The BRICS New Delhi Declaration has called for stronger cooperation among member countries in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), recognising their transformative role in driving socio-economic growth and digital transformation.
The declaration was adopted by BRICS leaders on Saturday at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, being held from September 12 to 13 under the theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the BRICS spirit of mutual respect and understanding, sovereign equality, solidarity, democracy, openness, inclusiveness, collaboration and consensus.
Building on two decades of BRICS cooperation, the leaders committed to strengthening cooperation within the expanded grouping across three pillars — political and security; economic and financial; and cultural and people-to-people cooperation.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the BRICS strategic partnership for the benefit of their people through the promotion of peace, a more representative and fairer international order, a reinvigorated and reformed multilateral system, sustainable development and inclusive growth.
BRICS Leaders Back Open, Safe and Secure ICT Environment
The leaders recognised the transformative impact of ICTs as a key driver of socio-economic growth and digital transformation in BRICS countries and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in this area, based on each country’s national priorities and international commitments.
They reaffirmed support for an open, safe, secure, stable, accessible, peaceful and interoperable ICT environment, while respecting the sovereignty and national security of each country.
The leaders also welcomed the operationalisation of the Global Mechanism on Developments in the Field of ICTs in the Context of International Security and Advancing Responsible States Behaviour in the Use of ICTs.
They underscored the central role of the United Nations in fostering constructive dialogue to develop common understandings on security in the use of ICTs, including discussions on developing a universal legal framework in this area.
The declaration also called for further observance of universally agreed norms, rules and principles for responsible state behaviour in the use of ICTs.
BRICS Calls for Greater Cooperation Against Cybercrime
The leaders encouraged all states to consider signing and ratifying the UN Convention against Cybercrime, in accordance with their domestic laws, processes and procedures, to facilitate its rapid entry into force and strengthen international cooperation in combating cybercrime.
They also called upon all states to continue their engagement in the Ad Hoc Committee, in accordance with relevant UN General Assembly resolutions, with a view to negotiating a supplementary protocol to the Convention addressing, among other issues, additional criminal offences as appropriate.
The leaders further called for work towards preparing draft rules of procedure for the Conference of the States Parties.
BRICS Working Group on ICT Security to Strengthen Cooperation
The declaration recognised progress in promoting BRICS cooperation in accordance with the Roadmap of Practical Cooperation on Ensuring Security in the Use of ICTs and its progress report.
The leaders acknowledged the important role of the BRICS Working Group on Security in the Use of ICTs in fostering cooperation among member countries through policy exchanges, sharing of best practices among Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs), law enforcement cooperation, and joint research and development.
They also underscored the importance of academic and research exchanges among BRICS countries.
The leaders emphasised the importance of promoting the use of ICTs for peaceful and developmental purposes in a more inclusive, accessible, sustainable and interoperable manner, while ensuring that their applications remain people-centred.
BRICS Flags Threats from Cybercrime, Misinformation and Deepfakes
The declaration called for concerted and inclusive efforts to address challenges arising from and within the digital realm, including threats to security in the use of ICTs, malicious software, data security and the misuse of technologies.
These challenges include cybercrime, misinformation, hate speech, disinformation and deepfakes.
The leaders also called for a comprehensive, balanced and objective approach to the development and security of ICT products and systems, as well as the development and implementation of globally interoperable common rules and standards for supply chain security.
They further emphasised the growing importance of telecommunications in preserving peace and promoting economic and social development.
Sustainable and Inclusive Global Economic Growth
The declaration linked the advancement of ICTs and digital cooperation with the broader objective of sustainable and inclusive global economic growth, reaffirming the importance of cooperation, innovation and responsible use of technology in supporting development.
-with inputs from PIB
