The Council also debated policies on fair taxation, climate change and just transition, peace and common security, and international trade.

High-level engagement with Brazilian government

In the opening session, the Brazilian Minister of Labour, Luiz Marinho, addressed global challenges facing workers, including AI and algorithms threatening workers’ rights, climate change and the need for fair taxation.

He also outlined Brazil’s recent measures to support working people, which include creating 3.6 million new formal jobs, implementing equal pay initiatives and raising the minimum wage.

An ITUC delegation, led by General Secretary Luc Triangle, met with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to discuss Brazil’s leadership in promoting a workers’ agenda globally, and the critical role of democracy in advancing social justice and workers’ rights.

President Lula stated: "Our government is committed to the demands of workers in Brazil and supporting other countries worldwide.

The recent G20 presidency laid the foundation for the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, and we are focused on addressing the challenges of the international labour scenario." President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

The Council agreed to setup a working group to prepare for COP30 in Brazil, ensuring the voices of workers are central to climate negotiations. Preparations also began for the World Social Summit, aiming to amplify the trade union movement’s role in shaping global social and economic policies.

Strategic discussions and policy decisions

During a strategic discussion on the ILO, the Council highlighted the ILO’s critical role as a bulwark for workers’ rights, setting standards for labour rights, and emphasising its mission to achieve peace through social justice.

The Council reiterated the importance of tripartism and social dialogue as central to the ILO’s governance, bringing together governments, employers and workers to shape the future of work. A New Social Contract, as called for by the ITUC 2022 Congress, is urgently needed to counter the weakening of multilateralism and to ensure resilient social and labour protections amid emerging challenges such as climate change, unbalanced globalisation and technological disruption.

Key policy issues were debated on:

• Tax justice, emphasising progressive taxation to combat inequality.
• Climate change and just transition, reaffirming the commitment to a sustainable future for workers.
• Peace and common security, calling for trade union action in conflict prevention.
• International trade, focusing on fair rules that protect workers globally.

For Democracy that delivers for workers

The Council set out the long-term vision of the ITUC by adopting plans for 2025, centred on advancing democracy that delivers for workers, and approved a roadmap to the 2027 World Congress.

ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle said: "This General Council underscores the power of collective action and the leadership of the trade union movement in shaping a fairer, more sustainable and democratic world. Our discussions here in Brasilia are setting a clear vision that will bring forward the interests of working people and support our affiliates work on the ground.

“It was encouraging to meet with President Lula and hear from a government that is truly putting the interests of the people first. It is a living example of democracy that delivers. Our mission is to bring this reality to the lives of more people around the world.” ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle