BRICS spotlight turns to 4th industrial revolution

Leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa were locked met on Thursday on the second and final day of the 10th BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Center.

President Cyril Ramaphosa told delegates during the open session that new technology has the potential to solve many social problems, including combating disease, hunger, and environmental degradation.

“Unless it is approached in a collaborative manner, underpinned by a developmental agenda, the rapid technological change could serve to entrench existing disparities with and between countries. 

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His thought was echoed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“The fourth Industrial revolution affects developing nations, our task is to create an environment that will stimulate investment into the economy,” said Putin.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it is important to equip young people to be able to compete with robotics and artificial intelligence. 

“We need to be alert and ensure that the very vast changes that are taking place in technology find themselves reflected at the same space as our educational courses.”

He said India has started a skills mission that provides technical and vocational training to the youth.