Global Confidence Soars as BRICS Backs India’s COP 33 Bid

The 17th BRICS Summit, held in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, concluded with a resounding declaration that has sent ripples of optimism across the global climate action landscape. In a powerful display of multilateral cooperation, the BRICS nations have officially welcomed India’s candidacy to host the 33rd Conference of the Parties (COP 33) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2028. This endorsement marks a significant milestone, underscoring the growing faith in India’s leadership and commitment to addressing the pressing challenges of climate change.

BRICS Unites for Climate Action: A Strong India COP 33 Bid Foundation

The joint declaration, a testament to the collective resolve of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, reiterated a steadfast commitment to upholding multilateralism as essential to overcoming global threats like climate change. The leaders emphasized their unwavering pursuit of the purpose and goals of the Paris Agreement and the objectives of the UNFCCC. They called upon all countries to honor existing commitments as Parties to the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, urging a sustained and scaled-up effort in combating climate change.

This collective resolve provides a robust backdrop for India’s COP 33 Bid. The declaration further reaffirmed the nations’ dedication to tackling climate change by strengthening the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement. This includes provisions related to mitigation, adaptation, and the critical provision of implementation means to developing countries, all while reflecting equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, mindful of diverse national circumstances. Such principles are central to a successful India COP 33 Bid and indeed, to global climate progress.

Supporting Global Climate Leadership: Beyond the India COP 33 Bid

Beyond expressing support for India’s COP 33 Bid, the BRICS leaders also extended their full backing to the Presidency of the UNFCCC COP-30, slated to take place in Belem, Brazil. This highlights the importance of concerted action and cooperation across all pillars of the UNFCCC, recognizing each country’s membership and commitments. The nations underscored their full commitment to ensuring a successful COP30 that will catalyze progress in implementing the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement, setting the stage for future conferences like the one envisioned by India’s COP 33 Bid.

The BRICS declaration went on to advocate for a strengthened global response to climate change within the broader context of sustainable development and poverty eradication. In a significant move, they endorsed the BRICS Climate Leadership Agenda. This agenda serves as a powerful statement of their collective determination to exercise leadership through mutual empowerment, advancing solutions that not only support BRICS’ own development needs and priorities but also accelerate action and enhance cooperation towards the full implementation of the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement. This outcome, they stressed, vividly demonstrates how multilateralism and Global South cooperation can effectively shape more inclusive and sustainable governance for a better future, a future where an India COP 33 Bid can truly thrive.

Preserving Natural Capital: A Key Component of the India COP 33 Bid Vision

The BRICS nations also underscored the critical role of all types of forests, including tropical forests, in conserving biodiversity, preserving water basins and soils, and providing valuable timber and non-timber forest products. These ecosystems are vital for economic sectors, regulating hydrological cycles, combating desertification, and serving as essential carbon sinks.

In a move aligning with global conservation efforts, the leaders took note of the “United for Our Forests” initiative, which actively promotes the conservation, sustainable management, and restoration of these crucial tropical ecosystems. Furthermore, while appreciating the efforts of member countries to preserve rare species and acknowledging the high vulnerability of big cats, they specifically noted the Republic of India’s initiative to create an International Big Cats Alliance. This initiative encourages BRICS countries to collaborate on the conservation of big cats, showcasing India’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship, which will undoubtedly bolster the impact of an India COP 33 Bid.

Reforming Global Governance for Equitable Climate Action

A pivotal point within the joint declaration was the emphasis on the urgent need to reform the governance of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The BRICS leaders called for reforms to ensure more balanced and equitable representation for developing countries, aligning with the immense value of natural capital these nations uphold.

They also expressed strong support for the simplification of procedures and the facilitation of access to resources, advocating for the increased participation of those directly involved in the conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems. This includes Indigenous peoples and local communities, with mechanisms for improved voice and vote, and equitable access to decision-making by developing countries. Such reforms are crucial to fostering an inclusive global climate framework, an environment conducive to the success of an India COP 33 Bid and its broader goals.

Leadership Handover: A Continuous BRICS Journey

The summit concluded with a commendation for Brazil’s BRICS Chairship in 2025, with gratitude extended to the government and people of Brazil for successfully hosting the XVII BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Looking ahead, the leaders expressed full support for India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026 and the subsequent hosting of the 18th BRICS Summit in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside other distinguished leaders, actively participated in the 17th BRICS Summit. Brazil assumed its BRICS Chairship on January 1, 2025, operating under the theme ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.’ As India prepares to take on the mantle of leadership in 2026 and eventually host COP 33 in 2028, the world watches with keen interest, anticipating significant strides in global climate action under its guidance. The BRICS declaration’s welcome of the India COP 33 Bid is not just an endorsement, but a collective hope for a more sustainable future.