Switzerland – The Dominican Republic’s Minister of Labor, Eddy Olivares Ortega, presented to the International Labour Organization (ILO) the outcomes of the 20th American Regional Meeting, recently held in Punta Cana. The report, built around the so‑called Punta Cana Declaration, was positively received by the organization’s Governing Body.
Olivares explained that the document is based on five core pillars: defending democracy, promoting peace, ensuring decent work, strengthening social dialogue, and expanding social protection. He described the meeting as “historic,” noting that, despite the profound changes currently shaking the world of work, the region’s delegations managed to reach an unprecedented level of consensus.
According to the minister, the Punta Cana gathering became a strong exercise in tripartite social dialogue, bringing governments, employers, and workers together at the same table. After intense rounds of negotiation, the countries reached agreements on sensitive labor issues, showing that consensus is possible even amid far‑reaching global transformations.
Olivares stressed that the fact this declaration was drafted and adopted with the Dominican Republic as host sends a powerful message about the country’s deep‑rooted culture of tripartism. In his view, the Punta Cana Declaration is concrete proof that broad agreements built on dialogue and inclusion are the best way forward. Delegates also praised the leadership of President Luis Abinader and acknowledged the work of the Ministry of Labor in organizing the meeting, which the ILO now regards as a global benchmark for future regional gatherings.
The text of the Punta Cana Declaration sets out specific commitments to strengthen democracy and the rule of law, protect fundamental labor rights, and accelerate the formalization of employment across the region. It also underscores the need to promote just transitions in the face of climate change and digitalization, ensuring that technological and environmental shifts do not deepen social gaps. Another key point is the expansion of comprehensive social protection systems, with an emphasis on securing living wages and making sure no one is left behind.
To turn these commitments into reality, the ILO’s regional office in Lima has been tasked with drawing up a roadmap for implementing the Punta Cana Declaration. This action plan will be published in March and will guide follow‑up efforts in each country. Progress and challenges in its implementation will be reviewed in November 2026, when the advancement of this historic agreement will once again be assessed before the international community.
