New Delhi, 15 August (H.S.): As part of India’s BRICS chairmanship this year, the Department of Telecommunications will host the BRICS Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Track in Pune from August 17 to 21. The five-day programme will be held under the theme “Innovation, Collaboration and Transformation for a Resilient Future” and will bring together Communications Ministers, senior government officials and ICT experts from BRICS member countries.

According to the Union Ministry of Communications, the BRICS ICT Track aims to strengthen cooperation among member countries in the field of information and communication technology and advance collective efforts towards building a secure, inclusive and resilient digital future. Discussions will cover several key areas, including digital innovation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, digital skills and startups.

Three major programmes will be organised during the five-day ICT Track. These include the seventh meeting of the BRICS ICT Cooperation Working Group from August 17 to 19, the Digital BRICS Forum and Expo on August 20, and the 12th meeting of the BRICS Communications Ministers on August 21.

The seventh meeting of the BRICS ICT Cooperation Working Group will deliberate on developing universal, meaningful, affordable, sustainable and resilient digital connectivity. Discussions will also focus on building a trusted, secure and human-centric digital environment; developing digital skills and capabilities for inclusive growth; and promoting innovation, startups and entrepreneurship in the ICT sector.

Artificial intelligence, next-generation communication technologies, digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, online safety of children and cooperation across digital ecosystems will also form key components of the meeting’s agenda.

The Digital BRICS Forum and Expo, scheduled for August 20, will provide a platform to showcase cooperation in emerging digital technologies and resilient ICT ecosystems. The forum will feature thematic discussions on cybersecurity and trusted ICT, online safety for children, and sustainable and resilient digital and ICT ecosystems. The expo will showcase initiatives related to cooperation and innovation in the digital sector.

The 12th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting will follow on August 21. India will be represented by Union Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Ministers from BRICS member countries will discuss the priorities of the ICT Track and explore measures to advance cooperation in areas including sustainable and resilient ICT ecosystems, cybersecurity and trusted ICT, digital skills and capacity building, as well as innovation, startups and entrepreneurship.

BRICS currently comprises Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. The hosting of the ICT Track in Pune is part of a series of meetings being organised across key sectors during India’s BRICS chairmanship.

According to the Department of Telecommunications, hosting the three major programmes in Pune reflects India’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in information and communication technology. The initiative also seeks to promote digital innovation and accelerate technology-driven, sustainable and inclusive development.

The programme will emphasise the exchange of experiences and expertise among BRICS countries in the digital domain, greater cooperation in emerging technologies and the development of common strategies to address future digital challenges. The government believes that promoting digital skills, innovation and entrepreneurship alongside a secure and trusted digital environment can help member countries advance towards inclusive and sustainable digital development.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar