12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum Adopts Joint Declaration as Om Birla Calls for Dialogue to Address Global Challenges

The declaration reiterated the principles of the United Nations Charter, including sovereign equality, mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs and the peaceful settlement of international conflicts.

According to the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the document also reflected key priorities of India’s BRICS chairship, including reform of the United Nations Security Council, stronger counter-terrorism cooperation, the responsible use of artificial intelligence and the expansion of digital public infrastructure.

Joint Declaration backs UN reforms and counter-terrorism cooperation

The declaration called for UN Security Council reform to make global governance more representative of contemporary realities and the aspirations of developing countries, particularly those in the Global South.

It also reinforced the participating parliaments’ commitment to combating terrorism, condemning cross-border terrorism, terror financing and the provision of safe havens to terrorist organisations. The declaration called for zero tolerance towards terrorism and opposed double standards in addressing the threat.

The document further supported the expansion of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), ethical governance of artificial intelligence and the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) in climate action.

The participating delegations also expressed support for India’s BRICS chairship and its development priorities.

Om Birla stresses dialogue over conflict

Delivering the valedictory address, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said global challenges required sustained dialogue, mutual understanding and collective action rather than confrontation.

Addressing parliamentary leaders and delegates from BRICS member and partner countries, Birla observed that the participating nations had different histories, circumstances and challenges but shared a common commitment to human welfare, peace and prosperity.

Against a backdrop of geopolitical instability, economic uncertainty and regional conflicts, he reiterated India’s position that international disputes should be addressed through dialogue and cooperation.

“India believes in peace, not war and it believes in cooperation more than competition,” Birla said.

He called for an international framework grounded in respect for national sovereignty, peaceful dispute resolution and equitable development opportunities for all countries.

Birla added that global peace must encompass security, respect, justice and the promise of a better future, particularly for younger generations. He said future generations would judge present leaders by the safety, stability and prosperity of the world they leave behind.

Parliaments urged to embrace technology responsibly

Birla also highlighted the evolving role of democratic institutions, describing parliaments as essential platforms for dialogue, consensus-building, accountability and public trust, beyond their traditional legislative responsibilities.

He urged legislatures to become more transparent, efficient and citizen-focused as they respond to changing public expectations.

On the use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, the Speaker said these tools could improve parliamentary operations and strengthen public participation. However, he stressed that their adoption must be guided by human values, ethical standards, transparency and accountability.

He further called for BRICS cooperation to deliver benefits beyond individual member countries, ensuring that the aspirations of the Global South receive greater representation in international decision-making.

China to assume BRICS chairship in 2027

As the forum concluded, Birla congratulated China on its upcoming BRICS chairship in 2027 and expressed confidence that cooperation among participating nations would continue to expand.

The meeting ended with a collective emphasis on the role of parliaments in promoting peace, international cooperation and shared prosperity, alongside efforts to strengthen global governance and address common challenges.