Following the formal proceedings of the five member countries at the BRICS XV Summit in Johannesburg Thursday, South African President Ramaphosa gave opening remarks to the broader audience in attendance during the week. Ramaphosa powerfully evoked the “Spirit of Bandung,” referencing the Non-Aligned Movement’s Bandung, Indonesia, summit in 1955. His remarks indicate the true spirit the BRICS nations are taking up today:
“When reflecting on the purpose and role of BRICS in the world today, we recall the Bandung Conference of 1955, where Asian and African nations demanded a greater voice for developing countries in world affairs. The Conference called for the recognition of the equality of all nations, large and small.
“We still share that common vision of a fair and just world. We still seek to overcome polarity and division. We want a world without barriers between North and South, East and West. We still seek a world in which we work together underpinned by mutual respect.
“Through the 15th BRICS Summit and this Dialogue we should strive to advance the Bandung spirit of unity, friendship and cooperation.
“In South Africa we have a world for this: Ubuntu. Ubuntu is a practice based on the understanding that our success, prosperity and well-being depends on the success, prosperity and well-being of others.”
