GFDD Strengthens Partnerships with Dominican Student Leaders from Universities and Colleges in Washington DC, and around the U.S.

On November 15, 2013, following his successful keynote address at George Washington University entitled, "Political Communication and Campaigns: Winning Strategies and Governance”,  former President of the Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernandez, and current president of Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) took the opportunity to convene a meeting with active Dominican leaders in
Washington’s academic community. Student leaders and faculty met with the Foundation’s executives on an interchange of subjects relating to the social and economic development of the Dominican Republic, and how research being spearheaded by Dominican youth leaders can influence the progress of the DR.

Invited Dominican students represented different Washington Colleges and academic institutions, including GWU, Georgetown, and George Mason. Some came
from other US cities, on what Dr. Fernandez called, “academic tourism” to help increase their understanding, awareness and learning.

Speaking about DR’s critical role in the international community, President Fernandez said that it is imperative for the Dominican Republic to be part of the process of a global supply chain. The more Dominican students trained in US Universities, the more will have recognition of American High Standard
and it would be feasible to create national wealth by means of a subsidiary corporations and organizations in the DR and then eventually move into the world market.

He also talked about The Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) should not be a barrier to the DR getting into the international market. By virtue of geography, DR enjoys a prime location that could serve as a logistics hub and supply station for goods and services passing through from the Pacific to the
Atlantic.

Referring to both Foundations that he heads, President Fernandez conveyed the value of connecting student leaders with the work of GFDD and FUNGLODE so that both can benefit from the Foundation’s rich program offerings and serve as “Ambassadors of GFDD” to other likeminded associations and organizations. He discussed how the organization’s academic oriented programs, such as  InteRDom and The Fellows Program can help to bolster students’ academic and professional advancement, while contributing to the development of the Dominican Republic.

The Foundations look forward to playing a contributing role in the events and activities being prepared by the student-led groups and
associations.