Background
BRICS: A Platform for Global South Cooperation
BRICS is a major intergovernmental grouping comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Together, these countries represent over 40% of the world’s population, account for a significant share of global economic output, and encompass diverse scientific, technological, environmental, and socio-economic ecosystems. As leading voices of the Global South, BRICS countries share common aspirations for sustainable development, inclusive growth, technological advancement, and strengthened multilateral cooperation.
Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) have emerged as important pillars of BRICS cooperation. Over the years, member countries have established several collaborative mechanisms to promote scientific partnerships, address common developmental challenges, and strengthen evidence-based policymaking. These initiatives aim to harness the collective scientific strengths of BRICS nations to contribute to sustainable development and societal well-being.

BRICS Science Academies Forum Meeting 2026
The BRICS Science Academies Forum serves as a unique platform for the national science academies of BRICS countries to engage in dialogue, foster research collaboration, exchange scientific knowledge, and provide evidence-based inputs to the broader BRICS STI agenda. The Forum facilitates discussions on emerging scientific challenges and opportunities of common interest to member countries.
As part of India’s BRICS Presidency in 2026 under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) is organizing the BRICS Science Academies Forum Meeting 2026. The Forum will bring together representatives of the national science academies of BRICS countries to discuss scientific priorities, strengthen cooperation, and identify opportunities for collaborative action.
The theme of the 2026 Forum, “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development and Strengthening Global South Cooperation,” reflects the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in addressing global challenges. From healthcare and agriculture to climate resilience and disaster management, AI has the potential to accelerate progress towards sustainable development while creating new opportunities for innovation and economic growth.
The Forum will provide an opportunity for BRICS academies to exchange experiences, explore collaborative AI-driven solutions, strengthen the science-policy interface, and contribute to a shared vision for leveraging emerging technologies for the benefit of the Global South. Deliberations during the meeting are expected to culminate in the adoption of the BRICS Academies Joint Declaration 2026, outlining collective scientific priorities and recommendations for future cooperation.

Meeting Details
1^st BRICS Science Academies Forum Meeting 2026
Dates: 8^th June 2026 
Mode: Online
Host Country: India 
Organizer: Indian National Science Academy
Theme: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development and Strengthening Global South Cooperation

2^nd BRICS Science Academies Forum Meeting 2026
Dates: 22-23 July, 2026 
Mode: In-Person
Venue: IIT Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Host Country: India 
Organizer: Indian National Science Academy
Theme: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development and Strengthening Global South Cooperation
 
Member Countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia South Africa
Partner Countries: Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam
Contact email: intacademy@insa.nic.in