Director-General & BEWG Chair, Mr Lamati

Delegates from the BRICS Member Countries

Delegates from the Guest Countries

Representatives of International & Regional Organisations

Senior Officials and Colleagues

Ladies and gentlemen, as we conclude this important BRICS Employment Working Group (BEWG) meeting, I want to express my deep appreciation for your active participation and valuable contributions over the past two days.

We embarked on this journey several months ago, and it has been a remarkable one. From Misty Hills to Port Alfred and Geneva, we have come together to address the critical issues in the world of work, guided by the all-encompassing theme of 'Ensuring Decent Work, Dignity and Respect for All'.

Today, as we wrap up this Fourth and Final BEWG meeting, we do so with a sense of accomplishment and the knowledge that our collective efforts have brought us closer to our goals.

I would like to extend my gratitude to all the delegates, representatives of BRICS Member Countries, and our esteemed guests from the Invited Countries and the organisations represented here who have travelled from near and far to be with us.

Thank you for joining our collective for the first time, and appreciate your commitment to our shared mission.

Our discussions have been fruitful, touching upon fundamental principles and rights at work, access to social protection, strategies for bridging the skills gap and ways to promote sustainable enterprises and innovation.

As the Presidency, we put forth key proposals, including the establishment of the BRICS Productivity Ecosystem for Decent Work Platform, and the strengthening of social dialogue and cooperation with social partners.

These proposals have garnered support, and we are pleased with the positive reception.

Our outcomes from this meeting include a Ministerial declaration, a Joint Political Statement, the adoption of the BRICS Research Network's report and preliminary ideas on the BRICS Productivity Ecosystem for Decent Work.

These outcomes will shape our path forward as we prepare for the LEMM over the next two days.

The LEMM takes place following a successful BRICS Summit in Johannesburg last month.

The LEMM is an important opportunity for the BRICS countries to share information and best practices on labour and employment issues. The meeting is also an opportunity for the BRICS countries to develop common positions on international labour and employment issues.

Thus, the LEMM is an important opportunity for the BRICS countries to cooperate and address common challenges. By cooperating on labour and employment issues, the BRICS countries can build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable labour market for all.

Finally, I extend our appreciation to the BEWG Chair Mr Lamati and his capable team for steering the ship since our country assumed the Presidency of BRICS a few months ago.

Thank you once again for your dedication and cooperation, and let us continue our journey towards a brighter future in the world of work.

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