The BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, held from July 6 to July 7, 2025, was the first meeting since the group's expansion to 11 full members and 10 partner countries. This historic gathering marks the official transition of BRICS into a new phase of “Greater BRICS Cooperation,” reflecting its growing global reach and strategic significance.

In order to better understand global development issues and international perceptions of BRICS cooperation, the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS) released the GLOBAL SURVEY: BRICS COOPERATION IN THE NEW ERA OF GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT 2025. As the latest result of ACCW's "Global Development and Governance" series reports, the survey offers a comprehensive picture of the public perception and expectations in the 35 countries regarding BRICS cooperation in the new landscape of global development, from the perspectives of shared concepts, development capabilities, global contributions, and prospects.

According to the survey, over 13,000 respondents from 35 countries express strong support for the “Three Global Initiatives” proposed by China. After the expansion of the BRICS, the value, operating mechanism and successful practice of BRICS countries in participating in global governance have received broad recognition. The vast majority of global south countries express the desire to join the "BRICS family" and look forward to the "Greater BRICS Cooperation" to contribute more to promoting the building of a global community of shared future. The key findings are as follow：

1. Global economic recovery is the primary concern in most countries.

At present, profound changes unseen in a century are unfolding rapidly, and humanity is facing many shared challenges. According to this year’s survey, among respondents from the 35 countries, “promoting economic recovery and development” (95.8%) is seen as the top issue in global governance and development. In addition, “promoting world peace and development” and “strengthening trust, unity and cooperation” are also widely followed, with selection rates exceeding 95%. Among respondents from the BRICS member countries, the most highly concerned issue is “respecting the diversity of world civilizations” (96.2%). Respondents aged 18 to 35 are most focused on “promoting economic recovery and development” (95.6%).

Views on the Major Issues in Global Development and Governance

2. The international recognition of the “Three Global Initiatives” rises steadily

Respondents from 35 countries believe that the "Three Global Initiatives" proposed by China have become an important guide for leading global development and governance cooperation. The recognition rate of the respondents in 35 countries all exceeds 95%, and they believe that China has provided conceptual guidance and practical solutions for promoting human development, security and civilization.

Recognition of the “Three Global Initiatives”

3. The “Greater BRICS Cooperation” is widely acknowledged as a leading force in promoting Global South cooperation.

As the BRICS mechanism enters the era of the “Greater BRICS Cooperation,” the respondents highly affirm its role in leading Global South cooperation, with an average approval of 95.8%. They believe that the BRICS countries will play an even greater role on the international stage. Approval is the highest among other Global South countries, reaching 96.8%. In countries such as Bangladesh, Chile, Cuba, Ethiopia, Iran, and Pakistan, approval rates all exceed 97%. 

Approval of BRICS’ Leadership Role in Global South Cooperation

4.The governance achievements of the BRICS countries are highly recognized

Respondents from 35 countries affirmed the governance achievements of BRICS countries in various fields. The average recognition of overall governance capabilities, the ruling party's ability to promote development, maintain social security, and promote ecological governance all exceed over 90%. Respondents believe that BRICS countries have good national governance capabilities and provide a solid foundation for promoting global development.

Recognition of the Governance Achievements of BRICS Countries

5. Respondents affirm most the important role of the “Greater BRICS Cooperation” in promoting global economic growth

Respondents from 35 countries spoke highly of the role of BRICS in promoting world economic development, with an average approval rate of 94.8%, believing that the BRICS mechanism will provide stronger momentum for global economic development. The approval rates of BRICS member countries and other global southern countries exceeded 95%. Among overseas countries, the approval rates of Chile, France, Hungary, Saudi Arabia and other countries were all above 96%  

Recognition of the Economic Development Trend of BRICS Countries

6. BRICS Countries’ International Influence is Widely Acclaimed

Respondents from 35 countries highly recognize the international influence of BRICS countries, with an average recognition rate of 94.4%. They expect BRICS countries to play a greater role on the international stage and better represent the voice of the global South. BRICS member countries and other global South countries have a higher recognition rate, both exceeding 95%. Cuba, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Peru and Singapore all have a recognition rate of over 96%. 

Recognition of BRICS Countries’ International Influence

7. There is strong expectation for BRICS to play a greater role in trade and economic growth, political security, and the promotion of equity

Entering a new era of BRICS cooperation, respondents from 35 countries believe that BRICS countries should contribute more to "promote economic and trade cooperation" (95.6%), "strengthen political and security cooperation" (95.5%), "better represent the rights and interests of emerging economies and developing countries" (95.3%), and work together to promote global development and governance. Respondents from BRICS member countries attach more importance to the role of the BRICS mechanism in "better representing the rights and interests of emerging economies and developing countries" (96.45%). Other global south countries are more looking forward to the BRICS mechanism "promoting economic and trade cooperation", with a selection rate of 96.7%. 

Recognition for Stronger Cooperation among BRICS Countries 

8.Many Global South countries aspire to become full BRICS members 

The "Greater BRICS Cooperation" has further consolidated unity and self-reliance in the global South. Respondents from 15 global south countries express their eager expectations for their countries to become formal members of the BRICS, with an average rate of 96.3%. They believed that the "Greater BRICS Cooperation" would promote the development of the global governance system in a fair and reasonable direction and enhance the representation of the global South in international affairs. Among them, the approval rates of Hungary, Mexico, Nigeria and other countries exceed 97%. In terms of age, the approval rate of respondents aged 36-51 was the highest, reaching 96.5%. 

Support for Becoming a Full BRICS Member