The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum concluded today with the adoption of the Joint Declaration unanimously. The Joint Declaration reflects the BRICS member nations’ commitment to further strengthening parliamentary cooperation and advancing their shared objectives under the four key themes – Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability. During the second and final day of the two-day Forum, Lok Sabha Speaker and Chairperson of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum Om Birla proposed the unanimous adoption of the Joint Declaration. After that, Mr Birla handed over the Chairship of the BRICS Forum for 2027 to China.
Later, Mr Birla delivered his valedictory address at Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, in which he called for greater dialogue, trust and cooperation among nations to address global challenges. Mr. Birla said that despite differences in opinions, backgrounds and challenges, BRICS countries share a common commitment to human welfare, peace and prosperity. Mr. Birla emphasised the need to respect the sovereignty of every nation, resolve international disputes peacefully and ensure equitable development opportunities for all.
The Lok Sabha Speaker said that during the two-day forum, the discussions focused not only on current challenges but also on exploring new avenues for future cooperation. Highlighting the prevailing global conflicts, regional instability and economic uncertainty, Mr. Birla stressed that dialogue and cooperation are more important than ever. He said India believes that lasting solutions to global problems can be achieved through dialogue rather than conflict, peace rather than war, and cooperation rather than competition. He added that global peace must guarantee security, dignity and justice, along with the promise of a better future for everyone, particularly the younger generation.
Mr Birla said that through the joint declaration, the participating countries reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, sovereign equality of nations, mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs and the peaceful settlement of international disputes. He said, the declaration also strongly condemned all acts of terrorism and called for coordinated and concrete action against all terrorists and terrorist organisations.
Emphasising the use of Artificial Intelligence, Mr. Birla said its application should be guided by the principles of ethics, transparency, accountability and human welfare. He stressed that technology should improve human life and its development must remain aligned with human values. Mr. Birla said the success of BRICS should not be limited to the progress of its member countries but should also have a positive impact on the wider global community. He emphasised that the aspirations of the Global South must receive due consideration in global decision-making processes.
The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum began yesterday with the theme Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development.
