WANA (Sep 08) – The Iranian President stated that one of the greatest threats to justice and stability in the contemporary international order is the growing trend of unilateral measures and the instrumental use of sanctions, adding: these policies not only threaten the national interests of independent states, but also disrupt global cooperation and make sustainable development impossible; in such a context, BRICS can and must play a central and leading role in countering this worrying trend.

 

This afternoon, Monday, September 8, 2025, Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking at the extraordinary virtual summit of BRICS leaders on the current state of the world with a focus on the economic environment and the situation of the multilateral system, said: the recreation of the current world order requires serious reform in the structure of global governance — from revisiting the composition and function of the Security Council to reforming the international financial and monetary system.

 

The full text of the President’s speech at this meeting — which is the second extraordinary BRICS summit since its establishment, held at the suggestion of the President of Brazil as the rotating chair of this body, for the purpose of “examining the latest global developments with a focus on multilateralism, free trade, and the restrictions imposed on free trade by certain countries” — is as follows:

 

“In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

 

Mr. President,

Honorable Presidents,

Honorable Prime Ministers,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

It is an honor to speak at this critical moment in the summit of BRICS member states — an alliance that today represents not only the emerging and developing economies but also carries the banner of hope for building a fairer, more equal, and more prosperous world order.

 

Our world is passing through a challenging period. Growing pressures from coercive unilateral actions, the imposition of illegal sanctions, and widening social and economic divides have drawn an alarming picture of the current order. At the same time, geopolitical tensions and the escalating climate crisis have jeopardized not only economic growth but also the very foundations of international peace and security.

 

The disproportionate influence of a few states, unilateral actions, and the politicization of economic tools have not only eroded trust among nations but have severely weakened the effectiveness of global governance. These approaches, by creating trade barriers, raising transaction costs, and weakening global value chains, slow the path toward sustainable development.

 

Distinguished participants,

Multilateralism and free trade are two sides of the same coin. Without multilateral mechanisms, free trade becomes a tool serving major powers, and without access to a free trading system, multilateralism loses its meaning and function.

 

One of the greatest threats to justice and stability in the contemporary international order is the growing trend of unilateral measures and the instrumental use of sanctions and economic restrictions. These policies not only threaten the national interests of independent states, but also disrupt global cooperation and make sustainable development impossible.

 

In such a context, BRICS can and must play a central and leading role in countering this worrying trend. This dynamic and influential coalition, relying on diversity and solidarity, has the capacity to be a unified and powerful voice for defending national sovereignty, mutual respect, and the resolution of disputes through dialogue and multilateral cooperation.

 

Recent developments in the Middle East have once again laid bare the ineffectiveness of the existing system. The military aggression of the Israeli regime and the United States of America against the Islamic Republic of Iran in June 2025, the ongoing massacre of the oppressed and innocent people of Gaza and the blatant genocide in this strip, the killing of defenseless people in Lebanon and Yemen, and the unacceptable pressure and threats of the United States against Venezuela under various pretexts are clear evidence of the failure of the world order to guarantee peace, justice, and international security.

 

If the political will to uphold the UN Charter and the principles of the multilateral trading system is weakened, the risk of the world sliding toward economic and security instability will increase. These conditions warn us that we need multilateralism that is more inclusive, balanced, and effective than ever before.

 

This recreation requires serious reform in the structure of global governance — from revisiting the composition and function of the UN Security Council to reforming the international financial and monetary system. On this path, groups such as BRICS and other institutions of the Global South have a special responsibility to lead the transition toward a multipolar, democratic, and just order — one in which the voices of all nations, especially developing countries, are heard.

In order to fulfill this historic role, the Islamic Republic of Iran offers the following proposals:

 

1- Reform of the International Financial Structure:

BRICS must take the lead in a comprehensive reform of international financial institutions, including the IMF and the World Bank, so that these institutions reflect the realities of the global economy and provide greater support for infrastructure and development projects of emerging economies. Strengthening the role and resources of the New Development Bank is also a necessary step in this regard. It is proposed that BRICS member states, alongside reforming global financial structures, pay attention to creating independent payment systems. Such an approach can reduce the dominance and the potential for instrumental use of certain global currencies.

 

2- Promotion of Inclusive and Fair Multilateralism:

BRICS must help strengthen the UN and other international bodies so that the voices of developing countries are heard. Preventing the instrumental use of economic sanctions as a tool of political pressure is an urgent necessity to restore global trust in multilateralism. Cooperation between BRICS and other Global South institutions, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), can amplify the collective voice of the developing world.

 

3- Strengthening Cooperation for Global Public Goods:

Equal access to vaccines, medical technologies, and essential equipment — especially during crises — must be guaranteed for all countries. The creation of a joint BRICS platform for rapid response to pandemics and emergencies can facilitate coordination and mobilization of resources. This measure would enhance BRICS’ credibility as an ethical and responsible institution in the global system.

 

4- Establishment of a Joint Framework to Counter Unilateral Sanctions:

BRICS can design a joint support mechanism to protect members against illegal sanctions, enabling economies to continue on their path of growth and development free from unfair political pressures.

 

5- Expansion of Innovation and Sustainable Development:

BRICS must deepen cooperation for building resilient supply chains, expanding the green and digital economy, and promoting technological innovations. The creation of a joint fund for research and development of environmentally friendly technologies can accelerate the transition to energy independence and sustainable development. BRICS must defend the legitimate right of developing states to exploit their natural resources.

 

Climate policies must not become a new tool of pressure against energy-producing countries. We need a balanced model that promotes both energy security and sustainable development. It is necessary for BRICS to establish a joint innovation center in fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, medical technologies, and space industries. Such a center would ensure equal access to knowledge and technology and prevent the monopolization of these fields by certain powers.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Iran once again reaffirms its commitment to constructive and active cooperation with all BRICS members in pursuit of these objectives. We believe that effectively countering unilateralism and deepening cooperation within the BRICS framework will benefit not only the members of this coalition but the entire international community.

 

Allow me to conclude by emphasizing that strengthening multilateralism, reviving the free trading system, and adhering to the principles of sustainable development are not only the tools we have to manage today’s crises but also the guarantees for building a better world for future generations. BRICS can serve as a model for strengthening and advancing this approach.

 

Thank you for your attention.”