BRICS launches CONNECT network to share skills forecasts and digital labour tools

BRICS members formally launched the BRICS CONNECT network to facilitate the exchange of labour-market intelligence, skills-forecasting methods and digital employment services across the bloc. The platform covers four cooperation areas: capacity building for social security, boosting women’s participation in the labour force, enhancing skills and employability, and developing digital public infrastructure. It expands the BRICS Virtual Liaison Office and operates on a voluntary, non-binding framework.

The move stems from multiple employment-working-group meetings held in May and July, where skills mapping and digital tools for gig workers were highlighted. Parallel discussions also advanced a proposal to create a dedicated thematic group for traditional and indigenous knowledge within the BRICS Network University. The overall effort aims to strengthen policy coordination and preparedness for technology-driven changes in work.