12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum Adopts Joint Declaration

• BRICS Parliamentary Forum adopts Joint Declaration in New Delhi.
• Declaration backs UN Security Council reform and Global South representation.
• Member parliaments condemn cross-border terrorism and terror financing.
• Om Birla hands over parliamentary forum chairship to China for 2027.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 27th Oct: The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum concluded in New Delhi on Tuesday with the adoption of a Joint Declaration reaffirming the member nations’ commitment to global cooperation, sovereign equality, peaceful dispute resolution and reforms in international governance.

The forum, inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday, endorsed the principles of the New Delhi Declaration, including reform of the United Nations Security Council to make global decision-making more representative of the Global South.

Joint Declaration Takes Firm Stand on Terrorism
The declaration condemned cross-border terrorism, terror financing and the provision of safe havens to terrorists. It called for zero tolerance towards terrorism and an end to double standards in addressing the threat.

The participating parliaments also reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Charter, mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs and the peaceful settlement of international disputes.

The declaration further highlighted cooperation on Digital Public Infrastructure, ethical artificial intelligence governance and climate-related responsibilities under the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).

Om Birla Calls for Dialogue and Peace
Addressing delegates during the concluding session, Om Birla said lasting solutions to global challenges could be achieved through dialogue, peace and cooperation rather than conflict.

He urged parliaments to evolve into more transparent, effective and citizen-centric institutions capable of strengthening accountability and public trust. Birla also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence and digital technologies to improve parliamentary functioning and citizen participation, stressing the importance of ethics, transparency and accountability.

The Lok Sabha Speaker said BRICS cooperation should benefit not only member countries but also the wider international community, particularly by ensuring that the aspirations of the Global South receive greater representation in global decision-making.

China to Assume BRICS Chairship in 2027
At the conclusion of the forum, Birla handed over the BRICS Parliamentary Forum chairship to China, which will lead the grouping in 2027. He expressed confidence that cooperation among member countries would continue under China’s leadership.

The forum ended with a call for parliaments to strengthen international cooperation and promote peace, shared prosperity and inclusive development.