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BRICS Meeting in Thiruvananthapuram to Discuss Social Security, Labour Reforms

The second BRICS Employment Working Group meeting under India's presidency begins in Thiruvananthapuram. The meeting focuses on advancing social security systems and formalising labour markets. Key priorities include women's workforce participation, skill development, and digital technologies for workers. International organisations like ILO and ISSA are participating to provide technical inputs.

Key Points: BRICS Meet in Thiruvananthapuram on Social Security

  • Second BRICS Employment Working Group meeting begins in Thiruvananthapuram
  • Focus on social security and formalisation of labour markets
  • Discussions on employability, skills mapping, and digital technologies
  • Participation from ILO, ISSA, and UN Resident Coordinator Office
2 min read

Advancing social security systems in focus at BRICS meeting in Thiruvananthapuram

Second BRICS Employment Working Group meeting begins in Thiruvananthapuram, focusing on social security, formalisation of labour markets, and skill development.

"The active participation of BRICS Member States and knowledge partners in the Second EWG Meeting is expected to contribute to the development of coherent, forward-looking, and mutually beneficial outcomes - Ministry of Labour and Employment"

New Delhi, May 5

The two-day Second BRICS Employment Working Group meeting under India's ongoing BRICS presidency will begin in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, the Ministry of Labour and Employment stated on Tuesday.

The meeting will bring together representatives dealing with labour, employment, and worker welfare from BRICS Member States, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates, the ministry informed.

It highlighted that the Second EWG Meeting will serve as an important in-person platform for taking forward the discussions held during the First EWG Meeting and for developing a more focused understanding among Member States on the proposed priorities and deliverables under India's presidency.

The First Employment Working Group Meeting was held in a virtual mode in March.

According to the ministry, the first meeting initiated constructive discussions on four priority areas: advancing social security and formalisation of labour markets; enhancing women's participation and inclusion in the workforce; cooperation on employability, skills mapping, and development; and leveraging digital technologies for all workers, including gig and platform workers.

The discussions during the Second EWG meeting will focus on advancing social security systems and accelerating the formalisation of labour markets, and it will also deliberate on cooperation in employability, skills mapping, and skills development, it added.

The Ministry also highlighted that the meeting will include participation from key international knowledge partners, including the International Labour Organisation, the International Social Security Association, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office. These organisations are expected to provide technical inputs, share global perspectives, and enrich the deliberations through their experience in employment, labour welfare, social security, and future-of-work issues.

"The active participation of BRICS Member States and knowledge partners in the Second EWG Meeting is expected to contribute to the development of coherent, forward-looking, and mutually beneficial outcomes in the field of labour, employment, and worker welfare," the ministry noted.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

M
Michael C
As someone who's worked in multinational HR, I appreciate the focus on formalising labour markets. India has a huge informal sector, and BRICS sharing best practices could actually benefit millions. Let's see if this translates to real change though.
M
Meera T
Women's participation in workforce is a great priority area. But we need more than meetings—we need crèche facilities at workplaces, safe transport, and equal pay. Let's hope this meeting leads to action, not just another document sitting on a shelf.
R
Rohan X
Good to see Thiruvananthapuram hosting an international event. Kerala has good indicators in social security, especially in health and education. Hope India's presidency brings focus on universal social protection, not just for formal sector workers.
P
Priya S
Skills mapping and development is crucial. Many ITI graduates in my hometown struggle to find jobs matching their training. If BRICS can create a framework for skill recognition across member countries, it would help workers migrate legally and safely. Smart move.
D
David E
Digital technologies for all workers—this includes remote work and the gig economy. India has a massive opportunity to lead here, given our IT strength. But we must ensure digital literacy reaches rural areas too. Otherwise it'll benefit only urban workers.
V
Vikram M
Honestly

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