UNITAR
21 February 2025, Geneva, Switzerland - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) hosted and led a high-level delegation from the Dominican Republic for the International Workshop on Governance and Public Policy in Geneva from 12 to 17 February 2025. This significant event was organized in collaboration with the recently established CIFAL Dominican Republic and with the support of the Permanent Mission of the Dominican Republic to the United Nations in Geneva, reinforcing a joint commitment to capacity-building and sustainable governance.
The programme aimed to strengthen governance capacities, foster international cooperation, and equip decision-makers with the tools necessary to advance sustainable development in alignment with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the future international agenda. This landmark visit brought together senior government officials, business leaders, and municipal representatives to engage in in-depth discussions on governance, policymaking, and international collaboration, connecting local governance efforts with global initiatives.
Key Discussions on Global Governance and Policy Innovation
The CIFAL Dominican Republic delegation comprised distinguished national leaders, including Mr Santos, Director of CIFAL Dominican Republic; Mr D’Aza, President of the Dominican Municipal League; Ms D’Aza, Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies; and Mr Pujols, Executive Vice President of the Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic (AIRD). They were joined by other high-ranking officials from government, industry, and municipal leadership, underscoring the delegation’s commitment to advancing governance and sustainable development.
Also in attendance were senior officials from INFOTEP, ASODORE, ADOVA, the Ministry of Labour, and the Dominican Municipal League, demonstrating the country’s determination to enhance governance at national and municipal levels.
Comprehensive Training on Governance and Policy Development
UNITAR
The week-long workshop provided an immersive learning experience, featuring expert-led sessions, panel discussions, and institutional visits focused on strengthening governance, policy development, and international cooperation.
Key themes included global governance, leadership, sustainable development, and strategic partnerships. Participants explored UNITAR’s mission, the impact of the CIFAL Global Network, international cooperation mechanisms, and the role of municipalities and parliamentarians in shaping effective policies. Discussions also highlighted long-term governance priorities, the UN 2030 Agenda, and strategies for fostering inclusive economic growth through public-private partnerships.
This comprehensive programme equipped participants with practical insights and tools to enhance governance structures and policy implementation at national and municipal levels. The training emphasised policy coherence, inter-institutional collaboration, and sustainable governance strategies, providing participants with actionable frameworks to apply in their respective institutions.
Bridging Local Leadership with Global Multilateralism
As part of the training, the delegation visited the Palais des Nations, gaining first-hand insight into multilateral diplomacy and global decision-making processes. The delegation also met with the Ambassador of the Permanent Mission of the Dominican Republic to the United Nations in Geneva, Mr Alcántara, and Ms Campagna, who shared perspectives on leveraging international cooperation to enhance governance and municipal administration. Ms Campagna, Vice President of the UN Global Initiative "United for Smart and Sustainable Cities", emphasised the importance of digital innovation and urban governance in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The closing ceremony, attended by key figures including Mr D’Aza, Mr Santos, and Mr Mejía, underscored CIFAL’s role as a catalyst for capacity-building and knowledge-sharing in the Dominican Republic.
With the support of UNITAR, CIFAL Dominican Republic aims to:
- Expand training programmes tailored to national governance needs
- Enhance intergovernmental and municipal collaboration
- Foster private-public sector engagement for sustainable development
This high-level visit underscores the Dominican Republic’s dedication to governance excellence and international cooperation, further solidifying CIFAL Dominican Republic’s position as a regional hub for leadership, policy innovation, and sustainable development in Central America, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
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