BRICS Ministers Meetings
2023 Johannesburg meeting: Documents
BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers meetings Index
BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers Meeting 2023: September 29, Durban, South Africa
The Ninth BRICS LEMM was held on September 29, 2023, in Durban, South Africa. Durban, a coastal city in KwaZulu-Natal province, is known for its busy port and diverse culture, making it a fitting location for international cooperation.
Theme and Objectives
The meeting’s theme, “Ensuring decent work, dignity, and respect for all,” reflected the BRICS countries’ commitment to improving working conditions and labor rights. This theme aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Participants
The meeting was attended by:
- Margarida Matos Rosa (Brazil)
- Anton Kotyakov (Russia)
- Bhupender Yadav (India)
- Zhang Jinan (China)
- Thulas Nxesi (South Africa, host)
Representatives from international organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Social Security Association (ISSA) were also present.
Key Priorities and Discussions
The ministers focused on four main priorities:
- Promoting labour rights and reducing decent work deficits
- Discussions on strengthening labor laws and their enforcement
- Strategies to combat forced labor and child labor
- Universal access to social protection
- Exploring ways to extend social security coverage
- Discussing the feasibility of a minimum basic income in BRICS countries
- Promoting decent work in the informal economy
- Addressing the challenges of informal workers
- Strategies for skills development and formalization
- Building sustainable enterprises and enhancing productivity
- Promoting innovation in small and medium enterprises
- Discussing the impact of digitalization and automation on employment
Outcomes and Declarations
Declaration of the Ninth BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers
This document outlined the shared vision and commitments of the BRICS countries regarding labor and employment issues. It likely included:
- Affirmations of support for international labor standards
- Commitments to specific actions within each priority area
- Plans for cooperation and knowledge sharing among BRICS nations
Statement of BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers
This statement probably focused on:
- Immediate actions to be taken in response to current global challenges
- Responses to the changing nature of work due to technological advancements
- Strategies for post-pandemic economic recovery and job creation
Related Events and Working Groups
Employment Working Group (EWG) Meeting
- Held earlier in the week
- Comprised of senior officials from BRICS countries
- Prepared technical reports and recommendations for the ministers
BRICS Trade Union Forum
- Parallel event in Durban
- Brought together labor representatives from BRICS countries
- Discussed workers’ perspectives on the LEMM agenda items
Global Context and Challenges
The meeting took place against a backdrop of:
- Ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic
- Rising global inflation and economic uncertainties
- Increasing digitalization and automation in the workplace
- Growing concerns about climate change and its impact on employment
Future Outlook
Expansion of BRICS
The ministers welcomed the future inclusion of Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates into the BRICS group. This expansion is expected to broaden the scope and impact of BRICS labor and employment initiatives.
Next Meeting
The 10th BRICS LEMM is scheduled to take place in 2024 under the Presidency of the Russian Federation. This meeting will likely build upon the commitments made in Durban and address emerging labor market challenges.
Significance and Impact
The BRICS LEMM 2023 was significant in reinforcing the group’s commitment to addressing global labor challenges collectively. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to influence national policies in BRICS countries and contribute to global discussions on the future of work, particularly in emerging economies.
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