advancing African development, fostering regional progress, and facilitating market access for African goods on the international stage. She added.

President Samia Suluhu underscored the enduring relevance of multilateralism in tackling global geopolitical challenges. She reaffirmed the value of the United Nations and urged BRICS to continue reinforcing this international framework. She highlighted the necessity of reforming the UN Security Council to ensure a more representative, effective, and current geopolitical structure.

Concluding her eloquent address, President Suluhu expressed gratitude to South Africa for hosting the summit and commended BRICS for its commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation and supporting African developmental agendas. She emphasized Tanzania’s alignment with BRICS in safeguarding African development priorities and mutual interests.

President Samia Suluhu’s address at the BRICS summit resonated with the spirit of international cooperation and progress, shedding light on the pressing issues facing our world and the collaborative efforts required for their resolution. As the summit unfolds, the global community watches with anticipation for the outcomes that will shape the future trajectory of international cooperation and development.