Multilateral cooperation

BRICS Labour Ministers to Discuss Quality Jobs and Inclusive Employment Policies

On 25–26 January 2016, the Russian Federation will host the first ever meeting of ministers of labour and employment of the BRICS countries in Ufa.

News | 22 January 2016
UFA, Russian Federation (ILO News) - The meeting of ministers of labour and employment of the BRICS will focus on the creation and promotion of quality jobs and inclusive employment policies. Delegates will discuss a wide range of issues, including
  • modernization of enterprises and economic sectors
  • increasing the productivity of labour
  • strengthening vocational education and training
  • developing professional standards
  • encouraging labour mobility
  • developing employment services
  • protecting workers’ rights, including their right to social security
  • improving occupational safety and health
  • facilitating the move from the informal to the formal economy
The programme of the two-day event includes a joint meeting with the social partners – representatives of workers and employers - which will discuss the role of business and trade unions in creating jobs.

The meeting in Ufa will be addressed by
  • Maxim Topilin, Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Russian Federation
  • Guy Ryder, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO)
  • Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, General Secretary of the International Social Security Association (ISSA)
  • Keith Hansen, World Bank Group's Vice President for Global Practices
  • Anton Drozdov, Chairman of the Board of the Russian Pension Fund
  • Mikhail Shmakov, Chairman of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of the Russian Federation
  • Alexander Shokhin, President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs
The delegates are expected to sign a Declaration of the Ministers of Labour and Employment of the BRICS countries which will reflect the need for an integrated policy aimed at formalizing the labour market and promoting quality and inclusive employment. Ultimately, this policy is expected to boost individual incomes, reduce social tension and foster economic growth.

On the sidelines of the meeting, on 25 January, the Russian social partners will organize a roundtable panel discussion on boosting social partnership in the BRICS countries. The ILO Director-General will address the roundtable.  The discussion includes a presentation of the progress of implementation of the ILO project “Partnerships for Youth Employment in the Commonwealth of Independent States” funded by the Russian company LUKOIL.

For more information

Please contact ILO Communication Officer Ms Olga Bogdanova.