The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, which was inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla yesterday, concluded today with the adoption of a Joint Declaration. The declaration formally reiterates member nations' dedication to the principles of the United Nations Charter, sovereign equality, mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and the peaceful settlement of international disputes. Demonstrating India’s growing diplomatic footprint under its ongoing chairship, the Joint Declaration seamlessly aligned with New Delhi’s core strategic priorities. Reaffirming the consensus of the New Delhi Declaration (NDD), member parliaments issued an explicit endorsement of UN Security Council reform – referencing NDD Paragraph 13 – to make global governance more representative of the Global South.
India’s firm stance on national security scored a major victory through robust, uncompromised counter-terrorism language; building on NDD Paragraph 40, the declaration condemned cross-border terrorism, terror financing, and safe havens while demanding zero tolerance and an end to double standards. The final text also strongly embedded India-led developmental and climate agendas, including the expansion of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) repositories, ethical Artificial Intelligence governance, adherence to Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR-RC), and unanimous support for India’s BRICS Chairship.
Delivering the valedictory address, Lok Sabha Speaker emphasised that global challenges can only be resolved through steadfast dialogue, mutual peace, and collaborative action rather than conflict.
Addressing presiding officers, distinguished delegates, and international parliamentarians from BRICS member and partner nations, Shri Birla reflected on two days of profound discussions. He noted that while participating nations possess diverse backgrounds, circumstances, and challenges, their shared commitment to humanity's welfare, peace, and prosperity remains the ultimate strength of the BRICS coalition.
Highlighting the current global climate of instability, economic uncertainty, and regional conflicts, Shri Birla reiterated India’s core philosophy: permanent solutions are forged in dialogue, not war; in peace, not conflict; and in collaboration, rather than competition. He called for a global framework built on absolute respect for national sovereignty, peaceful resolution of international disputes, and equitable development opportunities for all. "Global peace truly means security, respect, justice, and the assurance of a better future for everyone – especially the younger generation,” he stated, noting that coming generations will judge current leaders by the safety and prosperity of the world they leave behind.
Underscoring the evolving responsibilities of democratic institutions, Lok Sabha Speaker emphasized that Parliaments are not merely law-making bodies, but vital centers of dialogue, consensus, accountability, and public trust. He urged global legislatures to adapt to changing times by becoming more effective, transparent, and citizen-centric. Addressing the integration of modern tools, Shri Birla noted that the adoption of Artificial Intelligence and digital technology can heavily optimize parliamentary workflows and deepen citizen participation, provided its development aligns strictly with human values, ethics, transparency, and accountability.
Shri Birla stressed that the success of BRICS must extend far beyond the progress of its individual member States to benefit the wider international community, granting proper representation to the aspirations of the Global South in global decision-making processes.
As the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum successfully concluded, Shri Birla extended warm congratulations and best wishes to China, which assumes the BRICS chair for the year 2027, expressing full confidence that cooperation will continue to flourish under its leadership. The forum concluded with a resounding call to action for Parliaments worldwide to serve as powerful voices for peace, cooperation, and shared prosperity.
The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, 2026, concluded today with the adoption of the Joint Declaration by consensus, along with a commitment to strengthening Parliaments for people-centric development. Addressing the valedictory session of the Forum, held at the historic Constitution House of the Parliament of India, I reaffirmed that reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and ensuring greater representation of the Global South in global governance are the need of the hour. All participating countries strongly condemned cross-border terrorism, terror financing and the provision of protection to terrorists, emphasising the need to adopt a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and to end double standards in the fight against terrorism. It was also agreed that lasting solutions to global challenges lie in dialogue, peace and cooperation. To safeguard public trust, it is essential to develop Parliaments as more transparent, accountable and citizen-centric institutions. Responsible technology and Artificial Intelligence can play an important role in making Parliaments more capable and enhancing the efficiency of lawmakers. The meaningful deliberations among parliamentary representatives of BRICS countries over the past two days have further strengthened the belief that unity amidst diversity, mutual trust and dialogue are strong foundations for global peace and prosperity. Our shared commitment to the welfare of humanity is the true strength of BRICS. Organised on the theme “Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development,” the Forum witnessed extensive deliberations on people-centric development, strong democratic institutions, parliamentary cooperation, and the responsible use of digital technology and Artificial Intelligence, along with resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. Heartfelt Congratulations to China on assuming the BRICS Chairship for 2027. I hope that this journey of cooperation will move forward with renewed energy and that our Parliaments will make a significant contribution towards building a more peaceful, inclusive and sustainable world through dialogue, trust and shared resolve. #BRICS2026 #BRICSParliamentaryForum
FIND THE LINK OF THE COPY OF THE JOINT DECLARATION HERE –