Ramaphosa calls for BRICS framework on AI governance

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for BRICS countries to establish a cooperative and inclusive framework for the safe use of artificial intelligence, warning that human governance must keep pace with rapidly advancing AI capabilities.

Speaking at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, Ramaphosa proposed an international mechanism for the independent scientific evaluation of AI.

He said increasingly powerful AI systems are reshaping economic and social life and could usher in a new era of productivity and human progress.

He said the proposed mechanism should include human oversight, mandatory reporting of serious AI incidents and stronger safeguards as systems become more capable.

Ramaphosa also called for investment in sovereign AI capacity in developing countries, saying they should be able to benefit from the technology while having greater control over its development and use.