The 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro marked a critical turning point in global artificial intelligence (AI) policy. Driven by China’s technological leadership and the collective vision of emerging economies, BRICS countries have placed digital sovereignty, equity, and responsible innovation at the heart of global AI governance.
Most importantly, the summit set the stage for a renewed dialogue on how emerging economies can work together to shape the future of AI. Because technology affects every aspect of modern life, the discussions in Rio highlighted not only economic and technological challenges but also the urgent need for ethical frameworks.[1]
The BRICS Vision for Global AI Governance
At the summit, BRICS leaders released a landmark statement on the governance of artificial intelligence. This consensus document, the first of its kind at the leadership level within BRICS, defines AI as a pivotal tool for fostering global equity, sustainable development, and human welfare. Most importantly, it lays out a comprehensive framework that is designed to benefit all member nations, especially those from the Global South.
The declaration emphasizes transparent practices and promotes ethical standards. Because digital transformation touches every industry, the policy framework advocates for balanced participation between nations. Therefore, the text reflects a deliberate effort to democratize technological growth in an increasingly digital world.
In addition, the document outlines four core pillars for AI governance:
- Multilateralism with the United Nations at its core, ensuring global partnership and shared responsibility;
- Equitable market regulation and access so that innovation does not widen existing gaps;
- Fairness and sustainable development in AI deployment to foster long-term benefits for all;
- Ethical, trustworthy AI that serves humanity and respects cultural diversity.
Besides that, these guidelines stress the importance of open innovation and the protection of digital sovereignty, setting BRICS apart from Western-centric approaches. This accelerated push toward inclusive global regulation has been widely noted by experts, as seen in discussions on platforms like ComplexDiscovery.
UN-Led, Inclusive AI Regulation: Bridging the Digital Divide
A defining moment of the summit was the emphatic call for united global leadership under the United Nations framework. This approach is designed to establish a standards framework rooted in inclusive access, ethical guidance, and the non-military use of AI.[2]
Because emerging economies often face significant challenges in accessing advanced technologies, the BRICS bloc—comprising traditional members and new partners like the UAE and Egypt—is committed to bridging the digital divide. Therefore, they seek to create an environment where digital benefits are shared equitably across nations.
Moreover, enhanced cooperation under the UN umbrella ensures that policy decisions will be supported by extensive global consultation. This inclusive method encourages fair competition and reduces the risks associated with rapid yet uneven technological development. Most importantly, it guarantees that all nations, regardless of their current technological stature, have a seat at the table.
China’s Role: Technological Leadership and Strategic Influence
China’s influence was a central theme throughout the summit. As a major proponent of advanced technology, China’s robust investments in AI research, cutting-edge infrastructure, and rigorous regulatory models set the tone for the summit. Most importantly, China’s initiatives exemplify how large-scale cooperation can be harnessed to support responsible innovation.[4]
Beyond investing in technology, China proposed establishing a “BRICS AI Development Cooperation Center” earlier this year. Because centralizing efforts allows for more coordinated policy development, this proposal is designed to formalize frameworks and create benchmarks for best practices across member nations.
Besides that, China’s leadership is pivotal in ensuring that digital sovereignty and collaborative dialogue are at the forefront of discussions. As seen on Tufts Sites, this proactive stance positions China as a counterbalance to the Western tech giants and advocates for a more diversified approach to global tech governance.
Prioritizing Digital Sovereignty and Open Collaboration
The BRICS declaration strongly supports digital sovereignty by advocating for the protection of intellectual property while promoting public interest. Most importantly, it underscores the need for open innovation ecosystems that allow for growth in both technological and cultural dimensions.
Because innovation thrives on collaboration, BRICS is championing a vision that includes inclusive data governance and cultural sensitivity in AI design. To this end, initiatives such as the proposed BRICS AI observatory aim to systematically monitor AI best practices and promote information exchange among member nations.
In tandem with these efforts, the New Development Bank is set to play a crucial role by financing digital infrastructure. Moreover, joint innovation projects are already underway—as highlighted by BRICS’ own update—which further fortifies the bloc’s commitment to a balanced technological future.
Responsible and Inclusive Development: From Principles to Action
The summit’s outcomes reflected an in-depth discussion that went beyond theoretical agreements. Instead, they provided strategic blueprints for translating principles into actionable policies. Most importantly, by referencing globally recognized guidelines such as UNESCO’s Recommendation on AI Ethics, BRICS underscored its commitment to upholding fundamental human rights and data protection standards.[3]
Furthermore, the bloc is investing in cross-border data infrastructures and open-source platforms to facilitate skill development and knowledge sharing. Because these initiatives are designed to bridge existing gaps, they represent a decisive step toward achieving both technological and social inclusivity.
Therefore, enhanced policy exchanges and regional research partnerships will likely serve as catalysts for future improvements in digital governance. Transitioning to well-structured oversight mechanisms ensures that each member state’s unique needs are met, thus nurturing a more inclusive global AI ecosystem.
The Path Ahead: BRICS as Global AI Stakeholders
Looking forward, the outcomes of the summit have set a strong precedent for how multipolar dialogues on AI governance should unfold. Most importantly, by advocating for a multilateral, inclusive, and ethical framework, BRICS is positioning itself as a primary interlocutor in the future of global AI policy.
Because the implications of AI extend across all facets of society, the bloc’s proactive stance not only challenges the existing regulatory paradigms but also serves as a blueprint for involving previously marginalized voices. The forthcoming UN Summit for the Future is expected to witness even broader participation, where these nations can further refine and implement their approach.
In conclusion, besides shaping technological strategies, BRICS has successfully demonstrated that ethical considerations and social inclusion are just as critical as innovation. Therefore, the collaborative momentum from the summit is set to transform AI governance from an exclusive deliberation to a culturally sensitive, global dialogue.
References
- BRICS leaders issue landmark statement on global AI governance (ecns.cn, July 10, 2025)
- BRICS pushes for UN-led AI governance at Rio Summit (ComplexDiscovery, July 8, 2025)
- Artificial Intelligence Governance in BRICS: Cooperation and Development for Social Inclusion (brics.br, April 11, 2025)
- BRICS Wants to Shape Global AI Governance, Too (Tufts/World Politics Review, April 2024)
For further insights, readers are encouraged to explore additional perspectives on AI governance through resources such as the Press Information Bureau of India, which discusses the role of global south cooperation in shaping inclusive digital policies.
