Hyderabad: The city will once again be in the global spotlight this week as it hosts the BRICS labour and employment ministers’ meeting on July 15 and 16, bringing together ministers, senior officials and international organisations from some of the world’s largest emerging economies to deliberate on employment generation, labour welfare and social security.The two-day event is being held under India’s presidency of BRICS and is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation among member countries on labour markets, workforce skilling, social protection and employment policies amid evolving global economic challenges.BRICS, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2009, expanded with South Africa joining in 2010. In recent years, the grouping has significantly broadened its reach with the inclusion of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Indonesia, making it one of the most influential forums of developing economies.The Hyderabad meeting is part of a series of ministerial engagements being hosted by India this year as chair of the bloc. Union labour and employment minister Mansukh Mandaviya will deliver the keynote address at the inaugural session, alongside ministers and heads of delegations from member nations. The meeting will culminate in the adoption of the BRICS labour and employment ministers’ declaration.A technical session scheduled later on the opening day will showcase best practices from BRICS countries. Representatives from the International Labour Organisation, International Social Security Association, UN resident coordinator’s office, employers’ body CII and workers’ organisations are also expected to participate.Chief minister A Revanth Reddy, labour minister Vivek Venkataswamy, tourism minister Jupally Krishna Rao and chief secretary Sanjay Jaju have been invited to the event.On the second day, delegates will visit Hyderabad’s thriving global capability centre ecosystem, including facilities of Bosch and the CII-Green Business Centre.Officials said the meeting further reinforces Hyderabad’s growing stature as a preferred destination for international conferences and policy summits.
