BRICS Leaders Issue Landmark Statement on Global AI Governance
At the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa have released a historic statement on the global governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This marks the first time that BRICS nations have united at the leadership level to address AI governance, highlighting the technology’s significance for equitable global development.
The statement recognizes AI as a transformative opportunity to drive innovation, enhance productivity, promote sustainable development, and improve human welfare. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive governance principles aimed at mitigating potential risks while meeting the needs of all countries, especially those in the Global South.
The document lays out four key pillars for AI governance:
Multilateralism with the UN at its Core: Advocating for international cooperation in AI development and regulation, with the United Nations playing a central role.
Market Regulation and Equitable Access to Technology: Ensuring fair competition and that all nations have access to AI technologies, preventing monopolies and technological divides.
Fairness and Sustainable Development: Promoting AI solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability and social equity.
Ethical, Trustworthy AI Benefiting Humanity: Committing to the development of AI that is ethical, transparent, and respects cultural diversity.
The BRICS leaders stressed the importance of digital sovereignty, inclusive data governance, and the protection of intellectual property rights, while also maintaining the public interest. They called for open innovation ecosystems and mechanisms to ensure human oversight and accountability in AI systems.
Addressing concerns over AI’s impact on labor markets, education, and information integrity, the statement highlights the necessity of combating algorithmic bias and misinformation. The leaders underscored the need for AI systems that are transparent and that uphold principles of fairness and accountability.
This unified stance by the BRICS nations signals a significant step toward collaborative global AI governance, aiming to harness the benefits of AI while safeguarding against its risks. It reflects a shared vision for leveraging AI to foster development and improve the quality of life across nations.
