KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr, has arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, to represent Jamaica at the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), which runs through June 6.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security said Jamaica’s participation highlights the country’s continued influence in shaping regional and global labour policy at one of the world’s leading labour and social policy forums.

Charles Jr is leading a high-level Jamaican delegation that includes senior ministry officials, labour representatives and employer stakeholders. The team will participate in key discussions and technical sessions focused on advancing decent work, inclusive labour governance, social protection, and sustainable economic development.

Jamaica is also expected to play a significant regional leadership role during the conference. The country has been asked to coordinate Caribbean Community (Caricom) discussions on social dialogue and tripartism, reinforcing its position as a leading voice on labour issues within the region.

Throughout the conference, Charles Jr will take part in plenary sessions, meetings of the Caricom caucus and the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC), as well as bilateral engagements with ministers, senior officials and international organisations. Discussions will focus on employment, labour migration, skills development, social protection, and the changing dynamics of the global labour market.

The minister is also scheduled to meet with representatives of the International Labour Organization (ILO) to discuss technical cooperation initiatives and Jamaica’s labour and social policy priorities. Additional consultations with worker and employer representatives, along with participation in technical committee meetings and side events, will support efforts to strengthen labour administration and promote resilient, inclusive labour markets.

During the conference’s plenary segment, Charles Jr will deliver Jamaica’s national statement, outlining the country’s perspective on key global labour issues and reaffirming the Government’s commitment to protecting workers, strengthening social protection systems and ensuring that economic growth remains centred on people.

Speaking ahead of the conference, the minister said the international labour community is facing a pivotal moment.

“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,” he said.

The ministry said participation in the International Labour Conference remains critical to strengthening Jamaica’s international partnerships, advancing national labour priorities and ensuring Caribbean perspectives are represented in global decision-making.

Held annually in Geneva, the conference brings together governments, employers and workers from the ILO’s 187 member states to address major issues affecting the future of work. This year’s agenda includes discussions on decent work in the platform economy, gender equality, labour migration, social protection, skills development, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and the future of work.