President Vladimir Putin has announced a groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) development alliance with BRICS nations, signaling a significant shift in the global technology landscape. This announcement, made at the Artificial Intelligence Journey international conference, underscores Russia’s commitment to fostering international cooperation in the rapidly evolving field of AI and its ambition to lead in this transformative technology.
Prior to the plenary session, President Putin, accompanied by key figures such as Deputy Chief of Staff Maxim Oreshkin and Sberbank CEO German Gref, toured an exhibition showcasing Russia’s advancements in generative AI. The displays highlighted diverse applications, from Sber’s GigaChat-enabled smart ring and AI-driven processing of public appeals for the Direct Line program, to unmanned tractor-trailers and AI for 3D modeling in industrial equipment. Educational programs for various demographics by T-Bank were also presented, demonstrating the breadth of AI integration across sectors in Russia.
During the plenary session, Putin addressed an audience of millions online and in person, emphasizing the transformative power of AI and its rapid evolution. He noted the impressive strides in generative AI, capable of creating music, translating languages in real-time, generating realistic videos, and designing complex systems. Putin highlighted that AI is revolutionizing industries, including creative sectors previously thought to be uniquely human domains.
He pointed to the enhanced cognitive abilities of new AI algorithms, capable of reasoning and logic, marking a significant leap towards strong AI. This progress, Putin suggested, could dramatically accelerate scientific discovery and technological advancement, reducing timelines from years to mere hours or minutes.
Russia’s Vision for AI Sovereignty and International Collaboration
President Putin underscored the importance of Russia’s independent AI research and development for national sovereignty, particularly in worldview. He emphasized that AI algorithms are currently shaped by the values and cultures of their creators, making it crucial for Russia to develop its own technologies, rooted in its unique cultural and historical heritage.
Putin acknowledged the contributions of prominent Russian scientists and thinkers to the foundation of AI, calling for a continued focus on building upon this legacy. He advocated for international collaboration, inviting global scientists to join Russia in AI research and proposing an international foresight forum in Russia to discuss the future trajectory of AI and address its challenges and opportunities collectively.
AI as a Catalyst for National Development and Public Administration
Putin articulated a vision for AI as a critical resource for achieving Russia’s national development goals, strengthening defense capabilities, enhancing economic and social sectors, and improving public administration. He stressed the need for Russia to become a global leader not just in AI creation, but also in its widespread application across all aspects of life.
Highlighting the practical application of AI in governance, Putin cited the example of Sber’s large language model being used to process and analyze millions of public appeals for the Direct Line program. This AI tool provides a comprehensive picture of public concerns, enabling faster response and task assignment to relevant authorities. Putin lauded this as an unparalleled feedback mechanism, showcasing AI’s potential to revolutionize public administration and enhance citizen engagement.
He called for the broader implementation of such AI-driven digital platforms across various sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, transport, and tourism, aiming for a nationwide transition to data-driven management by 2030. Putin urged government support at all levels for this digital transformation, envisioning AI-powered regional services and a fundamental technological shift in public management systems.
Recognizing regional leadership in AI adoption, Putin acknowledged Moscow and the Moscow, Lipetsk, Tula, and Tyumen regions as winners of the National Prize for artificial intelligence, encouraging continued innovation at the regional level.
Extending AI Cooperation to the Global South and East
President Putin positioned Russia as a willing partner in sharing its AI expertise and technologies with nations in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and partners within CIS, Eurasian Economic Union, SCO, and BRICS. He emphasized Russia’s commitment to supporting the Global South and East in developing their own AI capabilities, offering consultative and technical assistance.
He expressed hope for reciprocal collaboration, fostering joint projects based on equitable access to knowledge and technology. Putin highlighted the importance of developing generative AI models in multiple languages, respecting the cultural and national specificities of diverse civilizations.
Launch of the BRICS AI Alliance: A Landmark in International Tech Cooperation
The culmination of Putin’s address was the announcement and launch of an international alliance of AI national associations and development institutions, spearheaded by BRICS countries and open to other interested nations. This alliance, officially launched at the AI Journey conference, aims to foster cooperation in AI development, address shared challenges, and promote responsible and ethical AI practices globally.
German Gref, CEO of Sberbank, echoed Putin’s sentiments, emphasizing the significance of international collaboration in navigating the opportunities and risks of AI. He highlighted the AI Alliance Russia’s commitment to ethical AI development and welcomed the formation of the international alliance as a crucial step towards ensuring AI benefits humanity in a fair and transparent manner.
Gref outlined key areas of public concern identified through AI analysis of public appeals, including urban development, public administration efficiency, education, social services, and healthcare. He introduced international experts to share their experiences in leveraging AI to address these pressing issues.
Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr, a global expert on smart cities from the UAE, shared Dubai’s successful smart city initiatives driven by AI, proposing collaborations with Moscow to further enhance its global leadership in this domain. Dr. Song Haitao, President of the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, discussed China’s significant investments in AI and its application in governance, announcing a memorandum of cooperation with Sber to promote joint AI research and development between China and Russia.
Aakash Guglani, an expert in technology policy from India, emphasized the need for a digital public infrastructure approach to AI in education, advocating for global educational standards and data sovereignty. Olga Beloglazova, Deputy Governor of the Lipetsk Region, showcased the region’s successful implementation of AI to improve social services delivery and efficiency. Dr. Viktor Gombolevsky, a leading researcher at AIRI, presented advancements in AI-driven healthcare solutions in Russia, emphasizing affordability, quality, and the development of new medicines.
The conference underscored a consensus on the transformative potential of AI across diverse sectors and the critical importance of international cooperation to harness its benefits responsibly. The launch of the BRICS AI alliance signifies a pivotal moment in global technology governance, with Russia and its BRICS partners taking a proactive stance in shaping the future of AI development and deployment on a global scale.
Conclusion: Forging a Collaborative AI Future
President Putin’s announcement of the Russia-BRICS AI alliance marks a significant step towards a more collaborative and equitable global AI landscape. By emphasizing national AI sovereignty while actively promoting international partnerships, Russia is positioning itself as a key player in the future of AI. The BRICS AI alliance, born at the AI Journey conference, promises to be a vital platform for international cooperation, fostering innovation, addressing ethical considerations, and ensuring that the benefits of AI are shared across nations. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of AI’s profound impact on the world and the necessity of collective action to guide its development for the betterment of humanity.
