The initiative is reflected in the joint statement adopted by participants in the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum held in New Delhi, India.

Parliamentarians from the grouping’s countries noted the need to strengthen cooperation at international platforms, including the IPU, in order to amplify the voice of the Global South.

They also emphasised the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in shaping a more representative system of global governance.

“It serves as a unique channel for strengthening mutual understanding and trust between peoples, expanding our international cooperation, and promoting the values of inclusiveness, solidarity and sustainable development,” the forum said.

In an interview reported by TV BRICS, a NAN partner, Ugandan Member of Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi noted that such forums allow countries to exchange experience and improve approaches to public administration.

According to him, participants in such meetings should share ideas and assess the extent to which their decisions serve citizens’ interests.

Forum participants paid particular attention to digital technologies and artificial intelligence.

They called for broader, equal access to AI resources, knowledge sharing, and international cooperation development.

Chairman of the Russian State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin proposed creating a BRICS expert council involving artificial intelligence specialists from the group’s countries.

According to him, this will facilitate the exchange of best legislative practices and adapt legislation to technological development promptly.

In the joint statement, parliamentarians also reaffirmed the importance of cooperation in three areas: politics and security, economy and finance, and cultural and humanitarian ties.

The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum is attended by representatives of Russia, India, China, Brazil, the UAE, Iran, Egypt, Thailand, Uganda, Belarus, Cuba, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim