LOK SABHA SPEAKER INAUGURATES 12TH BRICS PARLIAMENTARY FORUM 2026; CALLS FOR EMPOWERING PARLIAMENTS TO ADVANCE PEOPLE-CENTRIC DEVELOPMENT

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla inaugurated the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum 2026 at Samvidhan Sadan in New Delhi. The Forum was held under the theme 'Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development' (also cited as 'Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development'). The discussions focused on four interconnected pillars: resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. The event emphasized amplifying the voice of the Global South, parliamentary diplomacy, translating international commitments into tangible outcomes, balancing environmental stewardship with economic growth, and channeling youth aspirations into nation-building. The inauguration was also attended by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Shri Harivansh and other parliamentary delegations from BRICS member and partner countries.