The leaders of five of the world’s major emerging economies have called for reform of the United Nations’ Security Council to give developing nations greater say on global issues.
The leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa have gathered in the southern Chinese resort town of Sanya, on the island of Hainan, for their annual summit.
Russia and China are permanent veto-wielding UN Security Council members, while the other three countries are currently rotating council members but are seeking greater representation.
In a joint statement at the end of their talks, the leaders also said the use of force in Libya and the Arab world should be avoided.
South Africa was the only BRICS nation to approve a Security Council resolution establishing a no-fly zone over Libya and authorizing “all necessary measures” to protect civilians, opening the door to NATO air strikes.
Combined, the five BRICS countries account for more than 40 percent of the world’s population and nearly one-fifth of global Gross Domestic Product.
compiled from agency reports