The International Labour Organization (ILO) opened its 20th American Regional Meeting in Punta Cana. Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader and ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo called for stronger democratic institutions and decent work across the Americas. The three-day event brings together government ministers, senior officials, and labor representatives to set regional employment priorities.
President Abinader told delegates this meeting “must be remembered as a turning point — the moment we reaffirmed that the future of work in the Americas will be inclusive, resilient, and human.” The talks run through October 3 and will shape ILO’s regional strategy plus national labor policies across the hemisphere.
The American Regional Meeting is the region’s top forum for coordinating employment and labor priorities. This year’s summit in the Dominican Republic comes as the Americas still face structural challenges. But there has been progress in gender equality and reducing child labor. The meeting uses tripartite dialogue – bringing together government, worker, and employer voices. These regional gatherings happen regularly to keep ILO’s work aligned with economic changes. Hosting in Punta Cana shows the Dominican Republic’s bigger role in regional labor policy.
Director-General Houngbo said social justice forms “the foundation for lasting peace, dignity at work, and sustainable development.” He stressed the urgent need to “reconnect economic growth with the creation of productive employment and the protection of rights.” President Abinader told delegates that while “the challenge is great, so is the strength of our peoples when they move forward with peace, democracy, and social dialogue.” The agenda covers job creation, social protection systems, democratic governance, just transition policies, and future skills preparation. Delegates elected Dominican Labor Minister Eddy Olivares Ortega as chairperson, with vice-chairs representing governments, employers, and workers.
The Punta Cana gathering could change how the Americas handles labor policy coordination. Regional leaders want decent work and social protection to become central parts of development plans. The results will directly affect how countries tackle employment challenges while building stronger societies. This focus on social justice shows that economic growth must help all workers. The meeting’s push for inclusive development points to a wider approach to regional prosperity.
