At the BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum held in Durban, leaders, scholars, and policymakers from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa came together with a common mission — to assert the Global South’s rightful place in the global dialogue on artificial intelligence governance.

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Call for Equitable AI Governance and Inclusion

Delegates from BRICS countries urged a transformation in how global AI governance is structured, stressing that the current frameworks are disproportionately influenced by Western powers and tech giants. The forum emphasized that nations of the Global South must play a central role in crafting policies that ensure AI technologies are used ethically, equitably, and for inclusive development.

"AI governance must not be a privilege of a few," declared one delegate. "We must democratize decision-making to reflect the voices of billions in the Global South."

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Promoting South-South Collaboration in AI Development

A key theme of the forum was enhancing South-South cooperation to build shared digital infrastructure and AI capacity. The forum called for increased investments in AI research and education across BRICS countries, as well as the creation of joint innovation hubs that support open-source AI tools tailored to local challenges.

Panelists pointed out the need for technological sovereignty, urging BRICS governments to lessen dependence on Western platforms and build AI ecosystems rooted in local cultures and languages.

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Challenging Technological Monopolies and Data Colonialism

Several participants warned against the rise of “data colonialism,” where corporations and a handful of countries dominate global data and computing infrastructure. The forum stressed the need for fair data-sharing practices and transparent AI algorithms that do not reinforce existing inequalities.

The gathering called for establishing international frameworks that hold AI systems accountable, respect cultural diversity, and prevent algorithmic bias — especially in sensitive areas like law enforcement, healthcare, and finance.

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A Roadmap for Global AI Engagement

The BRICS forum proposed a multi-stakeholder approach to AI governance, involving governments, academia, industry, and civil society from all regions. Delegates emphasized the importance of establishing a BRICS-led AI task force that would represent the interests of emerging economies on global platforms like the United Nations and the G20.

The final declaration of the forum urged for a Global South-led dialogue on AI norms, regulations, and ethical standards — signaling a shift toward a more balanced and multipolar tech governance landscape.

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Conclusion: Global South Demands a Seat at the AI Table

As the world races toward an AI-powered future, the BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum has placed a crucial spotlight on the underrepresented voices of the Global South. With unified calls for fairness, sovereignty, and inclusion, the forum marks a significant step toward reshaping global technology policy to reflect the needs of all humanity — not just the privileged few.