This week in Rio de Janeiro, the BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum gathered voices from the southern parts of the world to jointly restructure the narrative system and strengthened the representation of developing countries in international affairs.
The event served as a pivotal gathering for more than 250 representatives from companies representing 36 countries, including media outlets, think tanks, government agencies, and BRICS member states, partner countries and regional organizations.
Based on the broad consensus of participants, the forum delved into a variety of important topics under the theme of “Brics United: Forgery of a New Chapter in Global South.” The discussion focused on the role of BRICS in leading the development of the global South, building a new digital future, and amplifying the voice of the global South at the international stage.
Build a shared digital future
The AI collaboration and development initiative was presented at the forum and was presented at the forum following extensive discussions on the roles and responsibilities of media and think tanks in promoting AI collaboration, forming governance frameworks and establishing technical standards for the Global South.
The initiative, which highlights the key momentum of AI in global communication, industrial cooperation and knowledge sharing, noted that BRICS media and think tanks must take root in the realm of the Global South as communities of collective wisdom in emerging markets and developing countries. It called for the promotion of collaborative approaches to research and development, standards and governance to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared globally.
While AI has great potential to improve quality of life around the world, its enthusiasm for its benefits should not overturn the potential risks posed by both intentional and unintended use of applications, says Edson Prestes E Silva Junior, a full professor at the Institute of Informatics at the Federal University of Rio Grande University in Brazil.
“Therefore, we need to strengthen collaboration between our country and the different segments of society, and that’s exactly what we’re doing now,” he said in the forum. “Only then can the AI domain be beneficial to society today and in the future.”
Formation of global governance
In a world marked by geopolitical tensions, sustained inequality and the urgent need for more representative global governance, the BRICS group has emerged as an important platform for engaging in the rising economy, according to Luis Rene Fernandez Tabio, a full professor at the Center for International Economic Studies at the University of Havana, Cuba.
Reflecting his views, Jose Juan Sanchez, chief of Brazil’s financial and agricultural information provider CMA Group, said that despite political and economic differences, BRICS countries share several strategic advantages that can be used to advance development in the southern part of the world and amplify its impact on global issues.
The BRICS countries have strong economic influence, abundant natural resources, development experience and funding capabilities, positioning them as natural leaders to support the global South, Sanchez noted. He added that BRICS can make the global order more multipolar, inclusive and fair by acting collectively and promoting cooperation.
Ali Muhammad Ali, managing director of Nigeria News Agency, said BRICS “is a force to be considered, not just an emerging economy group, we are a force to consider, and our influence is increasing by that day.”
“For Nigeria, joining BRICS is easy. We are strategically positioned in Africa and want to restructure global governance, challenge Western-dominated institutions and promote systematic reform,” he added.
Amplify the voice of the Global South
“We live in a transformative era. The dynamics of global power are changing, and the often overlooked voices of the Global South are finally gaining clarity, strength and recognition.”
BRICS provides an alternative voice to defend multipolarity, sovereignty and fairness in global governance, Wong noted. “The rise of BRICS is not an isolated phenomenon. It is part of the broader awakening of the global South, which has established itself as a central force in international affairs.”
Tass’ first assistant director, Mikhail Gusman, said global media is tackling unprecedented challenges. It is that disinformation, historical revisionism, and technological confusion erode the foundations of truth.
As a dynamic alliance that embodies the voice of diversity in emerging economies and civilizations, BRICS plays a critical role in advancing its objectives to strengthen a fair, multipolar, rules-based international order, Gusman added.
Ali, managing director of Nigeria News Agency, said Brix’s voice was “loud and clear.”
“We imagine a prosperous global South and a more just and fair world,” he concluded.
MNA/