Sixth session of the Regional Conference on Population and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean

Ix-Chel Poot is a distinguished Belizean advocate, executive leader, and writer specializing in social policy, human rights, and active ageing. Since 2016, she has served as the Executive Director of the National Council on Ageing (NCA) in Belize, leading national operations and driving the execution of Belize’s National Policy for Older Persons.

Beyond her primary directive at the NCA, Ms. Poot actively contributes to national legal reform and human rights documentation. She served as a member of the working committee for drafting Belize's Disabilities Act and authored the chapter on Ageing and Development for two Country Reports for Belize. Internationally, she acts as the national focal point on ageing and development, representing Belize at regional and global summits on human rights and older persons.

Ms. Poot holds a Master’s Degree in Project Management, a Specialization in Health Management of Older Persons (CIESS), a certificate in Social Gerontology from the United Nations International Institute on Ageing (INIA). An accomplished author and 2015 Belize Literary Prize winner, she frequently uses creative media—including short stories, documentary films, and public service campaigns—to highlight rights protection, intergenerational connection, and elder abuse prevention.