ILO Director-General’s closing remarks to the 20th American Regional Meeting

As we conclude this 20th ILO Regional Meeting for the Americas, I want to thank each of you for your active participation, your thoughtful contributions, and above all, the spirit of dialogue and collaboration that has shaped our work over these past few days.

We have come together around the values that unite us: a shared commitment to social justice, productive employment, decent work, and democracy, fundamental pillars of sustainable development in the Americas and beyond.

We have heard powerful examples of progress, from governments implementing inclusive policies, to employers’ and workers’ organizations driving innovation and building resilience on the ground. Countries like the Dominican Republic have shown that when employment and rights are placed at the centre of public policy, transformation is not only possible, it is real.

And yet, we leave with a clear and shared understanding: our work is far from over.

In that spirit, I want to highlight the Punta Cana Declaration which we have just adopted.

This Declaration will serve as a roadmap for the region in the years ahead. It sets out clear priorities for advancing productive employment, decent work and social justice. It identifies future lines of action. And it calls on the ILO Office to support follow-up and implementation.

It is a substantive document and I want to warmly congratulate all those who worked long and hard to negotiate it.

The ILO stands ready to work alongside you to transform this Declaration into reality through evidence‑based action and inclusive social dialogue.

Dear colleagues,

In a time of deep uncertainty, we have shown, over the past three days and under the new modalities for regional meetings, that the tripartite constituents of the Americas can come together, engage seriously with complex challenges, and build consensus.

That is no small achievement. And it must not be underestimated.

Mr President,

Let me now express my sincere appreciation to all those who made this meeting a success.

First, my thanks to the three Vice-Presidents at this podium:

• Mr Jordan, representing the Governments
• Ms Peña Izquierdo, representing the Employers
• Mr Del Río, representing the Workers

You have formed a highly effective and collaborative team, and I am grateful for your leadership.

To my colleagues from the ILO Secretariat, both those based here in the Americas Region, and those who travelled or connected from Geneva to support this meeting, thank you for your dedication and professionalism.

And above all, I want to thank the people of the Dominican Republic, who made this meeting possible.

Mr Minister Olivares Ortega, we were honoured by the presence of the President Abinader and we have benefited greatly from your leadership as Chair of the meeting. But just as importantly, we have felt the hospitality of the Dominican people.

We have truly felt at home in Punta Cana.

Thank you very much, Mr Minister.

Let this meeting not be an end, but a beginning, a renewed commitment to building a region where work is a source of dignity and opportunity for all.

Thank you.