New York:India, Brazil, and South Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum as a key mechanism for enhancing South-South cooperation and promoting a more equitable global system amid current geopolitical and economic challenges. This declaration was made during an IBSA Ministerial Meeting hosted by South Africa alongside the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

According to South African Government News Agency, the meeting was chaired by South Africa's International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, with Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in attendance. South Africa has assumed the IBSA chairship for 2026-2027, with priorities focusing on peace, development, multilateralism, and reforming global governance.

IBSA, established in 2003, serves as a trilateral forum involving three significant democracies and developing economies from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It also manages the IBSA Fund for the Alleviation of Hunger and Poverty, aiding development projects in other developing nations.

Minister Lamola highlighted that South Africa's chairship involves a focus on political engagement, technical cooperation, and development projects, with particular attention to sustainable energy and poverty alleviation. The aim is to align the priorities of the three countries into a unified work programme.

Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira emphasized IBSA's role in bridging three continents and promoting a fairer international order. He also advocated for stronger multilateral cooperation in trade and supported reforms in the UN Security Council to better reflect global diversity.

India's delegation reinforced the importance of deeper IBSA cooperation in development, technology, and climate action. They stressed the responsible development of artificial intelligence and the necessity for affordable finance and technology to meet climate goals. India's delegation also called for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council.

Preparation for upcoming meetings includes a senior officials' meeting in October 2026 and a potential virtual IBSA Leaders Meeting in 2027, with South Africa committed to leading the forum for the benefit of the global South.