Under the motto “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”, Brazil’s BRICS presidency aims to spearhead initiatives that enhance collaboration among developing countries, promoting greater representation and equity on the international scene.

Among its over 180 dialogue and coordination mechanisms, the bloc has its own Parliamentary Forum, initiated in 2011 when, at Brazil’s behest, legislative representatives of the BRIC members (prior to South Africa’s inclusion) convened alongside the G20 Parliamentary Summit. Recognizing the need for a permanent forum to align legislative initiatives on shared interests, the BRICS Parliamentary Forum was established.

The inaugural BRICS Parliamentary Forum took place in 2015 in Russia, focusing on interparliamentary cooperation for global stability, security and prosperity. Subsequent meetings, often held alongside Inter-Parliamentary Union assemblies, addressed topics such as the Sustainable Development Goals (2016, India), strengthening legislative cooperation (2017, China) and promoting parliamentary exchanges, including women’s participation (2018, South Africa).

Brazil chaired the group in 2019, discussing parliaments’ roles in health cooperation. In 2020, amid the pandemic, the event was held virtually under Russia’s presidency, emphasizing BRICS partnership for global stability and innovative growth. The 2021 forum, led by India, centered on inclusive economic recovery post-pandemic. In 2022, under China’s presidency, the virtual event reinforced interparliamentary cooperation and the implementation of the UN’s 2030 Agenda.

Starting in 2023, the group’s parliamentary meetings have been held independently in the presiding country. In 2023, Johannesburg, South Africa, hosted the forum focusing on inclusive multilateralism and deepening partnerships with Africa for a continental free trade agreement. A Memorandum of Understanding on institutionalizing the BRICS Parliamentary Forum was signed during this occasion. The tenth edition, in 2024, in St. Petersburg, Russia, discussed parliaments’ roles in strengthening multilateralism for equitable global development and security.