BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers’ Declaration

UPSC Relevance

• GS-2: International Relations (BRICS cooperation, global governance)
• GS-3: Economy (labour policies, climate change impacts)

Key Points

• The 2025 BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers’ Meeting in Brasilia, under Brazil’s presidency, adopted a declaration on “AI and the Future of Work” and “Climate Change Impacts on Work and Just Transition.”
• The declaration promotes inclusive AI policies, social dialogue for fair climate transitions, and South-South cooperation for labour governance and green jobs.

Detailed Insights

• Supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the declaration emphasizes equitable AI access and worker protections.
• It addresses threats to 1.2 billion livelihoods from ecosystem collapse and 2.4 billion workers facing extreme heat.
• Advocates universal social protection, especially for platform workers, and supports the ILO’s Global Coalition for Social Justice.

Significance

• Positions BRICS as a leader in rights-based AI and climate-resilient labour policies.
• Enhances global South cooperation for inclusive governance.

Analysis & Way Forward

• BRICS nations should invest in AI training and green job creation.
• Strengthening social protection systems will ensure equitable transitions.