Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic — In a bid to enhance democracy and social dialogue, the Dominican Republic’s business organizations, under the coordination of COPARDOM, convened a forum on September 18, 2026. Supported by ACT/EMP, the meeting focused on assessing political and institutional risks, sharing best practices, and outlining strategies for the business sector’s contributions to democracy.
During the forum’s opening, Laura Peña Izquierdo, the president of COPARDOM, emphasized the responsibilities of business organizations. She called for alignment between their publicly stated values and internal governance, responsible engagement in public affairs, and expanding opportunities for participation among small and medium-sized enterprises, women, youth, local organizations, and emerging sectors. Peña Izquierdo described social dialogue as a vital element of democratic infrastructure that fosters consensus and communication while helping to resolve conflicts amicably.
Assessing Institutional Challenges
A key discussion point was the working paper titled “The role of business organizations in promoting and defending democracy in Latin America,” presented by Randal Arias from ACT/EMP. Arias explained that business organizations should not adopt partisan stances but must advocate for the rules that foster business autonomy and predictability. He succinctly noted, “partisan neutrality yes, institutional indifference no.”
The paper outlines three vital components of a democratic system: legitimate governments from free elections, accepted rules facilitating binding decisions, and effective checks on power through the rule of law and institutional safeguards. Arias indicated that businesses benefit from these components through secure contracts, legal protections, and independent dispute resolution mechanisms.
The forum’s findings, compiled by consultant Evelyn Villarreal, presented a mixed picture, with some signs of stabilization amid persistent threats to democratic standards. A significant concern is the disconnect between existing democratic frameworks and public satisfaction. The analysis suggests that the legitimacy of business organizations hinges on factors such as representativeness and transparency, emphasizing that a gradual erosion of democracy is often not immediately apparent.
In response, participants proposed that business organizations strengthen their capabilities in areas such as institutional monitoring, evidence-based advocacy, and legitimacy through governance integrity.
The discussions highlighted several threats specific to the Dominican Republic’s business environment, including inadequate separation of powers, political polarization, corruption, and low civic participation among youth. However, participants recognized strengths that could foster dialogue, including a robust electoral system and open communication between the business sector and government.
As the forum concluded, various proposals emerged to translate analysis into actionable initiatives. One notable suggestion was to create a Business Fund for Democratic Culture (FECDE) to consolidate efforts in civic education and informed voting campaigns. Participants also advocated for regular training on democratic values and citizenship, with a targeted focus on engaging younger demographics.
Further proposals included establishing an inclusive forum for anti-corruption initiatives and enhancing communication strategies to combat disinformation. Participants agreed that businesses should back their positions with evidence and actively contribute to public discourse.
The forum concluded with a shared commitment to collective action, suggesting that business engagement in defending democracy must be evidence-driven and foster partnerships with various social stakeholders. The action plan aims not only to elevate democratic standards but also to cultivate a business environment conducive to sustainable growth and decent employment opportunities.
