South Africa became the rotational Chair of BRICS in January 2023 under the theme: “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism”. Consistent with the theme, the National School of Government (South Africa) hosted the BRICS Conference on Governance and Public Administration in Pretoria from July 17 to 19. Professor Liang Li, from the Department of Public Administration, and Liu Xiaoyun, from the International Cooperation and Exchange Department of BAI jointly authored a paper entitled Beijing's Experience in Promoting the Development of Artificial Intelligence and Supporting Government Governance Innovation and delivered keynote speech via video link in July 18.

Nearly 100 scholars from China, Russia, India, Brazil and South Africa participated in the conference either with physical attendance in South Africa or via virtual connection, and exchanged views on four sub-themes: Governance and Public Administration in a Changing Global Context, Public administration Reforms and Emerging Challenges, Impact of Technology and Climate Change on Reforms, the Future of Governance and Public Administration.

Professor Liang Li briefed on how the Beijing Municipal Government has been deepening the integration of AI with the real economy, assisting government governance innovation, and empowering Beijing's digital economy benchmark city construction and smart city construction. During the Q&A session, Professor Liang Li and Liu Xiaoyun answered questions about AI's contribution to academic research, ethical challenges facing AI, and government measures to combat cybercrime. Chen Cong, Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchange, attended the conference.

BRICS countries are navigating turbulence and transformation in a rapidly changing global environment. The need for dialogue and the sharing of ideas on the future trajectory of governance and public administration cannot be overstated. The conference helped build collective intellectual leadership of BRICS countries over their governance and public administration reform agenda by sharing experience and exchanging views.

Written by: Liu Xiaoyun