KINGSTON, Jamaica — As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, climate shocks continue to disrupt economies, and new forms of work emerge across the globe, the Government says Jamaica is positioning itself to lead rather than react.

The Government is advancing the development of a modern National Employment Policy (NEP) designed not only to address current labour market realities but to prepare Jamaicans for the jobs, opportunities and challenges of the future.

The strategic direction was reinforced during high-level discussions between Jamaica’s delegation, led by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr, and senior officials of the International Labour Organization (ILO) on the margins of the International Labour Conference in Geneva.

The discussions focused on building a future-ready labour market capable of responding to rapid technological change, demographic shifts, climate-related disruptions, labour mobility trends and the growing influence of the platform economy.

Both parties agreed that employment policy must evolve beyond traditional labour market frameworks to ensure sustainable economic growth, productivity and resilience.

Charles Jr emphasised that Jamaica’s experience over recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and successive climate events, has exposed vulnerabilities within labour markets while simultaneously creating opportunities for innovation and reform.

“Every disruption has taught us valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability and the need to think differently about work. Our objective is not simply to maintain low unemployment. Our goal is to build a labour market where more Jamaicans are skilled, productive, engaged and prepared for the future. The National Employment Policy must therefore become a roadmap for resilience, productivity and opportunity in a rapidly changing world,” he said.

Jamaica also expressed interest in partnering with the ILO to develop an employment policy that addresses emerging realities, including artificial intelligence, climate resilience, platform-based work, labour mobility, productivity growth and skills transformation. The country indicated its willingness to serve as a model for other Small Island Developing States facing similar labour market transitions.

The ILO commended Jamaica’s policy development approach and noted that the country’s experiences have already been referenced in discussions with other regions as examples of effective labour market planning.

Particular attention was given to the changing nature of productivity in an era increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence and digital platforms. Discussions examined how governments, businesses and workers can adapt to ensure that technological advancement supports decent work, enterprise sustainability and inclusive economic growth rather than displacement and exclusion.