BRICS: BRICS Foreign Ministers signed declaration on AI governance

On 29 April 2025, Foreign Ministers from the BRICS+ countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members as of 1 January 2025, including Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates) issued a declaration following a meeting in Rio de Janeiro, which includes commitments on artificial intelligence (AI). The Ministers emphasised the importance of establishing inclusive and representative international governance for AI within the framework of the United Nations. They affirmed that AI systems should be developed and deployed in accordance with national regulatory frameworks and international principles, including respect for sovereignty, security, and the UN Charter. The statement underscored the need for AI governance to prioritise transparency, ethical standards, data protection, and equitable development outcomes, particularly in addressing digital and data inequalities between and within countries.