The BRICS group of countries is stepping up efforts to use artificial intelligence (AI) to boost industrial development, particularly in the developing world.
At a forum held on Wednesday, July 16, representatives from BRICS nations backed a plan to promote AI cooperation—starting with media and academic research, but with the long-term goal of transforming industry across what they call the “Global South.”
In a statement following the event, the BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum said participants had agreed on the need to work together to reshape global communication, support new forms of industrial collaboration, and use AI to create better ways of sharing knowledge. The language was vague, but the intention was clear: the bloc wants to develop shared AI tools and strategies that challenge the dominance of Western-led tech models.
So far, the initiative has not produced any binding agreements. But delegates signalled a strong desire to align their efforts on AI with the interests of developing countries. This aligns with broader BRICS ambitions to offer an alternative to the U.S.-led world order—a concern for both Brussels and Washington.
BRICS—originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and later joined by South Africa—is expanding its influence. Countries like Turkey have expressed interest in joining. The group has also floated proposals such as moving away from the U.S. dollar in trade and even forming a BRICS parliament.
This AI initiative marks a more proactive stance compared to the European Union, which has largely focused on regulating AI rather than advancing its use. Apart from tech-savvy exceptions like Estonia, the EU’s approach is often driven by political caution and ideological concerns, slowing down innovation.
