Brazil’s Lula (translated, unchecked):

“The development of Artificial Intelligence cannot become the privilege of a few countries or an instrument of manipulation in the hands of billionaires. Nor is it possible to progress without the participation of the private sector and civil society organizations,” said the president.

Source doc — strangely “billionaires” became “millionaires” in the headline ….(to dilute culpability, perhaps? — could be Google translation problem, as original speech was in Portuguese):

AI cannot be a privilege for a few or an instrument in the hands of millionaires, says President Lula at the BRICS Summit

Leaders signed a declaration that provides guidelines to ensure that access to artificial intelligence is fair, equitable, inclusive and accessible to all countries, regardless of their level of economic development

Published on Jul 6, 2025 at 7:34 PM (Brazil time)

By Maiva D’Auria / BRICS Brazil

On Saturday, July 6, during the 17th BRICS Summit, the leaders of the group’s member countries signed the BRICS Leaders’ Declaration on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence . This is a set of guidelines that aims to promote the development, deployment and responsible use of AI technologies for sustainable development and inclusive growth. 

According to the document, access to AI technology must be fair, equitable, enabling and inclusive. All countries, regardless of their stage of economic development, have the right to benefit from, develop and use the new technology. 

“New technologies must operate within a fair, inclusive and equitable governance model. The development of AI cannot become the privilege of a few countries or an instrument of manipulation in the hands of millionaires,” said President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in his opening speech at the second plenary session of the day.

With the declaration, the leaders recognize artificial intelligence as a unique opportunity to drive development towards a more equitable future, fostering innovation, increasing productivity, advancing sustainable practices and improving the lives of people around the world in tangible ways. At the same time, they warn of the need for AI to mitigate risks and meet the needs of all countries, especially those in the Global South.

In the document, the countries also recognize that “collaborative governance of AI is complex but possible.” In line with the guidelines, a network of relevant stakeholders from developed and developing countries should provide contributions with their unique knowledge, perspectives and resources, within their respective roles and responsibilities. 

Regarding digital sovereignty, the countries defend the right of all nations to enjoy the benefits of the digital economy and emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence, while preserving fundamental rights. They also reinforce the importance of each country being able to:

• establish their own regulatory frameworks;
• develop capabilities in AI research;
• promote technological autonomy and innovation;
• protect data;
• and boost your digital economy. 

Strengthening infrastructure, valuing local talent and protecting citizens against AI risks are also highlighted as priorities in the declaration.

The meeting, which continues until tomorrow, July 7, at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, also includes the signing of the BRICS Leaders’ Framework Declaration on Climate Finance and the launch of the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases.