Punta Cana Declaration presented to the International Labour Organization

Switzerland.- Dominican Labor Minister Eddy Olivares Ortega presented to the International Labour Organization (ILO) the results of the 20th American Regional Meeting, held recently in Punta Cana, a report that was well received by the organization’s Governing Body.

Olivares emphasized that the Punta Cana Declaration centers on defending democracy, peace, decent work, social dialogue, and social protection. He described the meeting as historic due to the unprecedented consensus achieved among regional delegations, despite the profound global changes affecting the world of work. According to the minister, the event became a strong exercise in tripartite social dialogue, where countries reached agreements on sensitive labor issues through extensive negotiations.

He highlighted that the declaration—crafted with the Dominican Republic as host—showcases the country’s solid culture of tripartism and proves that consensus is the best path forward. Delegates also praised President Luis Abinader and the Ministry of Labor for the successful organization of the meeting, which the ILO considers a global benchmark for future regional gatherings.

The Punta Cana Declaration outlines commitments to strengthen democracy and the rule of law, defend fundamental labor rights, advance labor formalization, support fair transitions in the face of climate change and digitalization, and expand comprehensive social protection with a focus on living wages. The ILO’s regional office in Lima will prepare an action plan for implementing the declaration, to be published in March, with progress to be reviewed in November 2026.