UN chief welcomes BRICS contribution to solving global problems

The UN chief welcomed BRICS's valuable commitment and support for multilateralism and international problem-solving when addressing the BRICS Plus leaders' dialog on Thursday in Russia's Kazan.

At the meeting, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed multilateral approaches to tackle pressing global issues.

"Collectively your countries represent nearly half of the world's population and I salute your valuable commitment and support for multilateralism and international problem solving as clearly reflected in your team this year. No single group and no single country can act alone or in isolation. It takes a community of nations working as one global family to address global challenges," said Guterres.

Guterres also discussed sustainable development, as well as geo-political conflicts and global food security. His speech echoes an earlier statement from the UN, which said the BRICS Summit is a very important event and the mechanism should not be snubbed.

The first-ever summit of an expanded BRICS took place from Tuesday to Thursday in Kazan, the capital city of western Russia's Republic of Tatarstan.

BRICS began with Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and has now evolved into an influential international cooperation mechanism with an expanded membership.

Besides the countries that officially joined the BRICS family on Jan 1, 2024, over 30 countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Türkiye and Azerbaijan have either formally applied for or expressed interest in membership.

UN chief welcomes BRICS contribution to solving global problems

Several Chinese departments including the National Development and Reform Commission recently issued a work plan for improving the statistical and accounting system for carbon emission, highlighting the establishment of a sound carbon footprint management system.

As an important concept in evaluating low carbon, carbon footprint is used to identify and evaluate the greenhouse gas emissions of products.

The work plan mentioned that national standards such as the general requirements for product carbon footprint quantification should be formulated and issued, and the application of green electricity certificates should be strengthened in the carbon footprint accounting system of key products.

The work plan also includes carrying out pilot projects for labeling and certification of product carbon footprint, and the establishment of internationally influential accounting, evaluation and certification agencies for product carbon footprint.

Relevant departments proposed goals that by 2025, the national and provincial carbon emissions annual reporting and bulletin systems will be established, a set of accounting standards of carbon emissions and product carbon footprint for industries and enterprises will be released and implemented, and the construction of a product carbon footprint management system will make positive progress.

China has announced that it will peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.

China to enhance statistical accounting system for carbon emission