Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla inaugurated the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum 2026 at the Samvidhan Sadan in the Parliament House Complex, New Delhi on October 26, 2026. The forum brought together parliamentary delegations from BRICS member and partner countries under the theme 'Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development'. Speaker Birla emphasized the transformative potential of parliamentary engagement in addressing shared global challenges including regional conflicts, economic instability, trade tensions, terrorism, and climate change.
The two-day forum will focus on four interconnected pillars: resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. Speaker Birla highlighted the need for resilient parliamentary institutions that can ensure continuity and accountability during times of uncertainty. He stressed the importance of innovation in parliamentary functioning, extending beyond technology to include progressive practices and institutional reforms that make democratic institutions more effective and responsive.
Referring to the unanimous adoption of the Joint Statement at the BRICS Summit under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's chairmanship as a landmark achievement, Birla emphasized that the true measure of success lies in translating dialogue into tangible outcomes. He called for BRICS to amplify the voice of the Global South and ensure that developing nations' concerns receive due consideration in global decision-making.
The Speaker emphasized that development and environmental stewardship are inseparable, noting that Indian philosophical thought regards them as complementary pursuits. He also highlighted the importance of empowering youth, creating pathways for their energy and creativity to be channeled into nation-building. Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh and the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha also participated in the inaugural session.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the parliamentary delegations from BRICS countries, building on the momentum from the recent BRICS Summit. The forum aims to deepen parliamentary partnerships, foster meaningful dialogue, and advance the shared vision of a more just, inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable world.