Belize Assumes SICA Social Integration Presidency

Belize has assumed the Pro Tempore Presidency of the Council of Social Integration of the Central American Integration System, known as SICA, for the July to December 2026 term. The transition took place following the conclusion of the 83rd Ordinary Meeting of the Council held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where Belize officially took over the leadership from the Dominican Republic. The presidency will be led by Minister of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, Thea Garcia-Ramirez, who says Belize accepts the responsibility with a commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable region. During its six-month tenure, Belize will focus on strengthening social protection systems, advancing care programs for vulnerable groups, including children, older persons, persons with disabilities and families, as well as promoting coordinated approaches to migration, return, and reintegration. Minister Garcia-Ramirez says the challenges facing countries in the region are becoming increasingly connected and addressing them requires cooperation and shared solutions. As president of the Council, Belize will also coordinate the implementation of regional agreements, while supporting stronger collaboration among member states, development partners, and civil society organizations. The Ministry of Human Development says the country’s leadership will aim to promote social policies that benefit not only Belizeans, but communities across Central America and the Dominican Republic region.