The 10th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting and Digital BRICS Forum took place in Innopolis, Republic of Tatarstan, on 26-27 September. These events are part of Russia’s BRICS Chairship in 2024.

Participants discussed the main theme, “Sovereignty vs. Interconnectivity: Finding a Balance.” The focus of the delegates included the development of artificial intelligence and digital services, ensuring cybersecurity, and improving access to information technology.

Maksut Shadayev, Minister of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media of the Russian Federation, spoke about the prospects for BRICS countries’ cooperation in the field of information technology.

“BRICS continues to expand and strengthen its potential. The accession of new members opens up additional opportunities for cooperation, increases the effectiveness of collaboration, and helps solve common challenges”

Maksut Shadayev Minister of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media of the Russian Federation

He informed journalists that during the meeting, BRICS representatives agreed to cooperate in the field of quantum technologies. In particular, Russia and China plan to implement projects in the development of language models.

The minister also emphasised the importance of joint work through the BRICS Alliance for Artificial Intelligence Development and the Alliance for the Protection of Children in the Digital Environment.

Meanwhile, Sonia Faustino, Executive Secretary of the Brazilian Ministry Communications, highlighted the importance of dialogue between BRICS countries for the development of innovative sectors.

“Our meeting provides an opportunity to assess the progress in the implementation of BRICS countries’ digital projects and initiatives and to outline new priorities and development goals in the field of information technology,” said the Brazilian representative.

Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, noted that interagency contacts within BRICS enhance the productivity of international cooperation.

“The meeting of BRICS Ministers of Communications is an important mechanism for coordinating and deepening cooperation between BRICS countries on key issues in the development of digital, information, and communications technologies,” said the Deputy Minister.

The BRICS Digital Forum, in turn, became a platform for contacts between representatives of the government, business, expert, and academic communities. More than 250 delegates from member countries participated in the event. The central topics of the forum were the development of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. An exhibition of high-tech products from companies of the participating countries was organised as part of the meeting.

Following the interministerial meeting, a declaration was adopted outlining the main principles and areas of cooperation between BRICS countries in the field of information technology.

The annual BRICS interministerial meetings are held to promote cooperation between the member states and coordinate their policies in various sectors of the economy, science, and social spheres.

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