Current Affairs - Places - Discussion

The Second Employment Working Group (EWG) Meeting under India’s BRICS Presidency 2026 was held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, from May 6 to 7, 2026. The meeting brought together representatives from 11 BRICS member countries to discuss labour, employment, and worker welfare issues. Key focus areas included social protection through digital public infrastructure, women’s employment opportunities, digital skilling, labour market formalisation, and welfare support for gig and platform workers. Technical assistance for the discussions was provided by organisations such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO), International Social Security Association (ISSA), and the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office. The meeting also prepared the groundwork for the BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for July 2026.