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BRICS parliamentarians call for stronger Global South representation, deeper cooperation and coordinated action on sustainable development in the New Delhi declaration.
The BRICS Parliamentary Forum has called for stronger cooperation among member countries, greater representation of the Global South in international institutions and coordinated efforts to achieve sustainable development, according to the Joint Declaration adopted at its 12th meeting in New Delhi.
The declaration, adopted at the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum held on October 26-27 under the theme “Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development”, reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to strengthening political, economic, financial and cultural cooperation among member countries.
The forum brought together parliamentary representatives from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
“We look forward to strengthening BRICS interaction within international parliamentary fora, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), to amplify the voice of the Global South,” the declaration said.
The document also took note of Russia’s initiative to consider establishing a BRICS Plus geopolitical group within the IPU, signalling an effort to expand the bloc’s engagement in international parliamentary platforms.
Focus on sustainable development, institutional resilience
The declaration highlighted the role of parliaments in strengthening institutional resilience, leveraging digital technologies to address challenges faced by developing countries and promoting more representative and inclusive global governance.
It reaffirmed the member countries’ commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on poverty eradication and balanced, integrated development.
More from Business“Eradicating poverty in all its forms, including extreme poverty, is the most significant global challenge and a prerequisite for sustainable development,” the declaration said.
The forum also called for an innovative, coordinated, environmentally sound, open and shared approach to implementing the 2030 Agenda, while seeking stronger BRICS contributions to shaping the global sustainable development agenda beyond 2030.
Reaffirms sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes
The declaration reiterated the principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect, non-intervention in internal affairs and the peaceful settlement of international disputes, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
It described inter-parliamentary cooperation as an important component of the BRICS cooperation framework, saying it could help build trust among nations, strengthen international cooperation and promote inclusiveness, solidarity and sustainable development.
The member countries also reaffirmed their support for strengthening the BRICS Strategic Partnership within the constitutional mandates and competencies of their respective parliaments.
India’s BRICS chairship and people-to-people ties
The forum congratulated India on hosting the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12-13, 2026, and welcomed the adoption of the New Delhi Leaders Declaration. It also extended support to India for the remainder of its BRICS chairship in 2026.
The parliamentary representatives called for stronger cultural and people-to-people exchanges, including cooperation in sports, arts, education, women’s affairs and youth engagement.
The declaration welcomed initiatives aimed at fostering mutual understanding and friendship among BRICS nations and highlighted the importance of respecting cultural diversity, heritage, innovation and creativity.
It also welcomed the participation of partner countries in the parliamentary forum, recognising their contribution to inter-parliamentary cooperation and encouraging greater involvement in BRICS engagements and practical cooperation in areas of shared interest.
