Russia held the BRICS presidency in 2020 under the theme “BRICS Partnership for Global Stability, Shared Security and Innovative Growth.” The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the format and focus of all BRICS meetings that year.

Format and Participation

• Virtual Conference: Due to the global pandemic, the meeting was held via video conference.
• Participants: Labour and Employment Ministers from all five BRICS countries, along with senior officials and experts.

Key Discussions and Agendas

1. COVID-19 Response and Recovery

• Economic Impact: Ministers discussed the severe economic disruptions caused by the pandemic, including job losses and income reductions.
• Policy Measures: Each country shared its policy responses, including unemployment benefits, wage subsidies, and support for small businesses.
• Vulnerable Groups: Special attention was given to protecting vulnerable workers, including informal sector workers, migrants, and youth.

2. Digitalization and the Future of Work

• Digital Transformation: The acceleration of digital transformation due to the pandemic was a key topic.
• Skills Development: Ministers emphasized the need for upskilling and reskilling programs to prepare workers for the digital economy.
• Platform Work: Discussions included the growth of gig and platform work, and how to ensure decent work in these new forms of employment.

3. Social Protection Systems

• Coverage Expansion: The need to expand and strengthen social protection systems was highlighted.
• Innovative Approaches: Countries shared innovative approaches to social protection, including the use of digital technologies for benefit delivery.

4. Occupational Safety and Health

• COVID-19 Workplace Safety: Protocols for ensuring workplace safety during the pandemic were discussed.
• Long-term Strategies: Ministers agreed on the importance of fostering a culture of prevention in occupational safety and health.

5. Poverty Reduction and Inequality

• Inclusive Growth: Strategies for promoting inclusive growth and reducing inequalities were shared.
• Social and Economic Transformation: The role of labour market policies in broader social and economic transformation was emphasized.

Outcomes and Commitments

1. Moscow Declaration

• A comprehensive declaration was adopted, outlining shared commitments and action plans.
• The declaration emphasized solidarity and cooperation in addressing labour market challenges.

2. Research Initiatives

• The BRICS Network of Labour Research Institutes was tasked with conducting studies on:
  • The impact of COVID-19 on labour markets in BRICS countries
  • Strategies for supporting employment and income during crises
  • The future of work in the digital economy

3. Knowledge Sharing Platform

• Agreement to enhance the BRICS knowledge sharing platform on labour and employment issues.
• Commitment to regular exchange of best practices and policy experiences.

4. Youth Employment

• Special focus on addressing youth unemployment through targeted interventions and skill development programs.

5. Gender Equality

• Renewed commitment to promoting gender equality in the labour market and addressing the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on women workers.

Significance and Follow-up

• The meeting was crucial in coordinating BRICS countries’ responses to the unprecedented labour market challenges posed by COVID-19.
• It set the stage for continued cooperation and policy coordination among BRICS nations in the areas of labour and employment.
• The outcomes of this meeting informed subsequent BRICS summits and influenced national policy-making in member countries.