Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Addresses 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stated on Monday that parliaments hold a vital responsibility to listen to young voices and understand their hopes and concerns amid ongoing Gen Z protests. Speaking at the inaugural session of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum at Samvidhan Sadan in New Delhi, Birla highlighted the crucial role of youth in nation-building.

The inaugural ceremony was also attended by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh and Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh. The two-day conference is being attended by parliamentary delegations from 11 member countries and 10 BRICS partner countries.

BRICS nations represent nearly half the world’s population, about a third of its landmass, and a significant share of global economy and trade. Pointing to the younger demographic, Birla noted that today's youth have greater access to quality education and technological knowledge, coupled with a strong desire to innovate and contribute to society. He emphasized that these aspirations must be met with meaningful opportunities and an enabling environment.

"Parliaments have a vital responsibility to listen to young voices, understand their hopes and concerns, and create pathways through which their energy, creativity and capabilities could be channelled into nation-building," Birla said during his address.

Addressing the broader global landscape, Birla noted that the world is currently experiencing a period of profound uncertainty. He pointed to mounting challenges including regional conflicts, wars, economic instability, trade tensions, terrorism, and climate change, emphasizing that the consequences of these issues transcend national borders and require a spirit of collective responsibility.

Highlighting the role of diplomatic engagement, Birla stated that dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation are increasingly significant in a challenging global environment. He noted that parliaments can act as bridges of understanding, ease international tensions, and help advance peaceful responses through parliamentary diplomacy.

Emphasizing the resilience of institutional frameworks, Birla said that BRICS nations must continually strengthen their legislative capacities to ensure continuity, accountability, and democratic oversight. He added that parliamentary institutions must evolve alongside the changing aspirations of citizens by fostering constructive dialogue and transparency.

Turning to sustainable development, Birla observed that economic progress must be balanced with environmental preservation. He noted that policies for social and economic growth should be guided by environmental responsibility, long-term sustainability, and a commitment to safeguarding the interests of future generations.

"The emphasis on listening to younger generations and addressing global economic uncertainties highlights the importance of adaptability in modern governance and business ecosystems. For emerging enterprises and entrepreneurs, navigating global trade tensions, sustainability requirements, and technological shifts requires robust institutional frameworks and proactive engagement with policy trends." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes