Brazil and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have reaffirmed their strategic partnership on South-South and triangular cooperation, focusing on advancing decent work, social justice, and inclusive development across developing regions.
The commitment was highlighted during an annual review meeting held at ILO headquarters in Geneva, where Brazil’s Minister of Labour and Employment Luiz Marinho met with ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo alongside senior representatives from government, employers’ organizations, and workers’ groups.
The discussions emphasized Brazil’s leadership role in the Global Coalition for Social Justice and its ongoing contribution to the “Social Justice for the Global South” programme. The initiative promotes the exchange of labour policy expertise among countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, with a focus on strengthening social protection systems, improving labour governance, and supporting fundamental rights at work.
Officials reviewed ongoing cooperation between Brazil and the ILO under South-South and triangular cooperation frameworks, highlighting projects that support employment policy development, labour inspection systems, social dialogue mechanisms, and institutional capacity building. The partnership is regarded as one of the most significant examples of international collaboration in the field of labour and employment policy.
Representatives from Brazil’s Ministry of Labour, the Brazilian Cooperation Agency, and social partner organizations also participated in the meeting, reinforcing the tripartite nature of the partnership. Participants exchanged views on global labour market trends, technological transformation, and emerging development challenges affecting workers and institutions in developing economies.
Brazil also presented updates on its broader South-South cooperation programme, which facilitates knowledge-sharing between countries and promotes the transfer of successful public policies. The initiative supports efforts to strengthen labour institutions and improve working conditions across partner countries.
According to officials, Brazil has become one of the ILO’s key global partners in South-South cooperation, contributing significantly to programs addressing social inclusion, gender equality, child labour prevention, and social protection. The Brazilian Cooperation Agency has provided substantial financial support, further reinforcing its role in global labour development initiatives.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to deepen cooperation between Brazil and the ILO, with a shared goal of promoting decent work, reducing inequality, and supporting sustainable development through international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
