Lok Sabha Speaker Urges Parliaments to Shape Global Order
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday underscored the importance of parliaments in guiding the global order, speaking at the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum held in New Delhi.
The forum was convened in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, within the Parliament House complex. In his address, Birla noted that 2025 marks two decades since the BRICS Parliamentary Forum was founded. He observed that the grouping is growing quickly and that its capacity to shape global events is rising with it.
Birla extended a warm welcome to member nations and cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's view that BRICS should function as an ecosystem of solutions. He stated that the grouping's achievements must be judged by results rather than by debate alone.
He urged delegates to commit to building a shared agenda. While national circumstances and outlooks may differ, he said, the common goals are clear: peace, security, mutual respect, equal opportunities and a dignified life for every citizen.
Birla expressed belief that the forum would reinforce partnership among member countries and contribute meaningfully to a more inclusive, peaceful and sustainable world.
He pointed to the scale of the BRICS bloc, which represents nearly half of the world's population and close to one-third of the earth's land. These countries, he said, hold an important position in the global economy and international trade.
Despite differences in geography, culture, language and social structure, Birla said, BRICS members are bound together by shared democratic values and an equal sense of responsibility toward humanity.
He also reminded delegates that collective strength brings collective responsibility. Cooperation, dialogue and a commitment to shared purposes, he said, are essential for progress.
Birla called for a plan of action developed through parliamentary collaboration. The aim, he said, should be to build trust among member states and to use their combined strength to reform global institutions, making them more equitable and more accountable to humanity.
He concluded by saying that deliberations at the forum could give new momentum to mutual trust and cooperation and strengthen the shared pledge to people-centred development. He expressed hope that the parliamentary partnership would bring peace, prosperity and sustainable growth to citizens and fulfil the dreams and aspirations of their people.