BRICS Employment Working Group Holds First Online Meeting under Russia’s BRICS Chairship
The BRICS Employment Working Group (BEWG) has held its inaugural online meeting, marking a significant milestone in Russia’s BRICS Chairship. The meeting brought together esteemed dignitaries, including Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Russian Federation Alexey Vovchenko, Director of the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection Denis Gulyayev, and Director of the Technical Support Group on Decent Work and the Bureau of the International Labour Organization (ILO) for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Mikhail Pushkin, among others.
Key Themes of Russia’s BRICS Chairship
The meeting highlighted the pivotal role of the BEWG in fostering cooperation and exchanging best practices among BRICS nations. The primary themes of Russia’s BRICS Chairship in 2024, focusing on social and labour issues, include:
- Development of a Vocational Guidance and Continuous Professional Education System for the Entire Population
- The Role of Platform Employment in the Labour Market and Problems Regulating the Labour of Platform Workers
- Ensuring the Safe Labour and Social Protection of Employees
- Development of Social Support for BRICS Citizens: Modern Social Policy Tools
Expert Insights and International Experience
Representatives from the ILO and ISSA actively shared their international experience. First, they provided expert support on these issues. Then, they outlined actions to develop the social and labor sector in BRICS countries.Meanwhile, delegates from BRICS nations presented measures. Specifically, these measures aimed to tackle the pressing issues at hand. Additionally, the delegates exchanged best practices and discussed further cooperation.
Next Steps
Following the two-day discussion, the Russian side will prepare a draft Declaration of BRICS Ministers of Labour and Employment. The next meeting of the BEWG is scheduled for 7–8 September 2024, preceding the 10th Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Labour and Employment in Sochi. The Roscongress Foundation manages the events of Russia’s BRICS chairship.
The successful online meeting of the BRICS Employment Working Group marks an important step in fostering cooperation and addressing pressing social and labour issues among BRICS nations. As Russia’s BRICS Chairship progresses, the BEWG is poised to play a vital role in shaping the future of employment and social protection in the region.