VI BRICS Trade Union Forum Declaration (Beijing, July 25, 2017)
BRICS Trade Union Forum
Declaration
Beijing, China, 25 July 2017
1. On 24-25 July, 2017, trade union delegates from the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa met in Beijing for the Sixth BRICS Trade Union Forum and conducted in-depth discussions on issues related to cooperation among the BRICS countries and the rights and interests of workers in an effort to work out a solution to common challenges.
2. We hold that the momentum of the current economic recovery is still fragile and that the deep-seated problems sparking the financial crisis are far from being solved. Some countries develop policies with their own interests in mind, protectionism is on the rise and a trend toward de-globalization is gaining force. Geopolitical factors are getting more complex, traditional and non-traditional security risks are intertwined and the entire world is overshadowed by challenges such as terrorism, infectious diseases and climate change. The BRICS countries are confronted with complicated and severe external development environment.
3. Opposing protectionism and upholding and strengthening the multilateral trade system so as to create a larger market and space for development conforms to the common interests of all countries in the world. We appeal to the governments of all countries to enhance macroeconomic policy coordination, improve global economic governance, make concerted efforts to promote global economic growth and steer economic globalization towards inclusiveness and universal benefit.
4. The new industrial revolution and industrial restructuring have brought in their wake new industries and new sectors. To cope with the challenges engendered by the new industrial revolution, we must step up job and skill training and strengthen reemployment so as to better attain a just transition.
5. Climate change poses one of the biggest challenges and threats to sustainable development. We support all countries to take the path of green, cyclic and low-carbon growth and work hard towards a win-win outcome of developing economy and uphold the principles of just transition. We appeal to developed countries to fulfill their commitment to mobilize $100 billion annually by the year 2020, provide robust financial support to developing countries after 2020, transfer climate-friendly technologies to them and help them develop the green economy.
6. We realize that terrorism is the common enemy of mankind. We appeal for the establishment of a global united front against terrorism so as to bring people all over the world under a common security umbrella. We appeal for efforts including political solutions to fight all kinds of terrorism and eradicate the breeding soil of terrorism. At the same time, we denounce the practices of demonization of and attacks on immigrants, refugees and other vulnerable groups and undermining their rights in the name of fighting terrorism.
7. The BRICS countries share a common destiny. The BRICS countries are not just a community of shared interests but also one that acts together and forges ahead hand in hand. Cooperation among the BRICS countries is a key factor in the democratization of international relations. We endorse and support the Belt and Road Initiative. We appeal to the BRICS countries and enterprises to respond to the Resolution No.2344 adopted by the UN Security Council, strengthen the integration of their development strategies through the building of the Belt and Road Initiative, push forward regional economic cooperation and promote regional security and stability; create more jobs, strengthen organizing drive, unify workers to bargain effectively, and improve their working and living conditions; safeguard and develop the interests of workers in the BRICS countries, narrow the widening gap in inequalities and build a community of shared future for mankind. We are committed to enhancing unity and cooperation of the BRICS countries within the G20 mechanism and relevant agencies of the United Nation including the International Labour Organization, and better safeguarding workers’ rights and interests within the multilateral system. We promote South-South cooperation and North-South dialogue to advance the collective interests of the developing countries.
8. We hold that it is extremely necessary to include the BRICS Trade Union Forum as part of the institutional mechanism of the BRICS countries. Tripartism and social dialogue is effective and mature experience ILO has acquired. Strengthening social dialogue within the BRICS countries is conducive to effectively solving labour issues. We appeal for the setting up of a social dialogue working group composed of one or two representatives from the governments, employers and labour of the BRICS countries to take charge of setting agendas and drafting outcome documents for the BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting. We appeal for the establishment of a dialogue mechanism among the BRICS Trade Union Forum, the BRICS Business Council and the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) with the aim of stepping up research and cooperation on such issues as promoting decent work and sustainable development.
9. We pledge to implement the consensus of the previous declarations of the BRICS Trade Union Forum. We appeal to the governments of the BRICS countries to follow through on the outcomes reached at the previous leaders meetings and informal meetings.
2017_BRICS_TUF_Declaration.doc