From September 26 to 29, 2023, the Employment and Labor Ministers of BRICS nations gathered in Durban to foster cooperation in generating employment opportunities and enhancing labor market governance. The meetings took place at the Radisson Blu Umhlanga and were spearheaded by South Africa’s Department of Employment and Labor. The central focus of the discussions revolved around increasing productivity initiatives and strengthening social protection among the BRICS countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
The theme of the event was “Ensuring Decent Work, Dignity, and Respect for All,” aimed at boosting collaboration in employment creation and labor market governance among the BRICS partners. This assembly was a continuation of a series of meetings following the recent BRICS Leaders’ Summit held in August 2023.
The labor and employment initiatives comprise the Employment Working Group (EWG), the BRICS Network of Labour Research Institute, and the Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting (LEMM). Previous meetings took place in February, May, and June 2023 in Gauteng, Port Alfred, and Geneva, Switzerland, respectively.
Collaborative Discussions and Solidifying Partnerships
In preparation for the LEMM, the Fourth EWG and the BRICS Network of Labour Research Institute meetings were held on September 26 and 27, 2023. Senior officials and technical experts discussed various topics, such as the Ministerial Declaration, the Report on Social Protection in BRICS Countries, the BRICS Productivity Platform, and methods to bolster cooperation between the BRICS nations at a multilateral level.
The two-day Meeting of Ministers followed on September 28 and 29, 2023, culminating in the adoption of the eThekwini Declaration. The ministers emphasized labor rights, universal access to social protection, skills development, and sustainable enterprises to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Their goals included deepening collaboration at multilateral forums and shaping global labor market policies and agendas, in line with the BRICS leaders’ call for a human-centered recovery and the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Minister Thulas Nxesi of South Africa extended invitations to counterparts from Cuba, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, and Zimbabwe to attend the meetings. Representatives of social partners and international organizations, including the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the International Social Security Agency (ISSA), and the African Regional Labour Administration Centre (ARLAC), were also in attendance. Leaders from the KwaZulu-Natal Province and eThekwini delivered welcome addresses to the international delegates.
Ministers of social development and small business development, along with senior officials and experts, participated in the meetings. The media was also invited to cover the events.
The Fourth BRICS EWG meeting and BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Umhlanga, Durban, with daily meetings running from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
A United Vision for a Better Employment Future
This conference provided a platform for exchanging ideas and strategies to enhance collaboration between the BRICS nations in areas such as employment creation, labor market governance, and social protection. With representatives from various countries and international organizations present, the meetings offered a valuable opportunity to build connections and share knowledge for the betterment of the global labor market.
By focusing on issues such as labor rights, universal access to social protection, and skills development, the BRICS nations strive to create a future in which decent work, dignity, and respect are accessible to all citizens. The eThekwini Declaration stands as a testament to these shared values and the commitment of the BRICS countries to achieve a human-centered recovery in accordance with the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
