The BRICS Parliamentary Forum, which India will host next week, will focus on pressing global challenges, the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) and cooperation among lawmakers, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Friday. The discussions will also cover parliamentary best practices, the responsible use of emerging technologies and capacity building for legislators. The forum is expected to provide a platform for parliamentarians from BRICS member countries to exchange views on shared concerns and explore ways to strengthen cooperation through legislative institutions. Birla said the agenda would place particular emphasis on ensuring that technological progress remains human-centric and serves broader public interests.

According to Birla, the forum's discussions will address a range of international challenges that require dialogue and cooperation among countries. Parliamentary representatives are expected to deliberate on how legislatures can contribute to addressing these issues while strengthening democratic processes and institutional capacity. The meeting will also offer an opportunity to share experiences and approaches adopted by different parliaments. By bringing lawmakers together, the forum aims to encourage discussion on common priorities and the role of parliamentary institutions in responding to changing global circumstances.

Artificial intelligence is expected to be a major subject of discussion, particularly its ethical and human-centric application. As AI systems become increasingly relevant across sectors, questions surrounding their responsible use, accountability and impact on people have gained importance in policy debates worldwide. Birla said the forum would consider the proper use of AI and other emerging technologies. The emphasis on human-centric AI points to the importance of keeping people and their interests at the centre of technological development and decision-making. However, the specific proposals or policy recommendations that may emerge from the discussions have not yet been outlined in the information provided.

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The forum will also focus on parliamentary best practices, allowing participating lawmakers to exchange knowledge about legislative procedures and institutional functioning. Sharing such experiences can help parliamentarians understand how different countries approach lawmaking, public accountability and the operation of legislative bodies. Discussions on best practices may also create opportunities for cooperation on improving parliamentary capacity and strengthening the effectiveness of legislative institutions. The agenda, as described by Birla, places this institutional exchange alongside broader conversations about global challenges and technological change.

Capacity building is another key area identified by the Lok Sabha Speaker. The subject concerns efforts to strengthen the knowledge, skills and institutional resources available to lawmakers and parliamentary bodies. Cooperation in this area could provide a platform for participating countries to share expertise and learn from one another's experiences. Birla's remarks indicate that the forum will look beyond discussions of international issues to consider how parliamentary institutions can develop their ability to respond to emerging demands. Details of any specific capacity-building initiatives or agreements expected at the meeting have not been announced in the information available.

India's hosting of the forum next week will bring the parliamentary dimension of BRICS cooperation into focus. The grouping provides a platform for member countries to engage on issues of shared interest, while a parliamentary forum enables elected representatives and legislative leaders to discuss these matters from an institutional perspective. The meeting's proposed agenda links global challenges with the opportunities and risks associated with new technologies, alongside the practical needs of parliamentary institutions. Birla's announcement signals that AI ethics, responsible technological development and cooperation among lawmakers will be central themes. The outcomes will depend on the discussions held by participating representatives and any conclusions or initiatives they agree to pursue.

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