History

GFDD is the US sister organization of Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE) based in the Dominican Republic. FUNGLODE was created by Dr. Leonel Fernández in the year 2000, at the end of his first presidential mandate. Upon resuming his duties as President of the Dominican Republic in August 2004, Dr. Fernandez became the Honorary President of the institution. GFDD is governed by a Board of Directors. Daily operations are run by its Executive Director, Natasha Despotovic. FUNGLODE and GFDD were created as a result of Dr. Fernandez's desire to contribute to the social, economic and democratic development of his home country and the Region, particularly by promoting international collaboration and exchange in order to advance the level of public debate, encourage better informed public opinion, train more qualified human resources and achieve sounder public policies. GFDD Headquarters are located in Washington, DC, with a branch office in New York City.