BRICS Nations Prioritize Workforce Development at Thiruvananthapuram Meeting
In a significant gathering today in Thiruvananthapuram, the 2nd BRICS Employment Working Group (EWG) Meeting commenced under India’s Presidency, uniting delegations from BRICS member states including China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Russia, South Africa, and the UAE. The event aimed to foster cooperation in critical areas such as social security, women’s workforce participation, and skills development, marking the agenda’s first day.
During her opening remarks, Vandana Gurnani, the Secretary for Labour and Employment in India, highlighted transformative changes currently reshaping the global workforce. She noted the swift advancements in technology, the rise of artificial intelligence, the green transition, demographic shifts, and the increasing prevalence of gig and platform work are redefining labor markets across BRICS countries. Gurnani underscored the joint responsibility of BRICS nations to evolve social protection systems, boost women’s participation, make skills systems responsive, and harness digital technologies for greater inclusion.
Advancing Social Security and Labour Market Formalization
The first priority area focused on enhancing social security and labor market formalization. Participants recognized that establishing a collective vision to progressively increase social protection coverage is feasible among member states. Despite notable advancements, significant gaps in coverage still exist. The discussion emphasized that knowledge sharing, peer learning, and capacity-building through the exchange of ideas and solutions would be essential to achieving this goal.
Promoting Women’s Workforce Participation
As discussions shifted to enhancing women’s participation in the workforce, it became evident that although BRICS countries have made strides, persistent structural constraints necessitate ongoing and coordinated efforts. Delegates advocated for strong, inclusive policies that support women in high-growth industries and leadership roles. A pragmatic, evidence-based approach grounded in mutual cooperation and the sharing of best practices while respecting each nation’s priorities was emphasized.
Skills Development and Employability Initiatives
The third priority area revolved around employability, skills mapping, and development, suggesting that structured cooperation is vital among BRICS nations. The proposed framework aims to improve skills intelligence, enhance qualification comparability, and facilitate knowledge sharing in digital, green, and care economy skills. Member states acknowledged the importance of linking existing qualification frameworks and vocational education systems to address skills mismatches and enhance labor mobility.
In light of the rapid transformations in labor markets, representatives proposed promoting youth employability through expanded apprenticeship programs, internships, vocational education, and entrepreneurship initiatives, specifically targeting youth who are not engaged in education, employment, or training.
Throughout the meeting, member states participated in enriching sessions showcasing innovative initiatives and best practices from their countries. The collaborative spirit fostered mutual learning and strengthened the bond of South-South cooperation among the BRICS nations, as delegations expressed optimism about the anticipated outcomes of the discussions.
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