New Delhi, 27 October (H.S.): The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum concluded on Tuesday with the adoption of a joint declaration condemning cross-border terrorism, terrorist financing and the provision of safe havens to terrorists. The declaration called for a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism, urged countries to avoid double standards in combating the menace and supported reforms of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to ensure greater representation for the Global South in global governance.

The declaration reaffirmed the participating countries’ commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, sovereign equality, mutual respect, non-interference in the internal affairs of nations and the peaceful settlement of international disputes. It also reiterated the understandings reflected in the New Delhi Declaration.

Emphasising the need to make global governance more inclusive, the declaration backed reforms of the UNSC and called for the aspirations and priorities of developing countries, particularly those belonging to the Global South, to receive adequate representation in global decision-making institutions.

It also stressed the need for united action against all forms of terrorism, condemning cross-border terrorism, the financing of terrorist activities and the provision of safe havens to terrorists. The declaration called on countries to refrain from applying double standards in the fight against terrorism.

Delivering the valedictory address, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said lasting solutions to global challenges lay in dialogue rather than conflict, peace rather than war, and cooperation rather than competition.

He called for a global order founded on respect for national sovereignty, the peaceful resolution of international disputes and equal development opportunities for all countries.

Addressing presiding officers and parliamentarians from BRICS member and partner countries, Birla said that despite their diverse backgrounds and differing challenges, the countries shared a common commitment to human welfare, peace and prosperity. He described this shared commitment as a key source of strength for the grouping.

He said global peace meant ensuring security, dignity, justice and a better future for everyone.

Om Birla observed that future generations would judge the present leadership by the extent to which it left behind a safer, more peaceful and prosperous world. He said parliamentary dialogue among BRICS countries could strengthen mutual understanding, help identify solutions to common challenges and promote international cooperation.

He urged parliaments to uphold democratic values, transparency and accountability while responding effectively to citizens’ expectations.

Om Birla said parliaments were not merely legislative bodies but also vital centres of dialogue, consensus-building, accountability and public trust.

He called for parliamentary institutions to evolve into more transparent, effective and citizen-centric bodies capable of adapting to changing circumstances and emerging public needs.

Highlighting the role of technology, he said the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies could make parliamentary functioning more efficient and expand citizen participation. However, he stressed that technological development must remain aligned with human values, ethical principles, transparency and accountability.

The joint declaration also underscored the importance of expanding digital public infrastructure (DPI), ensuring the ethical governance of AI and adhering to the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) in addressing climate change.

It also noted the unanimous support extended to India’s BRICS presidency.

Om Birla said the success of BRICS would be meaningful only if the benefits of progress in member countries reached the wider international community and the aspirations of the Global South received appropriate representation in global decision-making.

At the conclusion of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, Birla handed over the group’s presidency for 2027 to China and expressed hope that cooperation among member and partner countries would continue to advance under its leadership.

Om Birla had inaugurated the two-day forum on Monday, October 26.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar