The social development and seniors minister heard talks about inclusion after she was invited by a UN agency to attend a virtual meeting.

Tinee Furbert attended the online gathering of the presiding officers of the Regional Conference on Social Development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

She was invited by the United Nations Development Programme.

Ms Furbert said: "As our ministry strives to be the eyes and ears for solutions to social issues, we are grateful for the valuable insight this meeting provided on strategies for social development.

"With the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on poverty and inequality in the region, this meeting offered an opportunity for country representatives to exchange ideas and formulate strategies for growth."

Talks were held between presiding officers Alicia Barcena, the executive secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, and Luis Felipe Lopez-Calva, the regional director of Latin America and the Caribbean for the UNDP, as well as Javier May Rodriguez, the chairman of the presiding officers.

Topics included the implementation of plans to offer help to people in need and increasing social protection for those who are disabled and disadvantaged.

Ms Furbert added, "On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I want to thank the United Nations Development Programme for the opportunity to attend this meeting.

"As I continue to develop and implement strategies that drive the ministry's mission to protect individuals and facilitate wellbeing, I look forward to future opportunities of engagement."