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.
