BRICS Forum Calls for Global South to Shape AI Governance and Promote South-South Cooperation

The BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum discussed the need for greater South-South cooperation in AI governance to ensure equitable sharing of AI benefits across nations. The forum highlighted the risks of AI capabilities being concentrated among a few actors, creating dependencies for Global South nations. It emphasized the importance of open-source development of AI and greater Global South representation in shaping AI governance frameworks.

Over 250 representatives from nearly 150 media outlets, think tanks, government agencies, and regional organizations across 36 countries gathered in Rio de Janeiro for the BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum on July 19, 2025 [1]. The event, co-hosted by Xinhua News Agency and Brazil Communication Company, focused on advancing BRICS cooperation and strengthening solidarity across the Global South.

In his keynote remarks, Fu Hua, forum chair and president of Xinhua News Agency, highlighted the critical role of greater BRICS cooperation in unifying Global South countries and driving reform in global governance. As the forum enters its second decade, Xinhua is committed to working with its BRICS counterparts to tell the Global South's stories more effectively, promote joint research on major issues, and deepen professional collaboration [1].

The forum emphasized the need for greater South-South cooperation in AI governance to ensure equitable sharing of AI benefits across nations. Speakers discussed the risks of AI capabilities being concentrated among a few actors, creating dependencies for Global South nations. They emphasized the importance of open-source development of AI and greater Global South representation in shaping AI governance frameworks [1].

Carlos Hernandez, president of the Central American Parliament, noted that global governance is in urgent need of new models and new voices. Mikhail Gusman, first deputy director-general of TASS Russian News Agency, highlighted the diversity of emerging economies and the role of BRICS media cooperation in defending truth, justice, and peace [1].

The forum concluded with the release of a think tank report titled "BRICS Cooperation: Advancing the Collective Progress of the Global South" and the launch of two major initiatives: the Global South Joint Communication Partnership Program and "Tapping into BRICS, Voices from the South" Content Collaborative Project [1].

References:
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/brics-media-think-tanks-convene-183400655.html