BRICS nations to deepen cooperation for sustainable transport infrastructure

New Delhi: BRICS countries on Saturday reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in the areas of policy, investment, technological and capacity building to develop sustainable transport infrastructure as well as promote use of sustainable aviation fuel to reduce carbon emissions.

At the meeting of the BRICS countries, chaired by India, the leaders also acknowledged the importance of embedding circular economy principles into the development and maintenance of transport infrastructure.

The BRICS meeting, which comprises 11 countries, is taking place in the national capital on September 12 and 13.


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According to the New Delhi Declaration Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability, BRICS countries also acknowledged the importance of promoting Sustainable Aviation Fuels and low-carbon aviation fuels as means for reducing carbon emissions in international aviation.

"We reaffirm the commitment of BRICS countries to deepen cooperation in the areas of transport policy, investment, technological and capacity building with a view to develop sustainable and resilient transport infrastructure, recognising its critical role in economic growth, connectivity, and environmental sustainability," the declaration said.

They welcomed the BRICS Forum on Sustainable Aviation Fuels, the BRICS Framework of Cooperation for Exchange of Knowledge on Transport Decarbonisation while leveraging renewable energy potential.

BRICS Urban Mobility Hub for knowledge exchange and cooperation in accessible, affordable, inclusive, and smart urban transport solutions has also been set up.

"We welcome the establishment of the BRICS Logistics Supply-Chain Cooperation Framework and encourage discussion on the BRICS Railway Research Network proposal," the declaration said.

Further, the declaration said the countries will look forward to further promoting transport dialogue, including in civil aviation, to meet the demand of all stakeholders and to enhance the member countries' transport potential.

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Transport cooperation will be carried out while respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states will be, while carrying out transport cooperation, according to the declaration.

Also, the countries welcomed the expansion of the membership of the ICAO Council by adding four seats to underrepresented regions, including Africa and Asia Pacific.

The declaration said the members also welcomed the candidatures of Ethiopia, endorsed by the African Union as the sole African candidate, and Indonesia to assume the additional seats in the Council in the upcoming elections taking place during the 43rd (Extraordinary) ICAO Assembly.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a key UN body.