Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Shri Harivansh addressed the Plenary Session of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi on October 27, 2026, focusing on the theme 'Sustainability: The Centrality of Parliament in Fostering a Sustainable and Inclusive Future for Our Nations'. The session was part of India's BRICS Chairship in 2026, guided by the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability," and followed the New Delhi Declaration adopted at the 18th BRICS Summit in September 2026 which reaffirmed commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Shri Harivansh highlighted formidable global challenges including climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, resource scarcity, food and energy insecurity, and growing inequalities. Citing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Report 2026, he noted that only 15% of the 139 targets with sufficient trend data are currently on track for achievement by 2030. He emphasized that sustainability encompasses not just environmental concerns but fundamentally involves human dignity, economic opportunity, social justice, and a better future for all.
The Deputy Chairman outlined the crucial role of parliaments in addressing these challenges through legislation, budgetary oversight, accountability mechanisms, and citizen representation. He stressed that parliaments provide democratic legitimacy to public policy and bridge the gap between global commitments and local action, requiring enabling legislation, adequate resource allocation, implementation monitoring, and inclusive representation of all societal sections to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.
India's developmental approach, rooted in the philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family) and guided by the Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision, emphasizes people-centric, inclusive, and equitable sustainable development. With nearly two-thirds of India's population under 35 years of age, youth engagement is considered indispensable, with initiatives like the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament providing platforms for young citizens to engage with democratic institutions and contribute innovative ideas.
Shri Harivansh asserted that global challenges require global responses, calling for stronger international cooperation, greater access to finance, technology sharing, and respect for the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities. He emphasized that developing countries must have adequate policy space and resources to advance sustainable development according to their national circumstances and priorities, concluding that sustainability ultimately involves governance, accountability, and collective responsibility through parliamentary diplomacy and exchange of best practices.