The BASIC Group is an international coalition of four major emerging economies: Brazil, South Africa, India, and China, which coordinates their positions in global climate change negotiations. This informal alliance was formally established on November 28, 2009, through a joint agreement signed by the environment ministers of the four nations. The group was created just before the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) in Copenhagen to amplify the influence of these rapidly industrializing nations.
The core mechanism of the BASIC Group is to advance a collective position in UNFCCC negotiations that safeguards the developmental rights of its member economies. They advocate for the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), which recognizes the greater "historical responsibility for climate change" held by developed nations. The group insists that developed countries must take the lead in mitigation and provide finance, technology, and capacity-building support to developing nations. The coalition played a significant role in shaping the Copenhagen Accord in 2009. All four BASIC members are also part of the broader BRICS grouping, which includes Russia and other developing countries. The group continues to work together in the UNFCCC process, renewing its call for stronger climate finance commitments from developed nations.