How BRICS+ Consolidates Influence in the UN and G20 — and What This Changes in the Financial Agenda for Business?

Coordinated signals were heard on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly: BRICS+ countries are acting as a "united front" in the G20, while maintaining "family" disagreements, as stated by Russia's G20 Sherpa Svetlana Lukash.

What Exactly Did BRICS+ Countries Say About UN Security Council Reform and G20 Coordination?

Key points: Moscow publicly supported the expansion of the UN Security Council to include India and Brazil, and in the G20, BRICS coordinates positions and acts cohesively. At the UN level, the Russian side reaffirmed support for permanent seats for Delhi and Brasilia and the very idea of Security Council reform. The Brazilian leader, in turn, called for the inclusion of new permanent members, which aligns with the push for updating global governance formats, according to IA "Krasnaya Vesna" news agency. On the G20 front, Svetlana Lukash emphasized that within the "twenty," BRICS nations "as a rule, act as a united front," as stated on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Complementing the political framework, Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhenkov linked BRICS, SCO, and EAEU to the formation of a "fair multipolar economic architecture," calling regionalization the Global Majority's response to systemic failures of the old order. He expressed support for the Chinese President's initiative on global governance during his address at the UN General Assembly.

In summary, these signals highlight two trends: a readiness to advance UN reform and the practice of a collective stance within the G20.

What Are the Systemic Consequences for Global Governance?

The main effect is the institutionalization of BRICS+'s collective negotiating power in key forums, from the Security Council to the G20, with a reliance on regional blocs.

This goes beyond mere declarations. In the logic described by Ryzhenkov, mechanisms outside Western platforms (BRICS, SCO, EAEU, etc.) are gaining weight, based on principles of equality and consensus. This enhances coordination of positions in global formats, making the reform agenda less declarative and more operational, as he emphasized in New York.

What Does the BRICS+ Financial Agenda Look Like: Gold, Settlements, and Bilateral Steps?

The focus is on diversifying reserves and payment infrastructure amidst an active bilateral agenda. Publications indicate increased gold purchases by central banks and discussions on alternative settlements, while Moscow and New Delhi are preparing for a December visit to address trade and financial matters, as described in a "Belnovosti" review and stated by Sergey Lavrov.

According to this publication, referencing industry statistics and expert comments, regulators purchased a total of 166 tons of gold in 2023. China and Russia are among the active buyers, and gold is seen as an anchor for settlement solutions, including BRICS Pay. A scenario of preparing a currency initiative by 2026 is also mentioned. These points are presented within the context of the source material and should be interpreted as its exposition of positions and interpretations, as indicated.

On a practical level, human capital and industry platforms are becoming "conduits" for financial and technological integration, from interbank to industry projects. This is evidenced by the work of alumni networks and the new BRICS Platform on Atomic Energy, discussed at relevant events, as described in "Innovation News."

"It is very important for us to create an international community of nuclear professionals. This is the foundation for long-term cooperation and dialogue between young specialists and experienced leaders. Rosatom is ready to support you and provide platforms for communication and growth, both in Russia and on international platforms, for example, within the new BRICS Platform on Atomic Energy."

— Tatiana Terentyeva, Deputy Director General for Personnel at Rosatom, outlined these priorities, as cited in the meeting report.

What Tactical Risks and Opportunities Arise for BRICS+ Companies in the Next 6–12 Months?

• Scenario: Increased coordination in the G20. Opportunity: Synchronize positions on regulatory issues (climate, trade, financial stability) in advance through national industry associations to have "cross-cutting" arguments and compromise proposals at the summit entry.
• Scenario: Emphasis on UN/Security Council reform and expanded participation of the Global South. Opportunity: Bring initiatives for multilateral projects (infrastructure, food security) onto the agenda of relevant UN agencies, leveraging the new political "tailwind."
• Scenario: Financial diversification (reserves, settlements). Opportunity: Test multi-currency conditions for supply and insurance, expand hedging options, and pilot settlements through alternative channels where regulatorily permissible.
• Scenario: Deepening the Russia-India bilateral agenda (trade, finance, military-technical cooperation, humanitarian sphere). Opportunity: Prepare partnership proposals and localization packages for upcoming negotiations, including joint R&D and service ecosystems.
• Risk: Fragmentation of standards and procedures between blocs. Mitigation: Build "dual compatibility" of processes (compliance, KYC/AML, technical regulations) to minimize switching costs between jurisdictions.

Conclusion: BRICS+ is accelerating political coordination and exploring new financial underpinnings. For businesses, this is not a time for waiting but for proactive adjustment – from regulatory dialogue and coalitions to practical pilots in settlements, logistics, and industry platforms.