"As the world enters a new period defined by turbulence and transformation, we are confronted with pivotal choices that will shape our future. Should we allow the world to descend into the abyss of disorder and chaos, or should we strive to steer it back on the path of peace and development?" 

Chinese President Xi Jinping posed this question during his speech at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, on Wednesday, and soon provided his answer. He proposed five key points to build BRICS into an organization that takes the lead in promoting peace, innovation, green development, global justice and closer international people-to-people exchanges. 

He also urged BRICS countries to build the mechanism into a primary channel for strengthening solidarity and cooperation among Global South nations and a vanguard for advancing global governance reform.

Xi's address came as BRICS leaders gathered to discuss a wide range of topics, including UN reform, regional tensions, financial security, global supply chains, climate change, and emerging technologies like AI.

Experts said Xi's ideas address the common challenges humanity faces today, providing a roadmap for Global South cooperation and fresh insights for nations pursuing modernization.

Balew Demissie, a researcher at the Ethiopian Policy Studies Institute, highlighted the significance of the BRICS mechanism in this era, stating that Xi's speech will help strengthen unity among BRICS countries and enhance mutual understanding and trust. This, he added, will ensure the long-term development of BRICS cooperation and bolster the capabilities of emerging markets and developing nations.

Over the past 18 years, China has played a central role in enhancing trade and investment among BRICS member states, advocating for the reform of international institutions like the UN and the IMF, and amplifying the voices of the Global South.

At the summit on Wednesday, Xi announced that China has launched a China-BRICS Artificial Intelligence Development and Cooperation Center, and will establish a BRICS Deep-Sea Resources International Research Center, a China Center for Cooperation on Development of Special Economic Zones in BRICS Countries, a China Center for BRICS Industrial Competencies and a BRICS Digital Ecosystem Cooperation Network.

He also pledged to leverage China's green technologies to expand cooperation with BRICS countries in green industries, clean energy and green mining, and promote green development through the entire industrial chain.

Sergey Sanakoev, president of the Asia Pacific Research Center, said the initiatives proposed by Xi will further unite and strengthen cooperation in the Global South.

He stated that as the world faces new turbulence and prominent contradictions in global development, the BRICS countries' enhanced cooperation in areas like the digital economy, climate change and green development, along with their support for Global South countries, will better facilitate the transformation of the global governance system and promote stronger, more inclusive and sustainable development.

Ilgar Velizade, an Azerbaijani who heads South Caucasus Political Scientists Club, said that he was particularly impressed by the specific measures for building an innovative BRICS. He stated that China is a world leader in fields such as the digital economy and possesses rich practical experience. Initiatives proposed by Xi, such as establishing a Deep-Sea Resources International Research Center among BRICS countries, are beneficial for creating a global platform to promote innovative cooperation.

Xi, in his speech, also noted that while the international balance of power is shifting, global governance reform has lagged. 

He emphasized the need for true multilateralism and a governance approach characterized by extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. He urged a response to the rising Global South and called for expanding the BRICS cooperation mechanism to enhance the representation and voice of developing countries in global governance.

Nadia Helmy, an associate professor of political science at Egypt's Beni Suef University, said that the series of proposals and initiatives mentioned by Xi in his speech will guide the BRICS cooperation mechanism to play an increasingly significant role in international affairs and to raise a stronger BRICS voice, adding that the deepening cooperation and joint efforts of BRICS countries will promote the global governance system towards a more just and equitable direction.