Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. to represent Jamaica at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva

Pearnel Charles Jr., Minister of Labour and Social Security, arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, today and will stay until June 6, 2026, to participate in the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), convened by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

 Jamaica’s participation at this year’s Conference signals the country’s continued leadership and influence in shaping regional and global labour policy at one of the world’s most significant labour and social policy forums.

The Minister is accompanied by a high-level Jamaican delegation comprising senior Ministry officials, labour representatives and employer stakeholders to attend the Conference’s high-level engagements and technical discussions. The delegation’s participation underscores Jamaica’s steadfast commitment to advancing decent work, inclusive labour governance, social protection and sustainable economic development.

Minister Charles Jr. will play a pivotal regional leadership role, as Jamaica has been requested to lead CARICOM coordination and discussions relating to social dialogue and tripartism. This responsibility reflects Jamaica’s growing reputation as a respected voice within regional and international labour diplomacy and highlights the country’s longstanding advocacy for balanced labour relations, inclusive development and constructive engagement among Governments, Employers and Workers.

During the Conference, Minister Charles Jr. will participate in high-level plenary discussions, meetings of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Caucus and the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC), as well as bilateral engagements with Ministers, senior officials and international organisations on matters relating to employment, labour migration, skills development, social protection and the evolving global labour market.

The Minister will engage directly with representatives of the International Labour Organisation regarding technical cooperation initiatives and Jamaica’s labour and social policy priorities, while participating in consultations with Worker and Employer representatives within the framework of tripartite dialogue. Attendance at technical committee sessions and strategic side events will further support Jamaica’s efforts to strengthen labour administration and build resilient and inclusive labour markets.

Further, Minister Charles Jr. is scheduled to deliver Jamaica’s national statement during the plenary segment of the Conference, where he will articulate Jamaica’s perspective on the global labour agenda and reaffirm the Government’s commitment to protecting workers, strengthening social protection systems and ensuring that economic progress remains people-centred.

Speaking ahead of the Conference, Minister Charles Jr. noted that Jamaica’s participation comes at a critical moment for the international labour community.

“The world of work is rapidly changing. From artificial intelligence and digital transformation to labour migration and social protection, countries everywhere are grappling with how best to protect workers while fostering innovation and economic growth. Jamaica intends not only to participate in these global discussions, but to lead, advocate and contribute meaningfully to solutions that place people, dignity and opportunity at the centre of development.”

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security views participation in the International Labour Conference as essential to strengthening Jamaica’s international partnerships, advancing national labour priorities and ensuring that the voices and experiences of Caribbean workers and employers are meaningfully represented in global decision-making processes.

Held annually in Geneva, the International Labour Conference brings together Governments, Employers and Workers from the ILO’s 187 Member States to deliberate on critical issues shaping the future of work globally. This year’s Conference is expected to address some of the most pressing labour and social challenges facing the international community, including decent work in the platform economy, gender equality in the workplace, labour migration, social protection, skills development, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and the future of work.