BRICS Lawmakers Endorse India's 2026 Presidency and Global South AI Access
New Delhi: Parliamentary representatives from BRICS countries on Tuesday threw their weight behind India's upcoming BRICS Presidency in 2026. They also endorsed faster progress on the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, the use of digital technologies to tackle developing-world challenges, and equal access to artificial intelligence for the Global South.
The positions were set out in a joint statement issued after the meeting held in the national capital. The statement said India's presidency carries the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.' It described the theme as a reflection of a common commitment to strengthen BRICS cooperation in a manner that is balanced, inclusive and forward-looking, so that shared challenges can be addressed effectively.
The meeting, which focused on 'Encouraging Parliaments for People-Centred Development,' brought together presiding officers and representatives from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The joint statement called the eradication of all forms of poverty, especially extreme poverty, the world's most pressing challenge and a precondition for sustainable development. Participants also hoped that BRICS nations would collaborate closely and make valuable contributions to shaping the global development agenda beyond 2030.
Climate change was another major focus. The BRICS representatives acknowledged that the issue is urgent and called for intensified action through dialogue and international cooperation. Their proposals include putting Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) into practice, reducing climate impacts, strengthening adaptation measures and encouraging just transition pathways. The ultimate goal is to fulfil the objectives of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.
Developed countries were urged to provide developing nations with extra, adequate, predictable and easily accessible climate finance. The statement also underlined collaboration on capacity building, technology development and technology transfer, under conditions agreed by all sides.
The representatives recognised the transformative capacity of emerging technologies, including AI and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). They said the development and use of ICTs must remain open, secure, stable, peaceful, interoperable and equally available, while protecting the sovereignty and national security of each nation.
The joint statement observed, "We believe that artificial intelligence (AI) presents a major opportunity to speed up economic growth and sustainable development for all. We also acknowledge the importance of international cooperation in broadening equal access to AI resources, capacity building, knowledge and opportunities, in keeping with national priorities and applicable laws. It is equally vital to ensure that AI is developed and used in a safe, inclusive and trustworthy manner."
According to the statement, the BRICS nations also see value in improving the energy efficiency of AI systems, promoting AI research and innovation, using AI for economic progress and social well-being, and minimising its potential risks. Such efforts, it said, can pave the way for a just, fair and prosperous future for all countries, especially those of the Global South.
The statement further stressed strengthening the digital sovereignty of BRICS members. This includes securing data privacy and personal information while developing strong national technology ecosystems.
BRICS reaffirmed its commitment to achieving universal and meaningful digital connectivity for everyone. Representatives encouraged cooperative work to expand digital infrastructure, especially Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), to support economic growth, social inclusion, improved public services, resilience and innovation.
The document referred to a proposal for launching a Digital Public Infrastructure Repository for BRICS countries and to pilot projects that apply DPI solutions to digital transformation.