The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum (BRICS PF), inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla under the theme “Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development,” officially concluded today in New Delhi with the unanimous adoption of a landmark Joint Declaration.
Demonstrating India’s diplomatic leadership during its ongoing 2026 Chairship, the declaration aligns with the nation’s strategic priorities and re-anchors the consensus established in the BRICS New Delhi Leaders Declaration.
BRICS 2026 KEY FOCUS AREAS
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| • UNSC Comprehensive Reform (Global South Representation) |
| • Zero Tolerance for Cross-Border Terror & Safe Havens |
| • Deployment of Ethical AI & Digital Public Infrastructure|
| • Sovereign Equality & Adherence to CBDR Climate Principles|
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UNSC Reform and Global Governance
A core element of the final text is an explicit endorsement of comprehensive reforms to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Citing Paragraph 13 of the New Delhi Declaration, member parliaments called for a more democratic, agile, and representative international system that reflects modern realities and amplifies the voice of the Global South.
Zero Tolerance for Cross-Border Terrorism
Securing a major diplomatic outcome on national and international security, the Joint Declaration presents strong counter-terrorism mandates. Expanding on Paragraph 40 of the Leaders Declaration, member states condemned cross-border terrorism, terror financing, and the provision of safe havens. The text insists on a global policy of zero tolerance, rejecting double standards in countering terrorist threats, and urging the swift adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework.
Ethical AI, DPI, and Sustainable Development
The declaration outlines concrete measures regarding technology governance and climate action:
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Endorses the launch of a DPI repository for BRICS countries to enhance public service delivery and social inclusion.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Highlights the safe, secure, and ethical deployment of AI tools to optimize parliamentary workflows and deepen citizen interaction while guarding data privacy and digital sovereignty.
- Climate Responsibilities: Reaffirms adherence to Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), demanding predictable climate finance and technology transfers from developed nations to developing countries.
Speaker’s Call for Dialogue and Transparent Parliaments
Delivering the valedictory address at the historic Constitution House of the Parliament of India, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla underlined that permanent solutions to global instability, economic friction, and regional conflict lie in dialogue, peace, and cooperation rather than competition or warfare.
“Global peace truly means security, respect, justice, and the assurance of a better future for everyone — especially the younger generation,” Shri Birla stated.
He urged legislatures worldwide to evolve into transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric institutions to safeguard public trust, leveraging AI responsibly while staying rooted in human ethics.
Handover of Chairship
Marking the end of India’s successful forum proceedings, Om Birla formally extended best wishes to China as it prepares to assume the BRICS Chairship for 2027. The forum closed with a collective commitment to build a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable global order through inter-parliamentary trust and dialogue.
