World leaders gather for a major summit starting Sunday when BRICS nations meet in Rio de Janeiro. The group brings together 11 countries that represent nearly half the people on Earth and control 40 percent of global money. Brazil hosts the event but faces challenges as key players stay away from the talks. Security forces patrol the Brazilian city as diplomats prepare for two days of heated discussions. The meeting comes at a time when global tensions run high and trade wars threaten economic stability.
China sends its Prime Minister Li Qiang instead of President Xi Jinping who skips the summit for the first time ever. Russia's Vladimir Putin joins through video calls because he cannot travel due to an international arrest warrant. Iran and Egypt also send no top leaders to the Brazilian gathering. The absence of these major figures makes it harder for the group to reach strong agreements on world problems.
Middle East conflicts and Donald Trump's tariff threats dominate the agenda as countries try to find common ground. Experts predict a careful approach since members fear angering the United States with bold statements. China wants to avoid further trade fights with America and takes a quiet stance on regional wars. Plans to create an alternative to the US dollar face major setbacks after Trump promised severe punishment for countries that challenge American currency dominance.
Brazil hopes the expanded group can still unite on climate change and artificial intelligence issues. The organization grew larger when six new countries joined but this expansion makes agreements much tougher to achieve.
China sends its Prime Minister Li Qiang instead of President Xi Jinping who skips the summit for the first time ever. Russia's Vladimir Putin joins through video calls because he cannot travel due to an international arrest warrant. Iran and Egypt also send no top leaders to the Brazilian gathering. The absence of these major figures makes it harder for the group to reach strong agreements on world problems.
Middle East conflicts and Donald Trump's tariff threats dominate the agenda as countries try to find common ground. Experts predict a careful approach since members fear angering the United States with bold statements. China wants to avoid further trade fights with America and takes a quiet stance on regional wars. Plans to create an alternative to the US dollar face major setbacks after Trump promised severe punishment for countries that challenge American currency dominance.
Brazil hopes the expanded group can still unite on climate change and artificial intelligence issues. The organization grew larger when six new countries joined but this expansion makes agreements much tougher to achieve.
