news details |
|
|
| The BRICS Parliamentary Forum: A Commitment to Peace and a Just World Order | | | Lalit Garg
At a time when the world is grappling with grave challenges such as wars, regional conflicts, economic instability, terrorism, trade tensions and climate change, the true value of international cooperation lies not merely in diplomatic declarations, but in its ability to bring about positive and tangible changes in the lives of ordinary people. Against this backdrop, the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, held on October 26–27, 2026, at Samvidhan Sadan in New Delhi, emerged as a significant opportunity to strengthen global democratic dialogue, people-centric development and multilateral cooperation. Convened under India’s chairmanship, the forum reinforces the conviction that lasting solutions to the world’s problems lie not in confrontation, domination or narrow national interests, but in dialogue, consensus and shared responsibility. The forum’s most important message is that the true purpose of development extends beyond economic prosperity; it is to ensure dignity, security, opportunity and well-being for every individual. Growth in gross domestic product, technological advancement, expanding trade and infrastructure development acquire real meaning only when their benefits reach the most disadvantaged sections of society. If poverty, hunger, unemployment, inequality and social deprivation persist amid the glitter of progress, claims of development remain incomplete. People-centric development must, therefore, become an indispensable benchmark for global policymaking.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s emphasis on parliamentary dialogue, democratic values and the primacy of public welfare assumes particular significance in this context. Parliament is the soul of democracy. It is not merely a lawmaking institution; it represents the aspirations, grievances, rights and expectations of the people. The responsibility of parliamentarians is not confined to endorsing government decisions. It also requires them to scrutinise policies, raise issues of public concern and hold those in power accountable. When elected representatives from different countries come together on a common platform to exchange experiences and ideas, the strength of parliamentary democracy can transcend national boundaries and become an instrument of global welfare. The relevance of this forum is further heightened by the contradictions confronting the contemporary world. On the one hand, advances in science, communication and artificial intelligence have endowed humanity with unprecedented capabilities; on the other, wars, mistrust, arms races and economic inequalities have cast uncertainty over the future of humankind. In such circumstances, parliamentarians share the responsibility of aligning their respective national policies with the broader objectives of human welfare, peace and justice. Dialogue among legislatures enriches executive diplomacy with the insights and experiences of elected representatives while promoting transparency and democratic accountability in international decision-making.
The four major pillars of the BRICS Parliamentary Forum—institutional resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainable development—are of exceptional significance for the future of global politics. Institutional resilience is essential to ensure that democratic institutions remain capable, effective and accountable even in times of crisis. The use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies must be guided by ethical principles, transparency and the protection of human interests, ensuring that technology becomes an instrument of empowerment rather than a source of inequality and control. Similarly, sustainable development entails striking a balance between economic progress and environmental protection. No country can confront the climate crisis in isolation; a fair sharing of resources, knowledge and responsibilities is indispensable.
Another significant dimension of the forum is its potential to amplify the voice of the Global South, particularly developing countries, in international decision-making. A substantial proportion of the world’s population lives in these countries, yet their aspirations and concerns have not always received adequate representation in the global financial system, international trade rules and multilateral institutions. Challenges such as food security, access to fertilisers, affordable energy, mounting debt burdens and inadequate financial resources for development affect the lives of millions of people. In this context, parliamentarians from BRICS countries must strive to ensure that global policies do not remain confined to the interests of powerful nations, but also reflect the genuine needs and priorities of developing societies.
India’s role in this regard is particularly noteworthy. Through its democratic traditions, diverse social fabric, development experience and commitment to international cooperation, India can serve as a bridge between nations and facilitate meaningful dialogue. India’s strength lies not merely in its economic capabilities or population, but also in its democratic capacity to embrace diversity and build consensus amid differences. Hosting this forum in New Delhi lends fresh momentum to India’s parliamentary diplomacy. India must ensure that BRICS cooperation does not become an instrument of dominance by any single country, but remains a platform for advancing the shared interests of all member and partner countries. In his inaugural address, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla emphasised that the true success of BRICS would be measured by its ability to translate dialogue into concrete outcomes. He also underscored the need to connect the aspirations of young people with meaningful opportunities and to make development and environmental protection mutually reinforcing rather than competing priorities. These ideas offer important direction for the future.
Providing the world’s young population with quality education, skills, employment and opportunities for innovation is not merely the responsibility of individual national governments; it is also an essential component of global cooperation. If the energy and aspirations of young people are not channelled constructively, frustration and inequality may fuel social instability. Similarly, a coordinated strategy against terrorism, respect for international law and reforms in global institutions such as the United Nations have become indispensable imperatives of our time. India has highlighted cooperation against terrorism and the need for a more representative global governance system as important subjects for parliamentary dialogue. International institutions will gain credibility only when they treat all countries fairly and play an effective role in resolving global crises. Peace does not simply mean the absence of war; it also implies a life free from fear, equitable opportunities and the protection of human dignity.
Ultimately, the true significance of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum lies in reminding parliamentarians across the world of their fundamental responsibility: they are not merely representatives of people within their respective national boundaries, but also partners in shaping a shared human future. The message emerging from Samvidhan Sadan is unequivocal: democracy derives its true meaning from public trust, accountable institutions and policies that produce humane and tangible outcomes. This forum will prove historic only when its deliberations translate into concrete policies, effective legislation and visible improvements in people’s lives. Today, the world needs not merely powerful nations, but sensitive leadership, responsible legislatures and policies inspired by a deeply humanistic vision. Under India’s chairmanship, the BRICS Parliamentary Forum offers hope that dialogue can reduce conflict, cooperation can narrow inequalities, and democracy can make development more humane and inclusive. That is the message of this forum, the source of its relevance and the foremost requirement for building a peaceful, inclusive and just world order. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
