BRICS 2025 EN

This year, Brazil assumes the rotating presidency of the BRICS, a group composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, as well as new members, such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia and Iran. The group meets annually to discuss political, economic and social issues."

With the motto "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance", the Brazilian presidency aims to promote more inclusive and sustainable global governance, with a focus on economic cooperation and tackling climate change.

The main priorities of the BRICS Working Group (WG) on Employment, coordinated by the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE) are:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Future of Work

Digital transformation is revolutionizing the job market, with the automation of processes and the emergence of new occupations, such as working on digital platforms. Although AI can increase productivity and open up new markets, it also brings risks, such as the replacement of human tasks, potential increased inequalities, and reduced workers' incomes.

• Impact of AI (including generative) on the job market;
• Promotion of emerging industries with the potential to generate new employment opportunities;
• Development of social protection policies and support for displaced workers, especially for vulnerable groups such as older workers and women;
• Encouraging a culture of continuous learning so that workers can update their skills;
• Impacts of Climate Change on the World of Work and a Just Transition.

Climate change today poses significant risks to workers, such as infrastructure disruptions and job losses. On the other hand, the transition to low-carbon economies provides opportunities to create green jobs, improving skills, and promoting inclusive development.

• Mitigate the specific impacts of climate change and climate policies on employment;
• Development of policies and strategies for an inclusive transition that offers decent work opportunities;
• Involvement of main partners and promotion of social dialogue to create decent jobs;
• Integration of occupational health and safety concerns into public policies to address the impacts of climate change;

Retrospect of the Discussions: In previous meetings, the ministers of Labor and Employment of the BRICS countries discussed topics such as:

• Impact of Industry 4.0 and technological changes on the future of work.
• Automation and AI
• Promotion of education and skills development to prepare the workforce for the new digital economy.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the focus was on teleworking (home office) and changes in the work environment, with an emphasis on accelerated digitalization.

In addition, the impacts of climate change on employment and the need for a just transition to a more sustainable economy have become increasingly relevant in BRICS discussions, especially related to the commitment to the Paris Agreement and strategies to promote sustainable and inclusive development.

The expectation for the 11th Labor and Employment Ministers' Meeting (LEMM) of the BRICS, which will culminate on April 25, 2025, in Brasilia (DF), is:

Present reports and studies through the BRICS Network of Labor Research Institutes and build a Declaration of the Ministers of Labor and Employment with appropriate recommendations to BRICS leaders. These initiatives aim to promote decent work and the sustainable development of the labor market in member countries, in line with the priorities established by the Brazilian presidency.