The expanded BRICS bloc, now representing over 40% of the world's population and 44% of global GDP, has taken a bold stance on artificial intelligence regulation by formally calling for UN leadership in global AI governance.
In their declaration adopted on July 7 in Rio de Janeiro, BRICS leaders described AI as a "unique opportunity to boost development towards a more prosperous future" while emphasizing that governance frameworks must "mitigate potential risks and address the needs of all countries, including those of the Global South."
The proposal directly challenges Western-dominated AI governance approaches, with BRICS asserting that any global framework must be "representative, development-oriented, accessible, inclusive, dynamic, responsive" while respecting national sovereignty. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, whose country holds the 2025 BRICS presidency, stated that "by adopting the Declaration on Artificial Intelligence Governance, BRICS is sending a clear and unequivocal message: new technologies must operate within a fair, inclusive, and equitable governance framework."
The declaration calls for developing "technical specifications and protocols" involving public sector and UN agencies to ensure "trust, interoperability, security and reliability" across AI platforms. It also advocates for open-source collaboration, protection of digital sovereignty, fair competition in AI markets, and intellectual property safeguards that don't hinder technology transfer to developing nations.
Analysts note this move represents a significant geopolitical development in technology policy. Igor Makarov, head of the World Economy Department at Russia's Higher School of Economics, observed that "global governance in the field of artificial intelligence is virtually non-existent," positioning BRICS to potentially take the lead in creating institutions in this emerging field.
The BRICS AI governance position is expected to shape the bloc's engagement on technology issues throughout 2025 under Brazil's presidency theme of "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance." As AI increasingly pervades global economies, this initiative could significantly influence how international AI standards are established and enforced.