The 11th BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers’ Meeting, held under Brazil’s presidency in Brasília, saw representatives from member nations adopt a declaration focusing on the impacts of artificial intelligence and climate change on the world of work. Led by India’s Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, the Indian delegation emphasized a human-centric approach to technological transformation, aligning with the vision that technology should empower rather than exclude.
India’s National Strategy for AI was highlighted as a model for ethical adoption, workforce upskilling, and sectoral applications in agriculture, healthcare, and education. Initiatives such as FutureSkills Prime and the Namo Drone Didi program were showcased as examples of how AI-driven solutions can create employment opportunities, especially for rural women and youth. The National Career Service platform was recognized for its AI-powered ability to bridge skill gaps and connect millions to jobs.
On climate action, India reiterated its commitment to a just transition framework, ensuring that green growth leads to equitable job creation. The Sector Skill Council for Green Jobs and the Mission LiFE initiative were presented as key drivers of sustainable practices and environmental awareness. India’s success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and its pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 underscored its leadership in climate policy. Collaborative efforts with the International Labour Organization were reaffirmed to safeguard workers’ rights throughout the transition to a greener economy.
The declaration adopted by BRICS nations commits to promoting inclusive AI policies that balance innovation with worker protection, advancing social dialogue for fair climate transitions, and strengthening South-South cooperation on labour governance, digital inclusion, and green job creation. India’s contributions were acknowledged for aligning technological advancement with inclusive social welfare, reinforcing the collective resolve to ensure that no worker is left behind amid AI-driven disruption or climate challenges.
