The Americas region took a decisive step today in the fight against child labour. With the first session of its Regional Consultation, held virtually on 24 September, a collective process began that will bring the regional position to the Sixth Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour, to be held in Morocco in 2026.  

Governments, employers and workers from across the region, together with strategic allies, participated in this launch, which reaffirms the desire to speak with one voice in the international debate on the elimination of child labour.  

“This workshop is an opportunity to articulate a clear and proactive voice for the Americas, projecting our region as a global benchmark in the fight against child labour. Children deserve to grow up learning, playing and dreaming, not working”, emphasised Ana Virginia Moreira Gomes, ILO Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean 

A voice from the Americas  

The ILO, in coordination with the Regional Initiative Latin America and the Caribbean Free of Child Labour, convenes and coordinates the Regional Consultation, ensuring that the response of the Americas is based on unity, cohesion and tripartite action. By joining forces, the region strengthens its commitment to move towards the eradication of child labour.  

The road to Morocco  

The regional consultation includes three main milestones:  

• July–August: national consultations  

• September: launch and discussion of the preliminary document, and first regional workshop 

• October: final validation during the 10th Annual Meeting of Focal Points of the Regional Initiative 

The result will be a consensus regional document that projects the priorities of the Americas at the World Conference and reinforces their leadership in the elimination of child labour. 

More information about the Americas Regional Consultation: https://www.ilo.org/meetings-and-events/americas-regional-consultation-preparation-sixth-global-conference