LS Speaker Om Birla Opens BRICS Parliamentary Forum 2026
Lok Sabha Speaker calls for stronger parliamentary cooperation, people-centric development and concrete action on global challenges.
- Om Birla inaugurates 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum
- Forum focuses on people-centric development and cooperation
- Birla calls for stronger Global South representation
- Youth empowerment and sustainability feature prominently
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 26th Oct: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum 2026 at Samvidhan Sadan in the Parliament House Complex on Monday, urging member and partner countries to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and advance people-centric development.
Addressing parliamentary delegations from BRICS countries, Birla emphasised the need for collective action to promote global peace, sustainability, democratic values and international cooperation. He said the grouping’s diversity could serve as a source of strength in addressing shared challenges and improving citizens’ lives.
Birla also highlighted the unanimous adoption of the joint statement at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s chairmanship. He said the next priority was to translate the commitments into tangible outcomes through legislation, budgetary processes, deliberations and parliamentary oversight.
Four Pillars Of The Forum
The two-day forum is being held under the theme “Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development”. Its deliberations focus on four interconnected pillars: resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.
Birla called for stronger legislative frameworks, greater institutional accountability and transparent parliamentary processes. He said parliaments must evolve with citizens’ aspirations and strengthen public participation in democratic institutions.
Highlighting global challenges, including regional conflicts, economic instability, trade tensions, terrorism and climate change, he said dialogue and parliamentary diplomacy could help bridge differences, build mutual trust and support peaceful solutions.
Global South And Sustainable Development
Birla said BRICS had a responsibility to amplify the voice of the Global South and ensure that the priorities of developing countries found expression in practical policies and meaningful cooperation.
He also stressed that economic progress must go hand in hand with environmental protection. Collective action, he said, was essential to build a sustainable and inclusive future for coming generations.
The Lok Sabha Speaker further urged BRICS parliaments to create opportunities for young people, listen to their concerns and channel their education, creativity and technological skills into nation-building.
Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s vision of BRICS as an “ecosystem of solutions”, Birla said the forum’s success should be measured by the practical outcomes of its discussions and their impact on people’s lives.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh also addressed the gathering, while the Lok Sabha Secretary-General delivered the welcome address.
