The 17th BRICS Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7, for the first time in its expanded format, focusing on Global South cooperation and partnerships for social, economic and environmental development. Science and technology-related topics like AI, climate change and health care are among the expanded BRICS' key aspects for further cooperation.

The BRICS leaders issued a joint declaration, titled "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance," reaffirming that the ultimate purpose of the bloc's cooperation in science, technology and innovation is to forge new productive forces for the development of member countries and advance sustainable development in its three dimensions. This will be done through a partnership rooted in collaboration, contributing to strengthening friendship, mutual understanding and peaceful relations among BRICS nations.

AI represents a milestone opportunity to boost development for a better future, but the risks relating to misappropriation and misrepresentation of knowledge, heritage, and cultural values are insufficiently represented in the data sets and AI models.

The leaders recognized the two sides of AI and underscored that global governance of AI should mitigate potential risks and address the needs of all countries. A collective global effort is needed to establish an AI governance that upholds shared values, addresses risks, builds trust, and ensures broad and inclusive international collaboration and access, in accordance with sovereign laws, including capacity building for developing countries, with the United Nations at its core.

As to climate change, the BRICS leaders called for a strengthened global response in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication, underscoring that multilateralism and Global South cooperation can shape a more inclusive and sustainable governance for a better future.

Addressing the plenary sessions of the summit, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called on the international community to strengthen global synergy in tackling climate change, resolutely implement the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, uphold the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and deepen cooperation in clean energy, carbon markets and other fields.

The declaration reiterated commitment to strengthening collaboration in environmental protection and sustainable development within the BRICS framework, upholding multilateralism and strengthening global environmental governance.

Global healthcare is another key issue. The leaders reiterated the importance of BRICS actions and initiatives in promoting resilient, equitable, and inclusive health systems, aiming to achieve universal health coverage and ensuring fair and timely access to essential health goods and healthcare services.

BRICS cooperation on strengthening the capacity to prevent communicable and noncommunicable diseases and other health issues, as well as experience sharing, including on traditional medicine systems and digital health, greatly contributes to international efforts. The leaders also recognized the need for cooperation in the area of nuclear medicine and radio pharmacy within the BRICS Nuclear Medicine Working Group.

LI said China has always honored its commitments and actively contributed to global needs within its capacity, and will continue to take concrete actions, shoulder its due responsibilities, and work with all parties to promote greener, healthier and more sustainable global development.

The summit also adopted the BRICS Leaders' Statement on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence, the BRICS Leaders' Framework Declaration on Climate Finance, and the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases.