At the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, 2024, the Russian presidency introduced three new themes for science, technology, and innovation cooperation. According to the BRICS 2025 STI Issues Note, the new themes were Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technologies, Social Sciences and Humanities, and New Metrics for Science.
The 134-point Kazan Declaration, adopted by all BRICS leaders, addressed technological cooperation and recognized the importance of AI for socioeconomic development. It also endorsed the BRICS Institute of Future Networks (BIFN) and its Study Group on AI. The declaration’s treatment of digital transformation and emerging technologies laid groundwork for the more explicit quantum language that followed under the Brazilian presidency.
Attended by 36 countries including heads of state from China, India, South Africa, and host Russia, the Kazan Summit was the first to include newly admitted members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Thirteen additional nations were added as BRICS partner countries during the event.