BRICS parliaments urged to convert commitments into action for people-centric development
New Delhi, Oct 26 (TNT): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday urged BRICS member and partner countries to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and translate common commitments into concrete action to address global challenges and improve people’s lives.
Inaugurating the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum 2026 at Samvidhan Sadan in the Parliament House Complex here, he said parliaments must use their legislative, budgetary and oversight functions to ensure that commitments made by governments yield tangible benefits for citizens.
Birla said the forum assumed significance amid growing global challenges, including regional conflicts, economic instability, trade tensions, terrorism and climate change, which required collective responsibility, dialogue and diplomacy.
Describing BRICS as an important platform for amplifying the voice of the Global South, he said the aspirations of developing countries must be reflected in responsive policies, practical cooperation and initiatives that improve people’s lives.
Referring to the unanimous adoption of the Joint Statement at the BRICS Summit of Heads of State and Government held in New Delhi under India’s chairmanship, Birla said the priority was to translate its commitments into lasting outcomes.
The two-day parliamentary forum, themed Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development, would deliberate on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, he said.
Birla stressed the need to strengthen parliamentary institutions through greater transparency, accountability, institutional reforms and effective democratic oversight.
Sharing best practices among BRICS countries could help develop innovative solutions to common challenges, he added.
He said economic and social development must be pursued alongside environmental protection and long-term sustainability, while parliaments should create opportunities for young people to contribute to nation-building.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming BRICS into an “ecosystem of solutions”, the Lok Sabha Speaker said the success of the forum should be measured by the practical outcomes of its deliberations and their impact on citizens.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh also addressed the gathering. The Lok Sabha Secretary-General delivered the welcome address.
