The BRICS alliance is stepping up its efforts to advance artificial intelligence.
In February China called on BRICS nations to take a more active role in shaping global artificial intelligence (AI) governance. This ambition goes back to at least 2023.
At the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg in 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the creation of an AI study group within the BRICS countries to monitor and foster the development of artificial intelligence. This initiative aims to promote innovation in AI technologies within the BRICS nations and could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI on a global scale.
One of the primary goals outlined by President Xi was the establishment of a strong AI governance framework. This would focus on enhancing the security, reliability, and equity of AI technologies, ensuring they are developed responsibly and are accessible to all.
At the same time, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance of collaborating with BRICS members and other countries to counterbalance the dominance of the U.S. in AI technology. He announced the formation of the AI Alliance Network, which will include development institutions and national associations from BRICS countries.
As AI technology becomes a central pillar of global power dynamics, Russia and China’s efforts to build a united front could reshape the AI race. With the potential to add $109 billion to Russia’s GDP by 2030, AI is poised to be a transformative force within the BRICS nations and beyond.
Follow our coverage of the evolution of the AI agenda among BRICS countries below:
China wants BRICS to play bigger role in artificial intelligence governance
China has called on BRICS nations to take a more active role in shaping global artificial intelligence (AI) governance.
The statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry came during the first meeting of BRICS coordinators under Brazil’s presidency, where AI regulation was a key topic.
BRICS wants to shape global AI governance
The BRICS group has long sought to challenge Western domination of technologies and infrastructures. Some of its proposed initiatives, such as laying an undersea communications cable that would bypass the U.S. and Europe, and reported discussions, like the idea of creating its own internet, have not materialised. But the group’s technological ambitions have gained traction in other areas, including cooperation on satellite data exchange and the digitalization of commercial and financial services. A report by Laura Mahrenbach and Mihaela Papa, published on tufts.edu.
Russia teams up with BRICS to create AI alliance, Putin says
President Vladimir Putin said that Russia would develop artificial intelligence with BRICS partners and other countries, in a bid to challenge the dominance of the United States in one of the most promising and crucial technologies of the 21st century. A Reuters report from Russia’s flagship AI conference.
The role of AI in fostering multifaceted cooperation among BRICS nations
Cooperation among the BRICS countries on AI is still nascent, yet it holds the potential to light the path ahead for AI innovation and governance among Global South nations.
This article is part of the BRICS thought leadership series, published by APRI in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg. It explores key themes from the 16th BRICS Summit and the group’s broader initiatives. The series is edited by Ada Mare, Bhaso Ndzendze, Serwah Prempeh.
BRICS announces formation of AI group
This initiative aims to closely monitor the progress and development of AI technology and catalyse AI innovation within the BRICS member countries. A report by Dig Watch.
