Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

India-Brazil-South Africa Dialogue Forum Fourth Summit of Heads of State/Government Brasilia Declaration

The Prime Minister of the Republic of India, H.E. Dr. Manmohan Singh, the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, H.E. Mr. Luiz In�cio Lula da Silva, and the President of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Mr. Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma (hereinafter referred to as "the Leaders") met in Bras�lia, Brazil, on 15 April 2010 for the 4th Summit of the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum.

2. The Leaders highlighted that the three countries' commitment to democratic values, inclusive social development and multilateralism constitutes the basis for their growing cooperation and close coordination on global issues. They noted that a first round of IBSA Summits of Heads of State/Government (Brasilia, 2006; Tshwane, 2007; New Delhi, 2008) has strengthened the three countries resolve to continue to work for enhancing the role of developing countries, increasing the interchanges amongst themselves with the participation of their peoples, and for implementing concrete projects in partnership with other developing countries.

3. Recalling the Declarations and Communiqu�s issued during the previous Summits, they took the opportunity to deliberate on the topics hereunder.

Global Governance

4. The Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to increase participation of developing countries in the decision-making bodies of multilateral institutions. They also reiterated the urgent need for the reform of the United Nations (UN) to render it more democratic and consistent with the priorities of developing countries. They particularly emphasized that no reform of the United Nations will be complete without a reform of the UN Security Council (UNSC), including an expansion in both permanent and nonpermanent categories of its membership, with increased participation of developing countries in both. Such reform is of the utmost importance for the UNSC to reflect geopolitical realities and to have the representativeness and legitimacy it needs to face contemporary challenges. They committed to keep close coordination amongst the three countries and the broader UN membership to achieve substantial progress in the intergovernmental negotiations on UNSC reform presently underway in New York. They recalled that an overwhelming majority of the UN member states agreed to proceed with a fifth round of intergovernmental negotiations based on a negotiating text.

5. The Leaders stressed the need to reform the Bretton Woods Institutions in order to increase their effectiveness and enhance their accountability, credibility and legitimacy. They stressed the importance of increasing the role of developing countries in these institutions.

The social dimensions of globalization

6. The Leaders reaffirmed that people must come first in the formulation and implementation of public policies, allowing for fair, equitable and sustainable development. They considered this issue a relevant priority in the context of an increasingly globalized world, in which the economic and financial crisis, and the restructuring of the international financial architecture that ensued, directly affect the welfare of people, particularly of vulnerable groups. In this regard, they stressed the need to strengthen social policies and to fight hunger and poverty, especially in times of global economic crisis.

7. The Leaders also reiterated the need to promote a job-intensive recovery from the downturn and create a framework for sustainable growth. In this context, they underlined their support for the global jobs pact, adopted by the 98th session of the international labour conference, which, while demonstrating the linkages between social progress, economic development and recovery from the crisis, offers policy options adaptable to national needs and circumstances. The Leaders also reaffirmed that their actions in response to the crisis are guided by the International Labour Organization (ILO) decent work agenda and the 2008 declaration on social justice for a fair globalization.

Gender

8. The Leaders stressed the importance of empowering women, increasing their participation in economic activities and addressing the negative impact of the international financial crisis on their situation. They received with satisfaction a letter from the IBSA Women's Forum and instructed all areas of government involved in IBSA cooperation to pay due attention to its recommendations. In addition, the Leaders reiterated their support for the full implementation of UN Resolution 1325 (2000). They also recalled the importance of formulating and implementing appropriate policies and programs in accordance with the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing Platform of Action.

Human Rights

9. The Leaders attached the highest priority to human rights issues and acknowledged the positive advance represented by the creation and functioning of the Human Rights Council. They noted the importance of their close collaboration therein. They expressed their hope that the 2011 review will result in a further strengthening of the Council.

10. They also emphasized the need to continue to strengthen international human rights law, norms and standards, particularly in the area of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, in accordance with the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

11. The Leaders welcomed the adoption of an IBSA proposal in the Human Rights Council related to the importance of access to medicine (A/HRC/RES/12/24).

Intellectual Property Rights

12. The Leaders recognized that innovation plays a central role in addressing the key global challenges of our times such as food security, poverty eradication, health, access to knowledge and climate change. They emphasized, in this context, the need for a balanced international intellectual property system capable of meeting those challenges on a truly global scale and reducing the technological gap. To that effect, they called for the full implementation of the Development Agenda of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

13. They warned against attempts at developing new international rules on enforcement of intellectual property rights outside the appropriate fora of WTO and WIPO, that may give free rein to abuses in the protection of rights, the building of barriers against free trade and undermining fundamental civil rights.

14. They further expressed renewed concern about the continuous application of enforcement measures that allow seizures of generic medicines in transit to developing countries, in violation of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and posing a serious threat to developing countries access to medicines.

Internet Governance

15. The Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working together towards a people-centered, inclusive and development-oriented Information Society and their agreement to continue to coordinate positions for the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) folllow-up mechanisms, as well as in the other fora and organizations related to the Information Society and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).

16. The Leaders highlighted the importance of building a wide political concertation at international level for making the global internet governance regime as multilateral, democratic and transparent as provided by the WSIS. They recognized the advances reached by the multistakeholders participants in the international dialogue on internet governance in the last five years. They recalled, with satisfaction, the fruitful coordination amongst IBSA countries and the efforts of Brazil and India for hosting the second and third editions of the Internet Governance Forum, held in Rio 2007 and Hyderabad 2008, respectively.

Climate Change

17. The Leaders reiterated the importance of a positive result for the current climate change negotiations at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 6th Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, in Mexico. They stressed that the result should be reached in an inclusive and transparent manner, and should effectively address the challenge of climate change, in accordance with the principles of the UNFCCC, especially the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. They urged developed countries to take ambitious action to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and to provide adequate international financing and transfer of technology to support the efforts of developing countries to mitigate and adapt the impacts of climate change.

Sustainable Development

18. The Leaders stressed the importance of promoting sustainable development. They welcomed the resolution of the UN General Assembly to convene a Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in Rio de Janeiro, in 2012. They called for a comprehensive preparatory process, to ensure that the Rio+20 Conference can adequately address existing implementation deficits and emerging issues in sustainable development, with a view to further strengthening international cooperation in this field.

Trade

19. The Leaders stated that a positive outcome of the Doha Round of trade talks within the World Trade Organization would be instrumental in economic recovery, particularly in job creation, as international trade experiences its sharpest decline in many decades. A development oriented, balanced and successful conclusion of the Round at an early date would bolster the credibility of the multilateral trading system in the face of increased protectionist pressures. In this respect, they expressed their concern over the excessive demands made on some developing countries without any indication of adequate additional concessions in favour of developing countries.

20. They recalled, with satisfaction, the First Trilateral MERCOSUR-SACU-India Ministerial Meeting held in Geneva on November 30th, 2009 and expressed their confidence that trade agreements and ongoing negotiations between MERCOSUR and India, MERCOSUR and SACU and SACU and India will lead to a future Trilateral Trade Arrangement which would form the largest trade agreement in the developing world.

Global financial and economic crisis

21. The Leaders welcomed signs of recovery from the global financial and economic crisis. They however remained concerned over the consequences of the crisis for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. They recalled the vital contribution made by developing countries to the global recovery. The Leaders underlined that developed and developing countries should continue to coordinate approaches and responses to the crisis in order to achieve sustainable and balanced recovery. They stressed that global economic efforts have to respond to the needs of developing and low income countries, particularly in Africa. The Leaders recognized that the impact of the crisis has been severe in many developing and low income countries. They welcomed pledges to increase IMF resources and Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) lending, and called for the urgent implementation of all commitments in meeting the needs of low income countries, including the Gleneagles commitment to double aid to Africa to $50 billion by 2010. They called for a substantial increase in the capital base of the World Bank, so that it could sustain enhanced levels of lending. They agreed to enhance cooperation between India, Brazil and South Africa in relevant international fora where recovery efforts are being considered.

Disarmament and Non-Proliferation

22. The Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the goal of complete elimination of nuclear weapons in a comprehensive, universal, non-discriminatory and verifiable manner, and expressed concern over the lack of progress in the realization of that goal. They underlined the need for reducing the role of nuclear weapons in strategic doctrines and expressed their support for effective international agreements to assure non-nuclear weapon States against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons. The Leaders expressed support for an International Convention Prohibiting the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Nuclear Weapons, leading to their destruction. They reiterated that nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation are mutually reinforcing processes, requiring continuous irreversible progress on both fronts.

Terrorism

23. The Leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes, as it constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. They regretted and condemned the recent attacks in India that resulted in the loss of innocent lives. The Leaders of Brazil and South Africa offered condolences to the government and the people of India. The three Leaders also encouraged cooperation among States and regional organizations. In this regard, they emphasized the urgent need to finalize the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and called upon all states to cooperate in resolving outstanding issues with the objective of an expeditious conclusion of negotiations and adoption of this Convention. They note that the fight against international terrorism must be done with full respect to the UN Charter and International Law.

Peacebuilding Commission Review

24. The Leaders recognized the central role played by the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) in the establishment of the foundations for sustainable peace in countries that are on the verge of or emerging from conflict and express their intention to join efforts and coordinate positions in the context of the PBC review process.

South-South Cooperation

25. Welcoming the outcome of the UN High-Level Conference on South-South Cooperation (Nairobi, December 2009), the Leaders concurred that South-South cooperation is a particular and essential instrument for development. Developing countries tend to share common views on national development strategies and priorities when faced with similar development challenges. In the three decades since the adoption of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action, technical cooperation amongst developing countries has evolved to embrace all forms of development cooperation. In this context, developing countries have designed and implemented technical cooperation projects, based on their own capabilities, aimed at the promotion of effective actions and policies for social and economic progress. These include the sharing of knowledge and experiences, training, technology transfer, financial and monetary cooperation and in-kind contributions.

26. The Leaders recalled that South-South cooperation is a common endeavour of peoples and countries of the South, a partnership among equals, and must be guided by the principles of respect for national sovereignty, national ownership and independence, equality, non-conditionality, non-interference in domestic affairs and mutual benefit. Therefore South-South Cooperation should not be seen as aid, nor should developing countries engaged in South-South cooperation be perceived as donors and recipients. They expressed the view that the United Nations system needs to better adapt to support the growth of South-South cooperation.

The IBSA Facility Fund

27. They noted with appreciation that people and authorities of Haiti, Palestine, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Burundi and Cambodia are benefiting from projects being undertaken under the IBSA Facility Fund. They reiterated the continued commitment of India, Brazil and South Africa to each contribute with at least US$ 1 million per year to the Fund. They also concurred that cooperation through the IBSA Fund is a concrete gesture reflecting their political determination to contribute to the development of other developing countries in the spirit of South-South Cooperation.

Regional Issues

Haiti

28. They reaffirmed their solidarity with the Haitian people and with the Government of Haiti at these most trying times. They called upon international community to unite and coordinate, under the Leadership of the United Nations and of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), to align strong international support to the national priorities set forth by the Government of Haiti. They commended MINUSTAH for ensuring a secure and stable environment in Haiti and effectively coordinating international aid. They recognized that MINUSTAH has a critical role to play in the reconstruction phase and reaffirmed their full support for the Mission and the United Nations agencies. They also commended the UN Development Programme (UNDP) for the results achieved so far in implementing "cash for work" programs.

29. The Leaders recalled the IBSA resolve to contribute additional US$ 2 million to the reconstruction of Haiti. They agreed that the solid waste management project in Carrefour Feuilles, a successful initiative supported by IBSA, in partnership with local authorities and UNDP, should be expanded to other areas in Haiti, deepening on the expertise accrued since 2006. They also noted with appreciation that the Haitians involved in the project got back to work soon after the tragedy, testifying that the dedication of the people of Haiti will be at the core of the reconstruction effort.

Chile

30. The Leaders expressed their condolences to the Government and people of Chile for the tragedy caused by the earthquake that struck South-Central Chile on February 27, 2010, and expressed their willingness to support the Chilean efforts for overcoming the effects of the tragedy.

Iran

31. The Leaders recognized the right of Iran to develop nuclear programs for peaceful purposes in keeping with its international obligations. They called upon Iran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and comply with the relevant UNSC resolutions. [They reiterated the need for a peaceful and diplomatic solution of the issue].

Afghanistan

32. The Leaders expressed concern at the continuing deterioration of the military and political situation in Afghanistan, the growth of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism promoted by Taliban and al Qaeda, and its links with international terrorism. They reiterated, in this context, that a coherent and a united international commitment, both in its developmental and security/military aspects, remained of paramount importance. In this context, they also emphasized the need to strengthen the Afghan National Security Forces. They agreed to continue to cooperate and coordinate their efforts to impart greater strength to the process. They reaffirmed their commitment to a democratic, pluralistic and stable Afghanistan. They underlined the centrality of the regional aspect in the reconstruction and development process in Afghanistan. The Leaders condemned the terrorist attack targeting Indian humanitarian and development workers in Kabul on February 26, 2010.

NEPAD/AU structure

33. The Leaders welcomed the 2010 decision of the AU Assembly to further integrate the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) into the AU structures and the re-naming of the NEPAD Secretariat to the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency (NPCA). The Leaders took note that the NPCA will focus on taking further the programmes of the AU by translating decisions of the AU Assembly and the AU Executive Council into tangible projects and programmes for the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to implement. They further took note that the NPCA's mandate now includes the coordination and monitoring of such programmes and projects amongst the RECs and member states.

34. The Leaders recognized that the further integration of NEPAD as well as the augmented mandate of the NPCA will promote a more holistic and coordinated approach to infrastructural development and in the growth and development of Africa, which will benefit the attainment of NEPAD's identified priorities in such sectors as ICT, energy, water and sanitation and transport.

Guinea-Bissau

35. The Leaders expressed their concern about the recent military incidents in Guinea-Bissau. They urge the military and political leadership to uphold the constitutional order and resolve differences through peaceful dialogue in order to ensure the progress recently achieved by Guinea-Bissau in the ongoing process of consolidation of peace and democracy. The Leaders hope that these events do not jeopardize the engagement of international partners. in the International Donor Conference expected to take place in 2010. They highlighted the role of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission, and confirmed their commitment to continue to support, through concrete actions of cooperation, the efforts of the Guinean Government to consolidate the political and institutional stability, building the basis for sustainable socio-economic development. In this context, they took note with satisfaction that the IBSA Project in Guinea-Bissau has entered its second phase, distributing tools for farmers and organizing literacy classes for women living in rural areas, in coordination with national authorities.

Republic of Guinea

36. The Leaders acknowledged progress made by the Republic of Guinea in its efforts towards normalisation of the political environment since the signing of the Ouagadougou Accord on 15 January 2010. They welcomed the appointment of the Transitional Authority led by a civilian Prime Minister. The Leaders encouraged the Transitional Authority to hold the Presidential elections, as stipulated in the Ouagadougou Accord, scheduled for 27 June 2010 to be followed by the second round of the Presidential elections on18 July 2010.

Madagascar

37. They noted with concern the current stalemate in the negotiation process to return Madagascar to constitutionality and endorsed the continuance of the SADC Mediator in his efforts towards the restoration of constitutional order and good governance in Madagascar, through an inclusive, transparent and credible dialogue. The Leaders called for the establishment of a Transitional Government and the holding of all inclusive, transparent, free and fair elections as envisaged by the Maputo and Addis Ababa Agreements.

Sectoral cooperation and People-to-People Fora

38. The Leaders noted that besides promoting increased consultation and coordination on global issues among the three countries, IBSA also provides for important sectoral cooperation and promotion of people-to-people contacts. The Leaders welcomed the effective interaction among specialists from the three countries, within the working groups on Agriculture, Environment & Climate Change, Culture, Defence, Education, Energy, Health, Human Settlements, Information Society, Public Administration, Revenue Administration, Science & Technology, Social Issues, Tourism, Trade & Investment, and Transport. Their activities have already resulted in the signing of a number of Memoranda of Understanding. Furthermore, seminars and workshops have been regularly undertaken and proven beneficial.

39. The Leaders noted with appreciation the organization and the outcome of the Women's Forum, the Parliamentary Forum, the Business Forum, the Editor's Forum, the Academic Forum and the Round Table on Inter-governmental Relations and Local Government Dialogue, which lay roots in the three societies. The Leaders also noted the cooperation among the three countries in the format of the Tri-Nations Summit of Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises.

40. The Leaders welcomed the signing of the Memoranda of Understanding on Science and Technology and Solar Energy. They noted with appreciation the adoption of the "IBSA Social Development Strategies"[ and of the "Future of Agriculture Cooperation in IBSA"].

IBSA Satellites

41. The Leaders decided to the early development of satellites in the areas of space weather, climate and earth observation. These satellites will address common challenges in climate studies, agriculture and food security. The IBSA micro satellites aim to promote and strengthen space programs amongst the three countries.

Final remarks

42. They affirmed the importance of encouraging the dialogue among civilizations, cultures, religions and peoples. In this respect, they supported the "Alliance of Civilizations", a United Nations' initiative aimed at building bridges, mutual knowledge and understanding around the world. They commended the Brazilian decision to host, in Rio de Janeiro, on May 2010, the 3rd Global Forum and confirmed their intention to be represented at an appropriate high level.

43. The Leaders expressed confidence in the success of the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa, of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, of the FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil and of the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. They recognized that hosting these events reflects the positive momentum of developing countries, and of the three countries in particular, and that they are potentially a tool for their social and economic development.

44. They decided that the VII Trilateral Commission will be held in India by the end of 2010. They also decided that South Africa will host the VIII Trilateral Commission and the V IBSA Summit of Heads of State/Government towards the end of 2011.

45. The Prime Minister of India and the President of South Africa expressed their gratitude to the President and the people of Brazil for successfully convening the 4th IBSA Summit.