A critical dialogue addressing the multifaceted Haitian crisis and its implications for the Dominican Republic is slated to commence on Monday, 23 June 2025 at 2pm, at the Universidad del Caribe (Unicaribe). This initiative, spearheaded by the Economic and Social Council (CES), aims to comprehensively tackle the challenges stemming from Haiti’s ongoing instability and its direct impact on Dominican national interests.
The “Dialogue on the Haitian Crisis and its Implications for the Dominican Republic” will kick off with six simultaneous thematic tables, designed to ensure a thorough examination of key areas:
• Migration
• Bilateral trade
• Border community development
• National security
• International relations
• Labor issues
Each thematic table will feature a moderator and two rapporteurs appointed by the CES. Initial working groups for each table will comprise 14 delegates: two representing the government, two from each former president’s office, and two from each CES sector (social, labor, and business). These groups will be further bolstered by key actors and experts whose participation can be proposed by the delegates as needed.
To kickstart the debates, representatives from the government and former presidents will provide a foundational document and a guide of questions. These thematic tables are expected to operate intensively and simultaneously for a maximum of one month.
In a move to foster broad public engagement, the CES is launching the digital platform “OpinaRD” and making available the email address propuestasdialogo@ces.gob.do. For 15 days following the dialogue’s opening, citizens, including Dominicans residing abroad, can submit their opinions, comments, proposals, and documents.
While the CES got its start 20 years ago, it has yet to deliver significant contributions for which it was created. Law 142-15 dating back to 12 August 2015 creates the CES as a consultancy and harmonizing entity of the Dominican government, for the fostering of dialogue and participation of diverse sectors in the social and economic decision-making of the country.
Read more in Spanish:
17 June 2025