Geneva : Speech by Haitian Minister Nelson at the 114th International Labour Conference (video)
On Thursday, June 4th, 2026, Marc-Elie Nelson, the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, speaking at the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva during the 114th International Labour Conference, advocated for responsible governance and strengthened cooperation between Haiti and the ILO to revitalize mechanisms that promote inclusive development, social dialogue, and decent work for the benefit of the Haitian population.
Minister Nelson requested a stronger ILO presence in Haiti, particularly through the establishment of a permanent representation, emphasizing that "the ILO's expertise would also be invaluable in modernizing our labor legislation to better align it with international standards and the new realities of the professional world."
In his remarks, referring to the minimum wage, Nelson highlighted the efforts made by the Haitian government to improve working conditions and strengthen social protection for workers.
Furthermore, Nelson commended the ILO Director-General for his report entitled "A moment of choice: Harnessing artificial intelligence for decent work" which he believes makes a significant contribution to the global discussion on the future of work, while also highlighting the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence.
"Nations are not measured solely by the size of their economies or the strength of their institutions. They are also measured by how they treat those whose work builds their future," concluded the Minister, who emphasized that beyond differences, leaders share a common responsibility: to "enable every woman and man to live from their work with dignity, justice, and hope."
