Brazil and ILO Strengthen Partnership for Decent Work

Brazil has emerged as one of the leading contributors to international labour cooperation among developing countries and is a key supporter of the Global Coalition for Social Justice.

Brazil and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting decent work, social justice and inclusive development through stronger South-South and triangular cooperation. The commitment was renewed during the 13th Annual South-South and Triangular Cooperation review meeting held at the ILO headquarters in Geneva. The gathering brought together representatives of the Brazilian Government, employers' and workers' organisations, diplomats and senior ILO officials to review progress and discuss future priorities.

Brazil has emerged as one of the leading contributors to international labour cooperation among developing countries and is a key supporter of the Global Coalition for Social Justice. The country has also played a central role in advancing the "Social Justice for the Global South" programme, which promotes knowledge sharing on issues such as social protection, labour rights and gender equality. ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo and Brazil's Minister of Labour and Employment, Luiz Marinho, opened the meeting by emphasizing the value of international collaboration and social dialogue in addressing modern labour market challenges.

Joint programmes support workers across developing regions

A major focus of the discussions was the long-running Brazil–ILO programme on South-South and triangular cooperation, widely regarded as one of the most significant international labour partnerships in the developing world.

Participants reviewed initiatives that support employment policies, labour governance, social dialogue, social protection systems and the promotion of fundamental rights at work. These programmes have helped strengthen labour institutions and improve working conditions in countries across Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and other regions. The meeting also explored how developing countries can work together to respond to changing labour market conditions driven by technological advances, economic shifts and sustainable development challenges.

Ambassador Luiza Lopes da Silva, Deputy Director of the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), outlined how cooperation programmes continue to facilitate the exchange of expertise, successful public policies and practical solutions among Global South nations. Representatives from Brazil's Ministry of Labour, the Permanent Mission of Brazil to the United Nations in Geneva, workers' organisations and employers' groups also participated, reflecting the partnership's strong tripartite approach.

Decades of cooperation deliver lasting impact

The role of labour institutions in advancing social justice and protecting workers' rights also featured prominently in discussions. Delegates received updates on cooperation involving the ILO, Brazil's Superior Labour Court and the Labour Prosecution Service, initiatives that have strengthened institutional capacity and encouraged knowledge-sharing on labour justice issues. Over the years, the Brazil–ILO partnership has supported projects focused on employment generation, labour inspection, social protection, gender equality, child labour prevention and social dialogue.

The Brazilian Cooperation Agency highlighted that it has contributed approximately US$32 million through various South-South cooperation programmes, making Brazil the ILO's tenth-largest funding partner in 2024. The meeting concluded with participants agreeing to deepen cooperation in the years ahead. Both sides said continued collaboration will help countries reduce inequalities, strengthen labour institutions and promote sustainable development through international solidarity and shared learning. As global labour markets continue to evolve, officials said partnerships built on cooperation and knowledge exchange will remain essential to creating decent work opportunities and supporting inclusive economic growth.