"Before we discuss any kind of cooperation, we must agree on one fundamental thing: that all of us must consistently respect international law and human rights," said Jokowi in a live YouTube broadcast, which was followed from Jakarta.
He observed that the current global economic order is highly unfair, characterized by a widening development gap and an increasing number of poor and hungry people. He added that this situation cannot be left unaddressed.
He emphasized that developing countries must unite to fight for their rights, while trade discrimination must be rejected and the downstream industry must not be hindered.
"We must continue to advocate for equal and inclusive cooperation. BRICS can be at the forefront of fighting for just development and reforming world governance to be fairer," he said.
He expressed the view that the world is currently directionless, with wars and conflicts causing human tragedy, and food crises pushing millions into poverty.
"The global crisis cannot be resolved if we work alone. We need collaboration and solidarity," he said.
He emphasized that his presence at the BRICS Summit wasn't just as the Indonesian head of state but also as a representative of the Global South, which comprises 85 percent of the world's population and seeks a win-win formula.
He said his presence at the forum was inspired by the "Bandung Spirit" derived from the Asian-African Conference in Bandung in 1955.
The "Bandung Spirit" is still relevant as it upholds solidarity and cooperation between developing countries, he added.
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Translator: Rangga J, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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