Kuala lumpur: BRICS has called for the immediate restoration of an accessible, effective, and fully functioning two-tier binding World Trade Organisation (WTO) dispute settlement mechanism, while reaffirming its unwavering support for WTO reform and a rules-based multilateral trading system. 'We remain committed to active engagement in multilateral negotiations in Geneva, especially in the debates regarding the reform of the WTO,' it said in the 45-page declaration released today. According to BERNAMA News Agency, in the declaration, the grouping said it would enhance coordination under the BRICS Informal Consultative Framework to address challenges undermining the organisation's effectiveness and credibility. BRICS also called for the appointment of new Appellate Body members without further delay, stressing the importance of strengthening the WTO's authority, effectiveness, inclusiveness, and relevance. 'We strongly advocate for the immediate restoration of an accessible, effective, fully functioning, two -tier binding WTO dispute settlement mechanism as a foundation for trust and predictability for all WTO members, and the appointment of new Appellate Body members without further delay,' the declaration emphasized. The grouping voiced serious concern over the proliferation of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures inconsistent with WTO rules, saying such actions threatened to reduce global trade, disrupt supply chains, and deepen existing economic disparities. BRICS also condemned unilateral coercive measures contrary to international law, including unilateral economic and secondary sanctions, and reaffirmed its opposition to such measures, including those not authorised by the United Nations Security Council. Among others, BRICS said it also encouraged further efforts by the New Development Bank to steadily expand its capacity to mobilise resources, foster innovation, expand local currency financing, diversify funding sources, and support impactful projects that advance sustainable development, reduce in equality, and promote infrastructure investments and economic integration. 'We recognise NDB as a crucial BRICS institution for promoting sustainable development, reducing inequalities, and supporting resilience in emerging economies.' Echoing the aspirations of the Global South to fully integrate into the multilateral trading system, BRICS strongly supports Ethiopia and Iran's bid for accession to the WTO. 'We acknowledge China for expanding its zero-tariff treatment to cover 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic ties.' China will take over the BRICS chairmanship in 2027 and host the 19th BRICS Leaders' Summit. The BRICS group, which serves as a political and diplomatic coordination forum for countries of the Global South and facilitates collaboration across diverse sectors, was initially established by Brazil, Russia, India, and China. It later expanded with the inclusion of South Africa in 2011, followed by Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2023, and I ndonesia in 2024. Malaysia, as well as Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Nigeria, Thailand, Vietnam, Uganda, and Uzbekistan, were accepted as BRICS partner countries. As a founding member of BRICS, India has previously held the chairmanship three times in 2012, 2016, and 2021. India assumed its fourth BRICS chairmanship on Jan 1, 2026. The year 2026 also marks a significant milestone, as BRICS completes 20 years since its establishment.