Belize Participates in ILO Regional Meeting on Decent Work and Social Justice

Belize joined delegates from across the Americas at the 20th American Regional Meeting (AmRM) of the International Labour Organization (ILO), held from October 1 to 3, 2025, under the theme “Advancing Decent Work, Social Justice, and Inclusive Development.”

The Belize delegation was led by Hon. Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government. He was accompanied by Mr. Valentino Shal, Chief Executive Officer, and Ms. Rissela Dominguez-Patt, Labour Commissioner. Representing employers was Ms. Kim Aikman, CEO of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), while Ms. Ella Waight, President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), represented workers.

The tripartite meeting brought together over 300 participants, including ministers, senior officials, and leaders from workers’ and employers’ organizations, to discuss major issues affecting the world of work and to set shared priorities for the region’s future.

At the end of the meeting, delegates adopted the Punta Cana Declaration, a regional commitment to promote democracy, peace, and decent work. The declaration highlights priorities such as job creation, social protection, and the transition from informal to formal employment.

The Punta Cana Declaration supports the ILO’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and the Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work, reaffirming the importance of cooperation among governments, employers, and workers in addressing challenges like inequality, informality, and climate-related changes in employment.