The BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting took place on September 27-28, 2016, in New Delhi, India, under the Indian Presidency. 

Background and Objectives

The BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers first met in Ufa, Russia, in January 2016, to discuss critical issues such as informality in the labour market, labour mobility, social security, and ensuring decent work. The aim was to achieve sustainable goals like poverty alleviation and employment generation. They recognized the importance of establishing an Employment Pillar, which led to the creation of the BRICS Employment Working Group (BEWG).

The meeting was held at Jacaranda Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. It was attended by labour ministers and high-level officials from all five BRICS countries, along with representatives from international organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Theme and Focus Areas

The overarching theme of the meeting was “Employment Generation and Inclusive Growth.” The discussions centered around several key focus areas:

1. Formalization of labour markets
2. Mobility of labour
3. Social security agreements
4. Networking of BRICS labour institutes
5. Sharing of best practices on gaining and retaining employment

Key Discussions and Outcomes

1. Employment Generation Strategies

• Each country presented its unique approaches to job creation:
  • India highlighted its “Make in India” and “Skill India” initiatives
  • China discussed its focus on innovation and entrepreneurship
  • Russia emphasized its programs for youth employment
  • Brazil shared its experiences with vocational training
  • South Africa presented its expanded public works program

2. Addressing Informality in Labour Markets

• The ministers recognized the high levels of informal employment in BRICS countries and discussed strategies to promote formalization:
  • Simplifying business registration processes
  • Providing incentives for formal employment
  • Enhancing labour inspection and enforcement mechanisms

3. Social Security Agreements

• Discussions were held on the possibility of bilateral and multilateral social security agreements among BRICS nations to protect migrant workers’ rights and benefits.

4. Skills Development and Vocational Training

• The meeting emphasized the importance of aligning skills development with industry needs:
  • Proposals for establishing BRICS-wide skill standards
  • Exploring possibilities for mutual recognition of qualifications

5. Labour Market Information Systems

• Ministers agreed to enhance cooperation in developing robust labour market information systems to better inform policy decisions.

6. Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

• Strategies were discussed to increase women’s participation in the workforce and ensure equal opportunities and pay.

Outcomes and Declarations

New Delhi Declaration

The meeting concluded with the adoption of the “New Delhi Declaration,” which outlined the following key commitments:

1. Strengthening collaboration on employment generation strategies
2. Promoting the formalization of labour markets
3. Enhancing social protection systems
4. Fostering skills development and lifelong learning
5. Improving labour market information systems
6. Promoting gender equality in the world of work
7. Exploring the possibility of BRICS-wide social security agreements

BRICS Labour Research Network

The ministers agreed to establish a BRICS Labour Research Network to facilitate the exchange of information, research findings, and best practices in labour and employment policies.

Follow-up Actions

1. The creation of a BRICS Working Group on Employment to monitor the implementation of the New Delhi Declaration
2. Plans for annual meetings of BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers
3. Commitment to develop a roadmap for achieving the goals set out in the declaration

Significance of the Meeting

The 2016 New Delhi meeting was a crucial step in formalizing labour and employment cooperation within the BRICS framework. It set the stage for more coordinated efforts in addressing common challenges faced by these emerging economies in the realm of work and employment.By focusing on issues such as job creation, skills development, and social protection, the meeting underscored the importance of labour and employment issues in the broader context of economic growth and development in BRICS countries.