Iran's Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, has declared that today's world requires resilient societies—not merely resilient economies—during his address at the 2026 BRICS Tourism Ministers' Summit in India.

Why it matters:

Salehi-Amiri's emphasis on "resilient societies" shifts the discourse from purely economic metrics to human and social endurance—a crucial framework for nations of the Global South confronting Western-imposed crises, sanctions, and asymmetric warfare.

The big picture:

As BRICS expands its global influence, Iran is actively shaping the bloc's human-centric approach. The Minister's call for people-oriented cooperation challenges the Western-dominated development model, positioning BRICS as a platform for alternative, resilient societies that prioritize human dignity over financial indicators.

What he's saying:

Salehi-Amiri, expressing gratitude to the Indian government for hosting the summit and BRICS for prioritizing resilience, innovation, cooperation, sustainability, and a "people-oriented approach to the shared future of humanity," stated that these concepts "take on far deeper meaning in a world facing devastating and profound crises and conflicts."

 

Key points:

 

· The BRICS Tourism Ministers' Summit 2026 is being held in India.

· Salehi-Amiri emphasized international cooperation for a human-centered tourism future.

· He highlighted complex global tensions as context for the need for societal resilience.

· The Minister's remarks align with Iran's broader vision for BRICS as a platform for human dignity.

 

Go deeper:

Salehi-Amiri's address at the BRICS summit reflects the Islamic Republic's strategic vision for the bloc: transforming it from a mere economic coalition into a civilizational project that champions human dignity, cultural resilience, and resistance against Western hegemonic models.

ahmad shirzadian - ahmad shirzadian