Funglode Celebrates 25 Years of Contributions to Democracy, Research, Culture, and Innovation in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo, November 17, 2025 — The Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (Funglode) will celebrate its 25th anniversary this Thursday, November 20, reaffirming the role it has played since the year 2000 as one of the most influential think-tanks and producer of knowledge in Latin America and the Caribbean.

During these two and a half decades, Funglode has promoted research, academic programs, international forums, cultural projects, and innovative platforms that have contributed to the strengthening of Dominican democracy, the fostering of a global dialogue, and the promotion of sustainable development.

A Quarter Century Impacting National Life

Since its creation, following the vision of its president, Dr. Leonel Fernández, Funglode has carried out more than two thousand academic, cultural, and training activities, as well as dozens of research projects that today constitute an indispensable resource for the analysis of public policies in various areas.

Contributions to Thought and Research

• International recognition as a prestigious think-tank: Funglode has consistently been included in the University of Pennsylvania’s “Global Go To Think-Tanks Index Report.” It is currently ranked among the top 40 think-tanks in Latin America.
• Development of specialized observatories: The institution has created platforms such as the Dominican Political Observatory (OPD), the Dominican Judicial Observatory (OJD), and the Economic Observatory, producing rigorous analytical formats used by academics, policymakers, and the media.
• RD2044: One of the country’s most ambitious long-term planning projects, with territorial studies and strategic proposals for national sustainable development.

International Projection and Public Diplomacy

Over the past 25 years, Funglode has established itself as a regional player by organizing high-level events, including:

• Global Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean
• Global Forum Casa de Campo
• Orlando Forum
• Forum for Peace
• Dominican-Haitian Forum

Furthermore, it has established offices and strategic alliances in the United States, Spain, and France, strengthening the presence of the Dominican Republic in global dialogue platforms.

Culture, Innovation, and New Generations

Funglode has been a pioneer in promoting cultural and creative initiatives that have transcended borders, such as:

• The Dominican Global Film Festival (FCGD)
• The Dominican Environmental Film Showcase (MCM)
• The Funglode Publishing House and Global Magazine
• Funglode Radio
• The Juan Bosch Library, one of the most comprehensive in the country in the social sciences and humanities
• Debate programs, youth leadership initiatives, and Model United Nations programs in the Dominican Republic, the United States, and France. These initiatives have served as a learning platform for thousands of students.

Likewise, its Virtual Educa Caribe platform, the School of Government —now the Global Institute for Higher Studies in Social Sciences (IGLOBAL)— and its multiple training programs, have contributed to raising the professional capacities of both youth and adults throughout the country.

Social Innovation and Commitment to Development

Projects such as Who’s Who, studies on competitiveness, as well as research in education, the environment, governance, emerging technologies, and addressing sensitive issues like feminicides have allowed the institution to influence crucial debates on these issues in the Dominican Republic.

Funglode’s Center for Security and Defense Studies (CESEDE) has strengthened its regional leadership by holding successive International Security and Defense Summits, publishing key research, and expanding its training offerings in comprehensive security. These advances consolidate CESEDE as a benchmark in the analysis and training of strategic issues in issues related to contemporary security.

25th Anniversary Celebration

The commemorative event will take place this Thursday, November 20, at 7:00 p.m., at the Real Intercontinental Hotel Santo Domingo, where directors, founders, staff, young leaders, and international partners will gather to celebrate the institution’s legacy and reaffirm Funglode’s vision for the future.