BRICS Ministers
BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs have made a strong push for a fair and inclusive way to govern Artificial Intelligence (AI) worldwide, putting the United Nations at the centre with a big role for developing countries. This call came during their yearly meeting on the edges of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Friday, 26 September 2025. Chaired by India as the next BRICS leader for 2026, the gathering brought together top diplomats to talk about how AI can help everyone without leaving poorer nations behind.
In their joint statement, the ministers said AI should be “for good and for all”, keeping in mind each country’s rules, independence, data safety, fair access to tools, and new ideas.  They stressed using AI to fix social, money, language, and cultural problems, while helping build skills in less wealthy countries. “The Ministers looked forward to BRICS cooperation to help developing countries strengthen AI capacity building,” the statement noted.  This focus on sharing knowledge and tools aims to make sure AI boosts growth everywhere, not just in rich spots.
The meeting also covered bigger tech issues, like safe online spaces and fighting cyber threats. With BRICS now bigger after adding new members, the group is stepping up as a voice for the Global South, pushing for rules that protect everyone’s interests in a fast-changing digital world. South Africa’s Minister Ronald Lamola joined the talks, highlighting how these steps could help Africa tackle challenges like job creation and health through smart tech.  As AI shapes everything from farms to factories, this push could lead to fairer global rules that put people first.
AI for All: Sovereignty, Equity and Capacity Building at the Core
The ministers made it clear that AI governance needs to respect each nation’s ways while making sure everyone benefits. They called for UN-led talks that include voices from developing lands, avoiding a setup where only powerful countries call the shots.  This means focusing on things like protecting data, sharing resources fairly, and sparking new inventions that solve real problems.
They encouraged using AI to bridge gaps in society, economy, languages and cultures, with special help for poorer countries to build their own AI skills.  From earlier BRICS talks, like the Rio Summit in July 2025, leaders had already agreed on 126 promises covering AI and other areas, stressing fair rules grounded in equity and human rights.  UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed this at that summit, saying AI needs a global response based on fairness. 
In New York, the group looked forward to teaming up to boost AI know-how in the Global South, helping nations like South Africa use tech for better jobs, health and farming. This ties into the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, launched at UNGA, which aims to make sure AI rules are inclusive and not just for the rich.  Experts say this could help avoid an “AI divide” where advanced countries pull ahead, leaving others scrambling.
Safe and Open ICT: Fighting Cyber Threats and Misuse
Beyond AI, the ministers talked up the power of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to drive growth and digital change in BRICS lands.  They backed a safe, open and secure online world, pushing for global rules to stop cybercrimes, harmful software, fake news and wrong use of tech.
This call comes as cyberattacks rise worldwide, hitting everything from banks to hospitals. BRICS wants legal frameworks that protect users while letting innovation flow.  In South Africa, where digital divides are big, this could mean better cyber defences for businesses and people, helping the country join the Fourth Industrial Revolution without the risks.
Health and Science: Peaceful Tech for Better Lives
The ministers stressed using science and tech for peace, teaming up on health issues like vaccines, fighting TB and drug-resistant bugs, nuclear medicine and traditional healing.  They cheered BRICS projects like digital health sharing, vaccine making and swapping knowledge to tackle pandemics.
They pushed for faster talks on the WHO Pandemic Agreement and its rules on sharing germs and benefits.  This builds on lessons from COVID-19, where unequal vaccine access hit poorer nations hard. For South Africa, a leader in traditional medicine like Rooibos and African wormwood, this could mean more global recognition and funding for home-grown cures.
Space Security: No Arms Race in the Stars
On space, the group called for stopping an arms race and weapons up there, backing legal deals and trust-building steps for global safety.  With satellites key for weather, comms and defence, BRICS wants space to stay peaceful, helping all countries benefit from tech like remote sensing for farms or disasters.
South Africa’s space agency, SANSA, could gain from this, teaming up on projects like satellite building with partners like China and Russia.
Innovation and Growth: BRICS as a Hub for Tech and Startups
The statement praised BRICS’ role in sparking new ideas, tech ties, Industry 4.0 and startup links for fair economic growth.  This means more jobs and skills in fields like robotics and data, helping countries like South Africa fight unemployment.
Expanding BRICS: Stronger Voice for the Global South
The ministers noted the group’s growth under rules from the 2023 Johannesburg Summit, adding weight to its say in world affairs.  With new members like Egypt and Ethiopia, BRICS now speaks louder for the Global South, pushing for fair play in trade, tech and more.
They backed partner countries joining in line with Kazan Summit rules from Russia in 2024, and called for a shared database to ease info sharing.  This expansion boosts credibility and helps build solidarity among developing lands.
India Steps Up: 2026 Chairship and Future Meetings
The group thanked India for chairing the New York meet and pledged full backing for its 2026 leadership, including the 18th BRICS Summit.  A separate Foreign Ministers’ meeting in India next year will keep the ball rolling on these issues.
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