Why Did the UN Secretary-General Attend the BRICS Summit?

António Guterres in Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres during a meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia October 24, 2024. Sputnik/Mikhail Metzel

In a surprising move, UN Secretary-General António Guterres attended the BRICS summit this week, marking his first visit to Russia in two years.His visit came amid growing global tensions, with critics, including Ukraine and Estonia, accusing him of handing Russian President Vladimir Putin a propaganda victory.

But why did Guterres attend the summit, knowing the controversy it would spark?Diplomacy Amid Conflict

The Secretary-General’s primary agenda was clear:

To advocate for peace, especially in Ukraine, Sudan, and the Middle East.

Guterres stressed the need for a peace process based on international law and respect for territorial integrity, as outlined in the UN Charter.

His visit was not an endorsement of Russia’s actions but an effort to engage with key global players, including countries like China and India, which continue to maintain trade ties with Russia. These nations, along with others in the BRICS bloc, represent around half the world’s population and play a crucial role in global stability.

The BRICS summit represents a gathering of nations that, while diverse in their geopolitical…