Leaders called for “comprehensive, transparent, and consensus-based processes” to define international AI norms, emphasizing that technical standards should not become trade barriers for small economies and emerging technological ecosystems.
BRICS in a bold move to reshape global AI governance The leader has issued a joint declaration that places Africa and other emerging markets at the heart of the future of more comprehensive, equitable and development-driven technologies.
in Statement from BRICS Leader on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligencewhich currently includes South Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia alongside Brazil, Russia, India and China, is taking up a sweeping proposal aimed at democratizing access to AI technology, strengthening digital sovereignty and closing global technological disparities.
The statement identifies AI as a “milestone opportunity” for equitable development, but warns that current governance models exist at risk of widening existing inequality, particularly in the global South.
“Regardless of the stage of development, all countries must have the right to benefit, develop and use AI,” the leader said, urging international cooperation to eliminate the economic and technical barriers faced by low-income countries.
Africa focused
The declaration focuses on digital transformation in Africa and advocates investment in local AI research, infrastructure and talent development. We are calling on multilateral development banks to prioritize AI capacity building across emerging markets and to encourage innovation in the use of open source AI at a regional level.
The challenges of Africa's development, particularly AI's potential in healthcare, education, energy and agriculture, are highlighted as priority areas for joint innovation.
“Digital government services based on public infrastructure could serve as catalysts for inclusion in the digital economy,” the statement informs support for Africa-led technology solutions.
Global governance under investigation
The BRICS BLOC also criticized the fragmented state of international AI governance and called for the United Nations to serve as a central forum for setting global AI standards. Competing initiatives warned that they could deepen inequality and undermine trust in multilateralism.
Leaders called for “comprehensive, transparent, and consensus-based processes” to define international AI norms, emphasizing that technical standards should not become trade barriers for small economies and emerging technological ecosystems.
Important suggestions
-
Digital Sovereignty: Countries need to define their own AI regulatory frameworks while ensuring data protection and user safety.
-
Open Access: We encourage the development of open source and resource-efficient AI models.
-
Bias relaxation: It encourages global efforts to eliminate discriminatory algorithmic practices that disproportionately affect marginalized groups.
-
Sustainability: It emphasizes that AI systems must be environmentally responsible and promote climate resilience.
-
Workforce protection: We are looking for responsible AI deployments that improve productivity without threatening labor rights.
Build a balanced AI landscape
The statement concludes with a call for a “proactive and common position” on global AI governance, ensuring meaningful participation in Africa and other developing regions. BRICS countries have said they will promote these principles across their international platforms and welcome collaboration from other countries.
As AI dominance competition grows, BRICS Vision offers an alternative. It is what AI reshapes, not as an luxury in an advanced economy, but as a tool for comprehensive progress and shared prosperity.
