Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Prime Minister's Office
16-October-2016 18:56 IST
Goa Declaration at 8th BRICS Summit
Goa Declaration at 8th BRICS
Summit
- We, the Leaders of the Federative Republic
of Brazil, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India, the People's
Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa, met on 15-16 October
2016 in Goa, India, at the Eighth BRICS Summit, which was held under the
theme "Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions.”
- Recalling all our previous declarations,
we emphasise the importance of further strengthening BRICS solidarity and
cooperation based on our common interests and key priorities to further
strengthen our strategic partnership in the spirit ofopenness,
solidarity,equality, mutual understanding, inclusiveness and mutually
beneficial cooperation. We agree that emerging challenges to global peace and
security and to sustainable development require further enhancing of our
collective efforts.
- We agree that BRICS countries represent an
influential voice on the global stage through our tangible cooperation,
which delivers direct benefits to our people. In this context, we note
with satisfaction the operationalisation of the New Development Bank (NDB)
and of the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), which contributes greatly
to the global economy and the strengthening of the international financial
architecture. We welcome the report presented by NDB President on the work
of the Bank during the first year of its operations. We are pleased to
note the progress in operationalising the Africa Regional Centre (ARC) of
the NDB and pledge our full support in this regard. We look forward to
developing new BRICS initiatives in a wider range of areas in the years to
come.
- We note with appreciation the approval of
the first set of loans by the New Development Bank (NDB), particularly in
the renewable energy projects in BRICS countries. We express satisfaction
with NDB's issuance of the first set of green bonds in RMB. We are pleased
to note that the operationalisation of BRICS Contingent Reserve
Arrangements (CRA) has strengthened the global financial safety net.
- In order to reach out and enrich our
understanding and engagement with fellow developingand emerging economies,
we will hold an OutreachSummit of BRICS Leaders with the Leaders of
BIMSTEC member countries - Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical
and Economic Cooperation comprising of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar,
Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The meeting will be an opportunity to renew
our friendship with BIMSTEC countries as well as to jointly explore
possibilities of expanding trade and commercial ties,and investment
cooperation between BRICS and BIMSTEC countries,while advancing our common
goals of peace, development, democracy and prosperity.
- We reiterate our common vision of ongoing
profound shifts in the world as it transitions to a more just, democratic,
and multi-polar international order based on the central role of the
United Nations, and respect for international law. We reaffirm the need
for strengthening coordination of efforts on global issues and practical
cooperation in the spirit of solidarity, mutual understanding and trust.
We underline the importance of collective efforts in solving international
problems, and for peaceful settlement of disputes through political and
diplomatic means, and in this regard, we reiterate our commitment to the
principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
- We note the global character of current
security challenges and threats confronting the international community.
We reiterate our view that international efforts to address these challenges,
the establishment ofsustainable peace as well as the transition to a more
just, equitable and democratic multi-polar international order requires a
comprehensive, concerted and determined approach, based on spirit of
solidarity, mutual trust and benefit, equity and cooperation, strong
commitment to international law and the central role of the United Nations
as the universal multilateral organisation entrusted with the mandate for
maintaining international peace and security, advance global development
and to promote and protect human rights. We underline the importance of
further strengthening coordination of our efforts in this context.
- We reaffirm our commitment to contribute
to safeguarding a fair and equitable international order based on the purposes
and principles of the Charter of the United Nations including through
consistent and universal respect and adherence to the principles and rules
of international law in their inter-relation and integrity, compliance by
all states with their international legal obligations.We express our
commitment to resolutely reject the continued attempts to misrepresent the
results of World War II. We recall further that development and security
are closely interlinked, mutually reinforcing and key to attaining sustainable
peace.
- We remain confident that resolving
international problems require collective efforts for peaceful settlement
of disputes through political and diplomatic means. Implementation of
principles of good-faith, sovereign equality of States, non-intervention
in the internal affairs of States and cooperation excludes imposition of
unilateral coercive measures not based on international law. We condemn
unilateral military interventions and economic sanctions in violation of
international law and universally recognised norms of international
relations. Bearing this in mind, we emphasise the unique importance of the
indivisible nature of security, and that no State should strengthen its
security at the expense of the security of others.
- We recall the 2005 World Summit Outcome
document. We reaffirm the need for a comprehensive reform of the UN,
including its Security Council, with a view to making it more
representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the
representation of the developing countriesso that it can adequately
respond to global challenges. China and Russia reiterate the importance
they attach to the status and role of Brazil, India and South Africa in
international affairs and support their aspiration to play a greater role
in the UN.
- We welcome the substantive measures
undertaken by the UN membership to make the process of selecting and
appointing the UN Secretary-General more transparent and inclusive.
- We expressour gratitude to UN
Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon for his contributions to the United
Nations in the past ten years. We congratulate Mr. AntónioGuterres, on his
appointment as the Secretary-General of the United Nations andexpress
oursupport and to work closely with him.
- Cognizant of BRICS countries’ significant
contributions to UN Peacekeeping operations, and recognising the important
role of UN Peacekeeping operations in safeguarding international peace and
security, we realise the challenges faced by UN Peacekeeping and emphasise
the need to further strengthen its role, capacity, effectiveness,
accountability and efficiency, while adhering to the basic principles of
peacekeeping. We emphasise that UN Peacekeeping operations should perform
the duty of protection of civilians in strict accordance with their
respective mandates and in respect of the primary responsibility of the
host countries in this regard.
- We are deeply concerned about the
situation in the Middle East and North Africa. We support all effortsfor
finding ways to the settlement of the crises in accordance with
international law and in conformity with the principles of independence,
territorial integrity and sovereignty of the countries of the region. On
Syria, we call upon all parties involved to work for a comprehensive and
peaceful resolution of the conflict taking into account the legitimate
aspirations of the people of Syria,through inclusive national dialogue and
a Syrian-led political process based on Geneva Communiqué of 30 June 2012
and in pursuance of the UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and 2268 for
their full implementation.While continuing the relentless pursuit against
terrorist groups so designated by the UN Security Councilincluding ISIL,
Jabhat al-Nusra and other terrorist organisations designated by the UN
Security Council.
- We reiterate also the necessity to
implement the two-state solution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on
the basis of the relevant UNSC resolutions, the Madrid Principles and Arab
Peace Initiative, and previous agreements between the two sides,through
negotiations aimed at creating an independent, viable, territorially
contiguous Palestinian State livingside-by-side in peace with Israel,
withinsecure, mutually agreed and internationally recognised borders on
the basis of 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as envisaged
in the relevant UN Resolutions.
- We express deep concern at the persisting
security challenges in Afghanistan and significant increase in terrorist
activities in Afghanistan. We affirm support to the efforts of the Afghan
Government to achieve Afghan-led and Afghan-owned national reconciliation
and combat terrorism, and readiness for constructive cooperation in order
to facilitate security in Afghanistan, promote its independent political
and economic course, becoming free from terrorism and drug trafficking.
The Leaders expressed the view that capable and effective Afghan National
Security Forces (ANSF) should be the key to the stabilisation of
Afghanistan. In this regard, the Leaders emphasised the need for continued
commitment of regional countries and wider international community,
including the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission, which as the ISAF’s heir
has a key role in the ANSF capacity-building. The Leaders stressed the
importance of multilateral region-led interaction on Afghan issues,
primarily by those organisations, which consist of Afghanistan’s
neighbouring countries and other regional states, such as the Shanghai
Cooperation Organisation, Collective Security Treaty Organization, and the
Heart of Asia Conference.
- We welcome the African Union’s (AU)
vision, aspirations, goals and priorities for Africa’s development
enshrined in Agenda 2063, which is complementary with the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development. We reaffirm our support for Africa’s
implementation of its variousprogrammesin pursuit of its continental
agenda for peace and socio economic development. We will continue to
engage in joint endeavours to advance Africa's solidarity, unity and
strength through support measures for regional integration and sustainable
development.We further welcome recent elections that have been held in the
continent and the peaceful manner in which they were conducted.
- We support the AU’s efforts to resolving
conflictsthrough its peace and security architecture, in collaboration
with the United Nations and the continent’s regional organisations, and to
contribute towards lasting and sustainable peace and security in
Africa.
- We welcome the decision of the African
Union’s Assembly to operationalise its Peace Fund, in order to contribute
to financing of its peace and security operations. We support efforts
aimed at full operationalisation of the African Standby Force (ASF) and
note the progress being made in this regard, including the contributions
by the African Capacity for Immediate Responses to Crises (ACIRC).
- We express our concern that political and
security instability continues to loom in a number of countriesthat is
exacerbated by terrorism and extremism.We call upon the international
community through the United Nations, African Union and regional and
international partners to continue their support in addressing these
challenges, including post-conflict reconstruction and development
efforts.
- We welcome the adoption of landmark 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals
during the UN Summit on Sustainable Development on 25 September 2015 and
the Addis Ababa Action Agenda at the Third International Conference on
Financing for Development. We welcome the people-centred and holistic
approach to sustainable development enshrined in the 2030 Agenda and its
emphasis on equality, equity and quality-life to all. We welcome the
reaffirmation of the guiding principles of the implementation of the 2030
Agenda, including the principle of Common But Differentiated
Responsibilities (CBDR).
- The 2030 Agenda, with its overarching
focus on povertyeradication, lays an equal and balanced emphasis on the
economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.
We call upon developed countries to honour their Official Development
Assistancecommitments to achieve 0.7% of Gross National Income commitment
for Official Development Assistance to developing countries. Those
commitments play a crucial role in the implementation of the SDGs. We
further welcome the establishment of a Technology Facilitation Mechanism
within the UN with a mandate to facilitate technology for the
implementation of the SDGs.
- We commit to lead by example in the
implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development inline with national
circumstances and development context respecting the national policy
space. We welcome the G20 Action Plan on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Developmentadopted during G20 Hangzhou Summit and commit to its
implementation by taking bold transformative steps through both collective
and individual concreteactions.
- We meet at a time when the global economic
recovery is progressing, with improved resilience and emergence of new
sources of growth.The growth, though is weaker than expected with downside
risks to the global economy continuing to persist.This gets reflected in a
variety of challenges including commodity price volatility, weak trade,
high private and public indebtedness, inequality and lack of inclusiveness
of economic growth. Meanwhile, the benefits from growth need to be
sharedbroadly in an inclusive manner.Geopolitical conflicts, terrorism,
refugee flows, illicit financial flows and the outcome of UK referendum
have further added to the uncertainty in the global economy.
- We reiterate our determination to use all
policy tools – monetary, fiscal, and structural, individually and
collectively, to achieve the goal of strong, sustainable, balanced and
inclusive growth. Monetary policy will continue to support economic
activity and ensure price stability, consistent with central bank’s
mandates. Monetary policy alone, though, cannot lead to balanced and
sustainablegrowth. We, in this regard, underscore the essential role of
structural reforms.We emphasise that our fiscal policies are equally important
to support our common growth objectives. We also take note that the
spill-over effects ofcertain policy measures in some systemically
important advanced economies can have adverse impact on growth prospects
of emerging economies.
- We recognise that innovation is a key
driver for mid and long term growth and sustainable development. We stress
the importance of industrialisation and measures that promote industrial
development as a core pillar of structural transformation.
- We highlight the need to use tax policy
and public expenditure in a more growth-friendly way taking into account
fiscal space available, that promotesinclusiveness, maintains resilience
and ensuressustainability of debt as a share of GDP.
- We note the dynamic integration processes
across the regions of the world, particularly in Asia, Africa and South
America.We affirm our belief to promote growth in the context of regional
integration on the basis of principles of equality, openness and
inclusiveness. We further believe that this will promote economic
expansion through enhanced trade,commercial and investmentlinkages.
- We highlight the importance of public and
private investments in infrastructure, including connectivity,to ensure
sustained long-term growth. We, in this regard, call for approaches to
bridge the financing gap in infrastructure including through enhanced
involvement of Multilateral Development Banks.
- We reaffirm our commitment to a strong,
quota based and adequately resourced IMF. Borrowed resources by the IMF
should be on a temporary basis. We remain strongly committed to support
the coordinated effort by the emerging economies to ensure that the
Fifteenth General Review of Quotas, including the new quota formula, will
be finalised within the agreed timelines so as to ensure that the
increased voice of the dynamic emerging and developing economies reflects
their relative contributions to the world economy, while protecting the
voices of least developed countries (LDCs), poor countries and regions.
- We welcome the inclusion of the RMB into
the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) currency basket on 1October, 2016.
- We call for the advanced European
economies to meet their commitment to cede two chairs on the Executive
Board of the IMF. The reform of the IMF should strengthen the voice and
representation of the poorest members of the IMF, including Sub-Saharan
Africa.
- We share concerns regarding the challenges
of sovereign debt restructurings, and note that timely and successful debt
restructuring is key for ensuring access to international capital markets,
and hence economic growth, for countries with high debt levels. We welcome
the current discussions to improve the debt restructuring process,and on
the revised collective action clauses (CACs).
- We reiterate our support for the
multilateral trading system and the centrality of the WTO as the
cornerstone of a rule based, open, transparent, non-discriminatory and
inclusive multilateral trading system with development at the core ofits
agenda. We note the increasing number ofbilateral, regional, and
plurilateral trade agreements, and reiterate that these should be
complementary to the multilateral trading system and encourage the parties
thereon to align their work in consolidating the multilateral trading system
under the WTO in accordance with the principles of transparency,
inclusiveness, and compatibility with the WTO rules.
- We emphasise the importance of
implementing the decisions taken at the Bali and Nairobi Ministerial
Conferences. We stress the need to advance negotiations on the remaining
Doha Development Agenda (DDA) issues as a matter of priority. We call on
all WTO members to work together to ensure a strong development oriented
outcome for MC11 and beyond.
- We appreciate the progress in the implementation
of the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership and emphasise the
importance of the BRICS Roadmap for Trade, Economic and Investment
Cooperation until 2020. We believe that close cooperation between the
sectoral cooperation mechanisms, BRICS Contact Group on Economic and Trade
Issues, the BRICS Business Council, New Development Bank and the BRICS
Interbank cooperation mechanism is crucial in strengthening the BRICS
economic partnership. We welcome, in this context, the continued
realisation of the major BRICS economic initiatives such as enhanced
cooperation in e-commerce, "single window”, IPR cooperation, trade
promotionand micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).We recognise
non-tariff measures (NTMs),services sector, and standardisation and conformity
assessments as possible areas of future cooperation.We note in this
context the meeting of BRICS Trade Ministers in New Delhi on 13 October
2016 and welcome its substantive outcomes.
- In operationalising the Strategy for BRICS
Economic Partnership, we encourage measures that support greater
participation, value addition and upward mobility in Global Value Chains
of our firms including through the preservation of policy space to promote
industrial development.
- We welcome India's initiative to host the
first BRICS Trade Fair in New Delhi. This is an important step towards the
implementation of Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership. We believethis
will further consolidate trade and commercial partnership among BRICS
countries. We welcome the deliberations and outcome of the meeting of
BRICS Trade Ministers held on 13October 2016 in New Delhi.
- We noted the Annual Report by the BRICS
Business Council, including the various initiatives undertaken by its
Working Groups. We further direct the Council to accelerate the
development and realisation of joint projects which, on a mutually
beneficial basis, contribute to the economic objectives of BRICS.
- We agreed that MSMEs provide major
employment opportunities, at comparatively lower capital cost, and create
self-employment opportunities in rural and underdeveloped areas. MSMEs
thus help assure equitable wealth distribution nationally and globally. We
commend organisation of BRICSsecond round-table on MSMEs by India with a
focus on technical and business alliances in MSMEs Sector. We agree to
work for greater integration of MSMEs in Regional and Global Value
Chains.
- We commend China for the successful
hosting of the 11th G20 Leaders’ Summit in Hangzhou and its focus on
innovation, structural reform and development as drivers of medium and
long term economic growth. We recognise the role of G20 as the premier
forum for international and financial cooperation and emphasise the
importance of the implementationof the outcomes of G20 Hangzhou Summit,
that we believe will foster strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive
growth and will contribute to improved global economic governance and
enhance the role of developing countries.
- We stress the importance to foster an
innovative, invigorated, interconnected and inclusive world economy.We
will enhance our consultations and coordinationon the G20 agenda,
especially on issues of mutual interest to the BRICS countries, and
promote issues of importance for the Emerging Market and Developing
Economies (EMDEs). We will continue to work closely with all G20 membersto
strengthen macroeconomic cooperation, promote innovation, as well as
robust and sustainable trade and investment to propel global
growth,improve global economic governance,enhance the role of developing
countries,strengthen international financial architecture,support for
industrialisation in Africa and least developed countries and enhance
cooperation on energy access and efficiency. We stress the need for
enhanced international cooperation to address illicit cross-border
financial flows, tax evasion and trade mis-invoicing.
- The role of BRICS and its collaborative
efforts in the field of economic and financial co-operation are yielding
positive results. We emphasise the importance of our cooperation in order
to help stabilise the global economy and to resume growth.
- We welcome experts exploring the
possibility of setting up an independent BRICS Rating Agency based on
market-oriented principles, in order to further strengthen the global
governance architecture.
- We welcome the reports of BRICS Think
Tanks Council and BRICS Academic Forum that have emerged as valuable
platforms for our experts to exchange views. They have submitted their
valuable suggestions with regard to promoting market research and analysis
in BRICS and developing countries and exploring possibilities of carrying
this process forward.We believe that BRICS institution-building is
critical to our shared vision of transforming the global financial
architecture to one based on the principles of fairness and equity.
- We emphasise the importance of enhancing
intra-BRICS cooperation in the industrial sector, including through the
BRICS Industry Ministers Meetings, in order to contribute to the
accelerated and sustainable economic growth, the strengthening of
comprehensive industrial ties, the promotion of innovation as well as job
creation, and improvement of the quality of life of people in BRICS
countries.
- We congratulate the United Nations
Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) for the 50th anniversary of
its foundation and recall its unique mandate to promote and accelerate
inclusive and sustainable industrial development and its contribution in
promoting industrialisation in Africa. We note, in this context, the
progress achieved so far in the establishment of the UNIDO-BRICS
Technology Platform.
- We commend our Customs administrations on
the establishment of the Customs Cooperation Committee of BRICS,and on
exploring means of further enhancing collaboration in the future,
including those aimed at creating legal basis for customs cooperation and
facilitating procedures of customs control. We note the signing of the
Regulations on Customs Cooperation Committee of the BRICS in line with the
undertaking in the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership to strengthen
interaction among Customs Administrations.
- We recall the Fortaleza Declaration
wherein we recognised the potential for BRICS insurance and reinsurance
markets to pool capacities and had directed our relevant authorities to
explore avenues for cooperation in this regard. We would like this work to
be expedited.
- We reaffirm our commitment towards a
globally fair and modern tax systemand welcome the progress made on
effective and widespread implementation of the internationally agreed
standards. We support the implementation of the Base Erosion andProfit
Shifting Project (BEPS) with due regard to the national realities of the
countries.We encourage countries and International Organisations to assist
developing economies in building their tax capacity.
- We note that aggressive tax planning and
tax practices hurt equitable development and economic growth. Base Erosion
and Profit Shiftingmust be effectively tackled. We affirm that profit
should be taxed in the jurisdiction where the economic activity is
performedand the value is created. We reaffirm our commitment to support
international cooperation in this regard, including in the Common
Reporting Standard for Automatic Exchange of Tax Information (AEOI).
- We note the ongoing discussions on international
taxation matters. In this regard, we recall the Addis Ababa Action Agenda
on Financing for Development including its emphasis on inclusive
cooperation and dialogue among national tax authorities on international
tax matters with increased participation of developing countries and
reflecting adequate, equitable, geographical distribution, representing
different tax systems.
- We support the strengthening of
international cooperation against corruption, including through the BRICS
Anti-Corruption Working Group, as well as on matters related to asset
recovery and persons sought for corruption. We acknowledge that corruption
includingillicit money and financial flows, and ill-gotten wealth stashed
in foreign jurisdictions is a global challenge which mayimpact negatively
on economic growth and sustainable development. We will strive to
coordinate our approach in this regard and encourage a stronger global
commitment to prevent and combat corruptionon the basis of the United
Nations Convention against Corruption and other relevant international
legal instruments.
- We recognise that nuclear energy will play
a significant role for some of the BRICS countries in meeting their 2015
Paris Climate Change Agreement commitments and for reducing global
greenhouse gas emissions in the long term. In this regard, we underline
the importance of predictability in accessing technology and finance for
expansion of civil nuclear energy capacity which would contribute to the
sustainable development of BRICS countries.
- We reiterate that outer space shall be
free for peaceful exploration and use by all States on the basis of
equality in accordance with international law.Reaffirming that outer space
shall remain free from any kind of weapons or any use of force, we stress that
negotiations for the conclusion of an international agreement or
agreements to prevent an arms race in outer space are a priority task of
the United Nations Conference on Disarmament, and support the efforts to
start substantive work, inter alia, based on the updated draft treaty on
the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer space and of the
threat or use of force against outer space objects submitted by China and
Russian Federation.We also note an international initiative for a
political obligation onthe no first placement of weapons in outer
space.
- Priority should be accorded to ensuring
the long-term sustainability of outer space activities, as well as ways
and means of preserving outer space for future generations. We note that
this is an important objective on the current agenda of the UN Committee
on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS). In this respect, we
welcome the recentdecision by the UNCOPUOS Scientific and Technical
Sub-Committee Working Group on Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space
Activities to conclude negotiations and achieve consensus on the full set
of guidelines for the long term sustainability of outer space activities
by 2018to coincide with the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the
first United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of
Outer Space (UNISPACE + 50).
- We strongly condemn the recent several
attacks, against some BRICS countries, including that in India.We strongly
condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed that
there can be no justification whatsoever for any acts of terrorism,
whether based upon ideological, religious, political, racial, ethnic or
any other reasons. We agreed to strengthen cooperation in combating
international terrorism both at the bilateral level and at international
fora.
- To address the threat of chemical and
biological terrorism, we support and emphasise the need for launching
multilateral negotiations on an international convention for the
suppression of acts of chemical and biological terrorism, including at the
Conference on Disarmament.In this context, we welcome India’s offer to
host a Conference in 2018 aimed at strengthening international resolve in
facing the challenge of the WMD-Terrorism nexus.
- We call upon all nations to adopt a
comprehensive approach in combating terrorism, which should include
countering violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism,
radicalisation, recruitment, movement of terrorists including Foreign
Terrorist Fighters, blocking sources of financing terrorism, including
through organised crime by means of money-laundering, drug trafficking,
criminal activities, dismantling terrorist bases, and countering misuse of
the Internet including social media by terror entities through misuse of
the latest Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).Successfully
combating terrorism requires a holistic approach. All counter-terrorism
measures should uphold international law and respect human rights.
- We acknowledge the recent meeting of the
BRICS High Representatives on National Securityand, in this context,
welcome the setting up and the first meeting of the BRICS Joint Working
Group on Counter-Terrorism on 14September 2016 in New Delhi. We believe it
will further promote dialogue and understanding among BRICS nations on
issues of counter terrorism, as well ascoordinate efforts to address the
scourge of terrorism.
- We acknowledge that international
terrorism, especially the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also
known as Daesh) and affiliated terrorist groups and individuals,
constitute a global and unprecedented threat to international peace and
security. Stressing UN’s central role in coordinating multilateral
approaches against terrorism, we urge all nations to undertake effective
implementation of relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, and reaffirm
our commitment on increasing the effectiveness of the UN counter terrorism
framework.We call upon all nations to work together to expedite the
adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT)
in the UN General Assembly without any further delay. We recall the
responsibility of all States to prevent terrorist actions from their
territories.
- We reaffirm our commitment to the FATF
International Standards on Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of
Terrorism and Proliferation and call for swift, effective and universal
implementation of FATF Consolidated Strategy on Combating Terrorist
Financing, including effective implementation of its operational plan. We
seek to intensify our cooperation in FATF and FATF-style regional bodies
(FSRBs).
- We welcome the outcome document of the
Special session of the General Assembly on the world drug problem, held in
New York from 19-21 April 2016. We call for strengthening of international
and regional cooperation and coordination to counter the global threat
caused by the illicit production and trafficking of drugs,
especiallyopiates. We note with deep concern the increasing links between
drug trafficking and terrorism, money laundering and organised crime. We
commend the cooperation between BRICS drug control agencies and welcome
the deliberations in second Anti-Drug Working Group Meeting held in New
Delhi on 8 July 2016.
- We reaffirm that ICT expansion is a key
enabler for sustainable development, for international peace and security
and for human rights. We agree to strengthen joint efforts to enhance
security in the use of ICTs, combating the use of ICTs for criminal and
terrorist purposes and improving cooperation between our technical, law
enforcement, R&D and innovation in the field of ICTs and capacity
building institutions. We affirm our commitment to bridging digital and
technological divides, in particular between developed and developing
countries. We recognise that our approach must be multidimensional and
inclusive and contains an evolving understanding of what constitutes
access, emphasising the quality of that access.
- We reiterate that the use and development
of ICTs through international and regional cooperation and on the basis of
universally accepted norms and principles of international law, including
the Charter of the UN; in particular political independence, territorial
integrity and sovereign equality of States, the settlement of disputes by
peaceful means, non-interference in internal affairs of other States as
well as respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the
right to privacy; are of paramount importance in order to ensure a
peaceful, secure and openand cooperative use of ICTs.
- The increasing misuse of ICTs for
terrorist purposes poses a threat to international peace and security. We
emphasise the need to enhance international cooperation against terrorist
and criminal misuse of ICTs and reaffirm the general approach laid in the
eThekwini, Fortaleza and Ufa declarations in this regard. We reaffirm the
key role of the UN in addressing the issues related to the security in the
use of ICTs. We will continue to work together for the adoption of the
rules, norms and principles of responsible behaviour of
Statesincludingthrough the process of UNGGE. We recognise that the states
have the leading role to ensure stability and security in the use of
ICTs.
- We advocate also for an open,
non-fragmented and secure Internet, and reaffirm that the Internet is a
global resource and that States should participate on an equal footing in
its evolution and functioning,taking into account the need to involve
relevant stakeholders in their respective roles and
responsibilities.
- We recognise the importance of energy-saving
and energy-efficiency for ensuring sustainable economic development and
welcome the Memorandum of Understanding which was signed in this
regard.
- We recognise the challenge of scaling-up
power generation and its efficient distribution, as well as the need to
scale up low carbon fuels and other clean energy solutions. We further
recognise the level of investments needed in renewable energy in this
regard. We therefore believe that international cooperation in this field
be focused on access to clean energy technology and finance. We further
note the significance of clean energy in achieving Sustainable Development
Goals. We recognise that sustainable development, energy access, and
energy security are critical to the shared prosperity and future of the
planet. We acknowledge that clean and renewable energy needs to be
affordable to all.
- We support a wider use of natural gas as
an economically efficient and clean fuel to promote sustainable
development as well as to reduce the greenhouse emissions in accordance
with the Paris Agreement on climate change.
- We note that BRICS countries face
challenges of communicable diseases including HIV and Tuberculosis. We, in
this regard, note the efforts made by BRICS Health Ministers to achieve
the 90–90–90 HIV treatment target by 2020. We underline the imperative to
advance cooperation and action on HIV and TB in the BRICS countries,
including in the production of quality-assured drugs and
diagnostics.
- We take note of United Nations High Level
Meeting on Ending AIDS in June 2016 and forthcoming Global Conference on
TB under WHO auspices in Moscow in 2017.
- Recognising global health challenges we
emphasise the importance of cooperation among BRICS countries in promoting
research and development of medicines and diagnostic tools to end
epidemics and to facilitate access to safe, effective, quality and
affordable essential medicines.
- We welcome the High Level meeting on
Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) during UNGA-71, which addresses the
serious threat that AMR poses to public health, growth and global economic
stability. We will seek to identify possibilities for cooperation among
our health and/or regulatory authorities, with a view to share best
practices and discuss challenges, as well as identifying potential areas
for convergence.
- We reaffirm our commitment to promote a
long-term and balanced demographic development and continue cooperation on
population related matters in accordance with the Agenda for BRICS
Cooperation on Population Matters for 2015-2020.
- We welcome the outcomes of the meetings of
BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers held on 9 June 2016 in Geneva and
on 27-28 September 2016 in New Delhi. We take note of the possibility of
bilateral Social Security Agreements between BRICS countries, and of the commitment
to take steps to establish a network of lead labour research and training
institutes, so as to encourage capacity building, information exchange and
sharing of best practices amongst BRICS countries. We recognise quality
employment, including a Decent Work Agenda, sustaining social protection
and enhancing rights at work, are core to inclusive and sustainable
development.
- We welcome the outcomes of the fourth
BRICS Education Ministers’ meeting held on 30 September 2016 in New Delhi,
including the New Delhi Declaration on Education. We stress the importance
of education and skills for economic development, and reaffirm the need
for universal access to high-quality education. We are satisfied with the
progress of the BRICS Network University (BRICSNU) as well as the BRICS
University League (BRICSUL), which will commence their programmes in 2017.
These two initiatives will facilitate higher education collaboration and
partnerships across the BRICS countries.
- We appreciate the organisation of Young Diplomats’
Forum held on 3-6 September 2016 in Kolkata. We also welcome the signing
of the Memorandum of Understanding between BRICS Diplomatic Academies to
encourage exchange of knowledge and experiences.
- We welcome the outcomes of the fourth
BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting held on 8 October 2016, wherein they adopted
theJaipur Declaration and endorsed the updated Work Plan (2015-2018) aimed
at strengthening cooperation in science, technology and innovation,
especially leveraging young scientific talent for addressing societal
challenges; creating a networking platform for BRICS young scientists;
co-generating new knowledge and innovative products, services and
processes; and addressing common global and regional socio-economic
challenges utilising shared experiences and complementarities.
- We stress the importance of implementation
of the BRICS Research and Innovation Initiative. We welcome the hosting of
the first BRICS Young Scientists Conclave in India, instituting of BRICS
Innovative Idea Prize for Young Scientists.We note the progress of the
first Call for Proposals under the BRICS STI Framework Programme, in ten
thematic areas, with funding commitment from the five BRICS STI Ministries
and associated funding bodies. We welcome the establishment of the BRICS
Working Group on Research Infrastructure, and Mega-Science to reinforce
the BRICS Global Research Advanced Infrastructure Network
(BRICS-GRAIN).
- We welcome the outcomes of the Agriculture
Ministers’ Meeting, held on 23 September 2016, including the Joint
Declaration. We emphasise the importance of ensuring food security, and
addressingmalnutrition, eliminating hunger,inequality and poverty through
increased agricultural production, productivity, sustainable management of
natural resources and trade in agriculture among the BRICS countries. As
the world's leading producers of agriculture products and home to large
populations, we emphasise the importance of BRICS cooperation in
agriculture.We recognize the importance of science-based agriculture and
of deploying information and communication technology (ICT).
- To further intensify cooperation among
BRICScountries in agricultural research policy, science and technology,
innovation and capacity building, including technologies for small-holder
farming in the BRICS countries, we welcome the signing of the MoU for
Establishment of the BRICS Agricultural Research Platform.
- Considering the dependence of agriculture
on water, we call upon the development of infrastructure for irrigation to
assist farmers in building resilience during times of drought and welcome
sharing of experiences and expertise in these areas.
- We affirm that the value of sharing
expertise and experiences among BRICS countries with regard to usage of
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in e-governance, financial
inclusion, and targeted delivery of benefits, e-commerce, open government,
digital content and services and bridging the digital divide. We support
efforts aimed at capacity building for effective participation in
e-commerce trade to ensure shared benefits.
- We welcome the forthcoming BRICS
Telecommunication Ministerial Meeting that will further strengthen our
cooperation, including on technology trends, standards developments, skill
developments, and policy frameworks.
- We believe it is necessary to ensure joint
efforts towards diversification of the world market of software and IT
equipment. We call for developing and strengthening the ICT cooperation in
the framework of the BRICS Working Group on ICT Cooperation.
- We welcome the outcomes of the meetings of
BRICS Ministers responsible for Disaster Management held on 19-20 April
2016 in St. Petersburg and on 22 August 2016 in Udaipur. We also welcome
the Udaipur Declaration adopted at the second meeting and applaud the
formation of BRICS Joint Task Force on Disaster Risk Management.
- We extend our deepest condolences to the
people of Haiti and the Caribbean on the tragic loss of lives following
hurricane Matthew. We support the efforts of the UN and humanitarian
partners in their response to this tragedy.
- We welcome the outcomes of the BRICS
Ministerial Meeting on Environment held on 15-16 September 2016, in Goa,
including the Goa Statement on Environment. We welcome the decision to
share technical expertise in the areas of abatement and control of air and
water pollution, efficient management of waste and sustainable management
of bio-diversity. We recognise the importance of participation by BRICS
countries in environmental cooperation initiatives, including developing a
platform for sharing environmentally sound technologies.
- We welcome the outcome of the 17th
Conference of Parties to the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), held in Johannesburg,
South Africa, as a landmark advancement of the regulation of international
trade in endangered species from 24 September - 4 October 2016.
- We welcome the adoption of the Paris
Agreement anchored in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC), and its signing by a large number of countries on 22
April 2016. We emphasise that the comprehensive, balanced and ambitious
nature of the Paris Agreement reaffirms the principles of UNFCCC
includingthe principle of equity and common but differentiated
responsibilities and respective capabilities, in light of different
national circumstances (CBDR & RC).
- We welcome the Paris Agreement and its
imminent entry into force on 4 November 2016.We call on the developed
countries to fulfil their responsibility towards providing the necessary
financial resources, technology and capacity building assistance to
support the developing countries with respect to both mitigation and
adaptation for the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
- We reiterate the commitments to gender
equality and empowerment of all women and girls as contained in the 2030
Agenda. We recognise that women play a vital roleas agents of
developmentand acknowledge that their equal and inclusive participation
and contribution is crucial to making progress across all Sustainable
Development Goals and targets. We emphasise the importance of enhancing
accountability for the implementation of these commitments.
- Cognizant of the potential and diversity
of youth population in our countries, their needs and aspirations, we
welcome the outcomes of the BRICS Youth Summit in Guwahati including,
"Guwahati BRICS Youth Summit 2016 Call to Action” that recognise the
importance of education, employment, entrepreneurship, and skills training
for them to be socially and economically empowered.
- We welcome the BRICS Convention on
Tourism, that was organised in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh on 1-2 September
2016 as an effective means to promote tourism cooperation among BRICS
countries.
- As home to 43% of the world population and
among the fastest urbanising societies, we recognise the multi-dimensional
challenges and opportunities of urbanisation. We affirm our engagement in
the process that will lead to adoption of a New Urban Agenda by the
Conference of the United Nations on Housing and Sustainable Urban
Development – Habitat III(Quito, 17-20 October, 2016).We welcome the BRICS
Urbanisation Forum, BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave, held in
Visakhapatnam on 14-16 September 2016, and in Mumbai on 14-16 April 2016,
respectively, which contributed to fostering increased engagements between
our cities and stakeholders. We call for enhanced cooperation with regard
to strengthening urban governance, making our cities safe and inclusive,
improving urban transport, financing of urban infrastructure and building
sustainable cities.
- We note India’s initiative on the upcoming
BRICS Local Bodies Conference to exchange expertise and best-practices,
including in local budgeting.
- Noting the importance of orderly, safe,
regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, we welcome the
outcomes of first BRICS Migration Ministers Meeting in Sochi, Russian
Federation, on 8 October 2015.
- We recognise the important role of culture
in sustainable development and in fostering mutual understanding and
closer cooperation among our peoples. We encourage expansion of cultural
exchanges between people of BRICS countries. In this context we commend
the hosting of the first BRICS Film Festival in New Delhi on 2-6 September
2016.
- We welcome the forthcoming meeting of the
Second BRICS Parliamentary Forum in Geneva on 23 October 2016under the
theme of ‘BRICS Parliamentary Cooperation on the implementation of the
SDGs’.
- We appreciate the deliberations of the
BRICS Women Parliamentarians’ Forum in Jaipur on 20-21 August, 2016 and
the adoption of Jaipur Declaration, centred on SDGs, that inter alia
emphasises the commitment to strengthen parliamentary strategic
partnerships on all the three dimensions of sustainable development,fostering
gender equality and women empowerment.
- We note the deliberations on a BRICS
Railways Research Network aimed at promoting research and development in
this field to further growth in our economies in a cost effective and
sustainable manner.
- We congratulate India on organising the
first BRICS Under-17 Football Tournament in Goa on 5-15 October 2016.
We,in this regard, note the initiative towards a BRICS Sports Council to
foster exchanges among BRICS countries.
- Recognising the increasing trade, business
and investment between BRICS countries and the important role of BRICS
Interbank Cooperation Mechanism, we welcome the signing of the Memorandum
of Understanding between the BRICS countries National Development Banks
and the New Development Bank (NDB). We welcome the initiative of the
Export-Import Bank of India of instituting Annual BRICS Economic Research
Award to promote advanced research in economics of relevance to BRICS
countries.
- We reiterate our commitment to
strengthening our partnerships for common development. To this end, we
endorse the Goa Action Plan.
- China, South Africa, Brazil and Russia
appreciate India’s BRICS Chairpersonship and the good pace of BRICS
cooperation agenda.
- We emphasise the importance of review and
follow up of implementation of outcome documents and decisions of the
BRICS Summits. We task our Sherpas to carry this process forward.
- China, South Africa, Brazil and Russia
express their sincere gratitude to the Government and people of India for
hosting the Eighth BRICS Summit in Goa.
- India, South Africa, Brazil and Russia
convey their appreciation to China for its offer to host the Ninth BRICS
Summit in 2017 and extend full support to that end.
*****
AKT/HS