The expanded BRICS bloc, which now includes 16 nations after its January 2025 enlargement, has formally proposed that the United Nations take the lead in establishing global artificial intelligence governance frameworks.
In a declaration adopted on July 7 at their summit in Rio de Janeiro, BRICS leaders described AI as a "unique opportunity" for driving inclusive growth and innovation, while warning that without fair governance, it could widen the digital divide between nations. The proposal directly challenges what BRICS nations view as Western-dominated AI standards and governance models.
"We must prevent standard-setting processes from being used as barriers to market entry for small businesses and developing economies," the BRICS declaration stated. The bloc emphasized that global AI governance should be "representative, development-oriented, accessible, inclusive, dynamic, responsive" while respecting national sovereignty.
The proposal calls for developing "technical specifications and protocols" involving public sector and UN agencies to ensure trust, interoperability, and security across AI platforms. BRICS nations are advocating 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 countries.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking at the summit, supported the initiative, stating that "AI can't be a club of the few, but must benefit all, and in particular developing countries, which must have a real voice in global AI governance." He referenced the UN's plans to establish an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence and a periodic Global Dialogue on AI within the UN framework.
According to Igor Makarov, head of the World Economy Department at Russia's Higher School of Economics, "global governance in the field of artificial intelligence is virtually non-existent," making this an area where BRICS could potentially take the lead in creating global institutions.
The proposal represents a significant challenge to Western-led AI governance initiatives like the G7's Hiroshima AI Process. With BRICS nations now representing over 40% of the world's population following the bloc's expansion, their unified stance could fundamentally reshape how international AI standards are created and enforced.