The BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum, held from July 15 to 17, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, convened over 250 delegates from 36 countries, including BRICS member states, partner nations, and regional organizations. The forum's central theme, "BRICS United: Forging a New Chapter for the Global South," underscored the bloc's commitment to enhancing collaboration among emerging economies.
A significant outcome of the forum was the release of an initiative focused on artificial intelligence (AI) cooperation and development. This initiative aims to reshape global communication through joint efforts in AI-empowered journalism and research. It emphasizes the need for open-source AI development and greater representation of the Global South in AI governance. The forum highlighted the importance of fostering a collaborative approach to AI research, standard-setting, and governance to ensure equitable benefits across all nations.
Discussions at the forum also addressed the critical need for South-South cooperation to ensure that AI advancements benefit all countries, particularly those in the Global South. The initiative calls for the establishment of frameworks that promote inclusive and sustainable AI development, aligning with the broader goals of the BRICS bloc to support the digital transformation of emerging economies.
In addition to AI, the forum covered various topics pertinent to the Global South, including sustainable development, climate change, and economic cooperation. The event served as a platform for sharing knowledge and strategies to address common challenges faced by developing nations, reinforcing the BRICS bloc's role in advocating for a more inclusive and equitable global order.