BRICS summit adopts new tech, health and trade cooperation frameworks
At the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, members agreed on mechanisms to boost collaboration in technology, security, and economic development, with a focus on the Global South.
During the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in Kuala Lumpur, participants outlined a suite of new cooperation mechanisms covering health, technology, and economic growth aimed at benefiting the Global South. Leaders endorsed an integrated system to tackle infectious disease outbreaks and a framework for sharing early-warning data in crises. In the tech arena, a network will connect start-ups and incubators, backed by a proposed BRICS Startup Innovation Fund, while a dedicated portal will aid small and medium enterprises.
The summit also launched BRICS Connect to enhance skills, employment, women’s empowerment, and social protection, alongside a Digital Agriculture Network that will use AI and geospatial tools to support farmers. A Digital Centre of Excellence for smart grids and energy storage was established, and members emphasized incorporating indigenous knowledge in climate-change adaptation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that these solutions should be accessible to all Global South nations.
Why it matters
The agreements could shape technology, health and trade cooperation for emerging economies worldwide.
In this story
