Colombia has become a strategic location for hosting IAMRECON, thanks to its progressive government that has opened new avenues for dialogue with trade unions. This shift has created a more conducive environment for PSI affiliates to engage in constructive discussions, despite the ongoing risks to democratic spaces, including a threat of a coup d'état.

In an interview, Jocelio Drummond, PSI Inter-American Regional Secretary, emphasizes the importance of this change: "The presence of a progressive government in Colombia is significant because our affiliates now have much more dialogue with the government. Today, there is a genuine democratic space."

The conference theme, "People over profit, with peace, democracy and social justice," strongly resonates with the needs and goals of the Inter-American region. As IAMRECON unfolds, PSI aims to develop viable plans to defend peace and democracy and strengthen the trade union movement in a world facing multiple crises. "Through this conference, we aim to establish action proposals and struggle plans for trade unions in the region to promote these values."

Drummond, who will retire after the conference, acknowledges the challenges but remains optimistic: "With fewer resources than in the past, we're doing more with less, expanding PSI's impact and fostering international solidarity to build a stronger future for workers in the Americas."