BRICS Labour Ministers Pledge to Strengthen Labour Markets and Worker Protections at Sochi Summit

"This meeting provided a valuable opportunity to build consensus on policies for a human-centred future of work, as outlined in the ILO’s Centenary Declaration," Houngbo noted.

At the Labour and Employment Ministers Meeting (LEMM) in Sochi, Russia, on 9-10 September, International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo welcomed the BRICS nations' commitment to fostering more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient labour markets. The summit, which brought together ministers from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, as well as new members Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates, emphasized the importance of creating safe and healthy working environments.

"This meeting provided a valuable opportunity to build consensus on policies for a human-centred future of work, as outlined in the ILO’s Centenary Declaration," Houngbo noted. He highlighted key priorities such as inclusive training, decent work for platform workers, improved occupational safety and health (OSH), and expanded social security systems.

The LEMM Declaration, issued at conclusion of the meeting, focused on four priority areas: enhancing skills development, protecting digital platform workers, promoting social security, and ensuring safe workplaces, particularly for women. It also reaffirmed the importance of social dialogue and recognized the ILO’s technical expertise in shaping these initiatives.

BRICS countries pledged to develop strategies for life-long learning, vocational training, and modernized employment services, while also committing to creating the BRICS OSH Network to improve workplace safety. The meeting marked a significant milestone as the first gathering since BRICS expanded to include new members in early 2024.

In addition, South Africa presented a progress report on the BRICS Platform on Productivity Ecosystems, further fostering the exchange of knowledge and best practices among member nations. The declaration underscored the goal of adapting labour and social protection policies to meet the needs of workers in an evolving global economy.