LS Speaker Om Birla Advocates for UNSC Reforms at BRICS Parliamentary Forum

NEW DELHI JULY 11 2024 : Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla emphasized the need for reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and highlighted the role of parliaments in promoting progress and sustainable development. Speaking at the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in St. Petersburg, his first foreign visit since being re-elected as the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha, Birla underscored the importance of democratic global governance.

Birla noted that BRICS countries collectively advocate for reforming international organizations such as the UNSC and the World Trade Organization to better represent the interests of developing nations. He welcomed new BRICS members—Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—expressing confidence that their inclusion would strengthen BRICS and enhance efforts toward a sustainable future.

During the forum’s first plenary session on “The BRICS Parliamentary Dimension: Prospects for Strengthening Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation,” Birla emphasized the significance of parliamentary diplomacy. He stated that exchanging ideas, laws, and best practices through forums like the BRICS Parliamentary Forum, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), and Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is crucial for inclusive growth.

Birla highlighted that parliaments play a pivotal role in addressing the concerns of emerging markets and developing countries. He praised BRICS’ efforts to establish a more inclusive global governance system and stressed the importance of inter-parliamentary cooperation in tackling global challenges such as climate change, socio-economic development, food and nutrition security, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Our parliaments and mutual cooperation are vital in formulating policies and programs to address these challenges and in monitoring their implementation,” Birla added.