The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum concluded in Delhi on Tuesday with the adoption of a joint declaration backing reform of the United Nations Security Council, calling for zero tolerance for terrorism and greater representation of the Global South in global decision-making. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also handed over the forum’s chairship to China for the next BRICS summit in 2027.
He further called for a global framework based on respect for national sovereignty, peaceful resolution of disputes and equitable development opportunities. It focused on strengthening parliamentary institutions, the use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies and sustainability. The declaration also highlighted cooperation on emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and proposed a digital public infrastructure repository for BRICS countries. On climate change, member countries called for stronger mitigation and adaptation efforts. Member nations also expressed concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East and West Asia, urging restraint, protection of civilians and dialogue towards lasting peace.
“Permanent solutions to global challenges can only be forged through dialogue, not war; in peace, not conflict; and in collaboration, rather than competition,” Birla said in his address. The forum— held on October 26 and 27 under the theme “Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development”— brought together presiding officers and parliamentary representatives from BRICS member countries and partner nations. The forum was held during India’s 2026 BRICS chairship, which had the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. “We emphasise the need to strengthen the digital sovereignty of BRICS member countries by protecting data privacy and security of personal information as well as by building resilient national technological ecosystems,” it added. It called for stronger efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals, while emphasising the “principle of common but differentiated responsibilities” in addressing climate change. “We reaffirm our unwavering support for the peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state solution, with the two States living side by side, in peace and security…” the declaration further said.
