BRICS Pushes for UN-Led AI Governance at Rio Summit

Editor’s Note: BRICS is making waves in international AI policy. At a pivotal summit in Rio de Janeiro, the coalition of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with other member nations, called on the United Nations to spearhead global regulation of artificial intelligence. This initiative positions AI not just as a tech issue but as a cornerstone of geopolitical strategy, socioeconomic equity, and digital sovereignty. For cybersecurity, information governance, and eDiscovery professionals, this evolving narrative signals a shift toward multilateral governance frameworks—ones that could shape AI’s future in both public and private sectors. BRICS’ emphasis on open-source collaboration, fair market access, and ethical oversight makes this a must-watch development for global regulatory and compliance strategies.

Industry News – Artificial Intelligence Beat

BRICS Pushes for UN-Led AI Governance at Rio Summit

ComplexDiscovery Staff

The BRICS nations—an influential geopolitical group comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and other notable members* such as the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran—have taken a significant stride by urging the United Nations to lead in establishing global regulations for artificial intelligence. This call to action was articulated during a recent summit held in Rio de Janeiro and emphasizes the necessity for AI governance that is informed by global ethical standards and engagement. The statement made at this summit stresses AI as not only an opportunity for inclusive growth and innovation but also underscores the critical need for fair governance to bridge digital divides. This initiative by BRICS propels AI from being on the fringes of technological discourse to a pivotal agenda in international relations and diplomacy.

BRICS’ advocacy for UN-led AI rule-making reflects the bloc’s burgeoning role on the global stage, aiming to influence technology-driven economic growth and address broader socioeconomic challenges within member countries. As countries like China lead with technological advancements, India with its expansive IT sector, and Russia with robust research capabilities, the collective aims to shape policies that ensure AI’s benefits reach all while mitigating risks inherent with its rapid deployment.

The AI governance proposal outlined by BRICS cautions against using standard-setting as a market entry barrier for small businesses and developing economies, a topic of particular relevance amidst ongoing discussions about global south cooperation and trade. The BRICS nations demand equal access to AI technologies for all countries, emphasizing public sector involvement and open-source collaboration to foster trust and ensure data sovereignty, especially for those in the Global South.

Economic considerations are deeply intertwined with this governance model. The statement recognized AI as a tool not only for enhancing economic sustainability and climate resilience but also as an instrumental player in bridging the growing digital gap. The nations called for diversity in AI applications, restricted to non-military domains, helping to cultivate a fair marketplace and encouraging equitable technology transfer.

Critics of a UN-led regulatory framework, however, point to the organization’s history of bureaucratic challenges, suggesting that a multi-stakeholder approach involving both private and public entities could allow for more dynamic and responsive AI oversight. Notwithstanding these critiques, the BRICS’ proposal shines a light on the pressing need for a cohesive strategy that aligns innovation with ethical accountability, aiming to prevent the misuse of AI technology across borders.

This conversation extends further to trade and economic policy, reflecting broader shifts in global cooperation frameworks. The BRICS’ focus is not solely on AI, as seen by initiatives like currency diversification, reducing dependency on the US dollar, and encouraging national currencies for trade within the bloc. This, in addition to the encouragement of regional partnerships, represents a strategic maneuver to reshape global trade dynamics and reduce economic vulnerabilities.

Through these coordinated efforts, BRICS is positioning itself as a formidable entity in international policy-making, advocating for a systematic, inclusive, and equitable management of AI that could become a template for the rest of the world. Such dialogue and initiatives are paving the way for robust frameworks that balance technological progress with geopolitical balance, setting the stage for discussions that could redefine international agreements and collaborations.

• BRICS Summit signs historic commitment in Rio for more inclusive and sustainable governance (BRICS)
• BRICS Urges UN to Lead AI Regulations (OpenTools)
• Brics in push for UN to take lead on setting rules for artificial intelligence (South China Morning Post)
• PM: Malaysia backs BRICS call for responsible AI governance, Asean on same path (The Edge – Malaysia)
• BRICS nations build sovereign AI ecosystem (Daily News)
• Frequently Asked Questions about the BRICS (BRICS)

* Saudi Arabia has reported accepted membership but has delayed officially joining.

Assisted by GAI and LLM Technologies

Additional Reading

• Model Poisoning and Malware: GenAI’s Double-Edged Sword
• Legal Tech in the Loop: Generative AI and the New Frontiers of Responsibility

Source: ComplexDiscovery OÜ