G20 India - 1st Employment Working Group Meeting: Addressing Priorities of Labor, Employment, and Social Issues for Strong, Sustainable, Balanced, and Job-Rich Growth

The 1st Employment Working Group (EWG) Meeting was successfully held in Jodhpur, India between 2nd and 4th February. This significant gathering brought together delegates from 19 countries, the European Union, 9 guest countries, and 9 regional and international organizations. The host country, India, played a crucial role in raising concerns about addressing the priorities of labor, employment, and social issues for strong, sustainable, balanced, and job-rich growth within the group.

Key Focus Areas of the EWG Meeting

During the EWG Meeting, the delegates engaged in productive deliberations centered around three key thematic areas. These areas were carefully selected to foster the development of robust, sustainable, inclusive, and job-rich growth worldwide.

1. Addressing Global Skill Gaps

One of the critical challenges faced by countries across the globe is the existence of skill gaps in their respective labor markets. The EWG Meeting aimed to explore effective strategies for addressing these gaps and harmonizing global skills and qualifications. By developing a framework for common skill taxonomies, countries can bridge the divide and ensure a skilled workforce that meets the demands of the evolving job market.

2. Gig and Platform Economy and Social Protection

With the rise of the gig and platform economy, it has become essential to extend social protection coverage to workers in these sectors. The EWG Meeting emphasized the need for enhanced national statistical capacities to capture gig and platform work accurately. This data would aid in effective policymaking and decision-making processes. Additionally, policy options based on social insurance and tax-financed schemes were discussed to ensure sustainable financing of social security for gig and platform workers.

3. Sustainable Financing of Social Security

Sustainable financing of social security is a crucial aspect of ensuring the well-being and protection of workers worldwide. The EWG Meeting delved into various policy recommendations to address this issue. Priority was given to exploring options such as sharing best practices, extending international development assistance, and implementing social insurance and tax-financed schemes. These initiatives aim to provide a solid foundation for sustainable financing and enhance welfare entitlements based on fiscal space.

Collaborative Efforts and International Representation

The EWG Meeting witnessed fruitful collaboration among various stakeholders. International organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the International Social Security Association (ISSA) actively participated in the discussions. Indian institutions, including the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), also shared their valuable insights on the topics at hand.

The World Bank delivered a compelling presentation highlighting the need for universal social protection. Moreover, the Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) team from the Ministry of Labour and Employment shed light on the initiatives and schemes implemented by the Government of India to enhance and strengthen social security.

Country-Specific Interventions and Open Discussions

To promote a comprehensive understanding of social security practices worldwide, participating countries shared their experiences, existing conditions, and legal frameworks regarding social security provision. This country-wise intervention provided valuable insights into the diverse approaches taken by different nations, enabling the identification of successful models and areas for improvement.

Conclusion

The 1st Employment Working Group Meeting held in Jodhpur, India was a resounding success. Delegates from various countries, international organizations, and Indian institutions convened to discuss critical labor, employment, and social issues. The meeting's focus on addressing global skill gaps, the gig and platform economy,