Artificial intelligence is emerging as a key focus of international cooperation among developing economies, with ten countries coming together under India's BRICS Presidency 2026 to discuss how AI can support sustainable development, scientific innovation and digital inclusion.

The first meeting of the BRICS Science Academies Forum 2026, organized by the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), brought together science academies from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Russia, South Africa, Belarus, Nigeria and Vietnam. The virtual meeting focused on creating a framework for responsible and equitable AI development across the Global South.

Participants reviewed a draft declaration aimed at strengthening cooperation in AI research, scientific infrastructure and technology access while addressing concerns about the growing digital divide between developed and developing nations.

Focus Shifts To AI For Science And Sustainable Development

Delegates discussed how artificial intelligence could accelerate scientific discovery in areas such as healthcare, climate modeling, agriculture, engineering and materials science.

The draft declaration highlighted concerns that access to advanced computing power, data resources and AI infrastructure remains concentrated in a small number of countries. Participants emphasized the need for broader access to technology and research capabilities to ensure developing economies can benefit from AI-driven innovation.

Several countries called for collaborative research initiatives, shared computing infrastructure, open-source tools and improved data-sharing mechanisms to support scientific progress.

BRICS Members Seek Greater Technology Cooperation

A key outcome of the meeting was broad agreement on expanding cooperation in areas including multilingual AI systems, digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, researcher mobility and capacity building.

Representatives also highlighted the importance of developing AI solutions tailored to local needs. Discussions extended beyond large language models to include smaller, specialized AI systems that can support industries, public services and scientific research where accuracy and reliability are critical.

Experts stressed that governance frameworks, ethical standards and transparent data practices must remain central to future AI development.

Next Steps Ahead Of Hyderabad Meeting

Recommendations from the virtual meeting will be incorporated into a revised declaration before the next gathering of BRICS science academies, scheduled for July 22-23, 2026, at IIT Hyderabad.

The forum forms part of India's broader BRICS agenda under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." Officials said the initiative aims to strengthen scientific partnerships among emerging economies while promoting inclusive technological growth.

As countries worldwide race to expand AI capabilities, the discussions reflect a growing effort among developing nations to shape how the technology is governed, shared and applied to address global challenges.