BRICS Summit Tackles AI Governance Amid Leadership Absences

The 17th BRICS Summit commenced on July 6, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, bringing together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This year's summit focuses on pressing global issues, notably the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) and the reinforcement of multilateralism amid escalating global tensions.

A central agenda item is the establishment of a multilateral declaration on AI governance. The BRICS nations are advocating for stronger protections against the unauthorized use of AI, emphasizing the need to prevent excessive data collection and promote fair compensation for content used in training AI systems. This initiative reflects growing concerns among developing nations about the dominance of big tech companies, predominantly based in wealthier countries, which have largely resisted paying copyright fees for AI training data.

Brazil, as the host nation, has placed AI governance at the top of its agenda for both BRICS and G20 negotiations. Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira highlighted the urgency of addressing AI’s impact on democracy, sovereignty, and global governance, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies that prevent widening digital divides.

The summit is also marked by the notable absences of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Xi Jinping has sent his prime minister in his stead, while Putin is attending virtually due to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant. These absences have raised questions about the summit's effectiveness and the internal cohesion of the bloc.

The BRICS nations, representing over 40% of the global population and approximately 40% of the world's economic output, serve as a platform for these countries to collaborate on economic, political, and security issues, aiming to promote peace, security, and development in a multipolar world.

The discussions on AI governance have significant social and economic implications. By advocating for equitable AI governance, BRICS nations aim to ensure that the benefits of AI technologies are distributed fairly, preventing the marginalization of developing countries. This approach seeks to reduce inequalities and promote balanced economic growth, allowing the digital economy to benefit all involved.

This is not the first time BRICS has addressed AI governance. In June 2025, education ministers from BRICS countries signed a joint declaration committing to the ethical use of AI in education and the strengthening of technical and vocational training. The declaration emphasized the importance of promoting a culture of assessment that values the real contributions of research, teaching, and civic engagement.

The 17th BRICS Summit's focus on AI governance reflects the bloc's commitment to shaping global technology standards. However, leadership absences and internal challenges may affect the effectiveness of these initiatives. The summit serves as a crucial platform for emerging economies to diversify partnerships and advocate for a more inclusive global governance framework.