On September 18, 2026, the Dominican Confederation of Employers (COPARDOM) hosted the Forum on Democracy and Social and Labour Governance, aiming to strengthen democracy and enhance social dialogue in the Dominican Republic. Supported by the International Labour Organization’s Bureau for Employers’ Activities, the forum gathered representatives from major business organizations to discuss political and institutional risks and explore how the private sector can bolster democratic institutions.
COPARDOM President Laura Peña Izquierdo opened the forum by emphasizing three responsibilities for business organizations: aligning governance practices with democratic values, participating in public affairs, and encouraging involvement from small and medium-sized enterprises, women, youth, and local organizations.
Discussions highlighted social dialogue as a cornerstone of democracy. Participants noted that maintaining open communication and building consensus are essential for institutional stability and reducing social divisions. The forum’s central theme centered on a working paper by ACT/EMP Regional Specialist Randal Arias, who argued that supporting democracy does not obligate business associations to endorse political parties. Instead, organizations should focus on protecting the frameworks that allow businesses to operate effectively.
The paper identified three pillars critical to a robust democracy: governments elected through fair processes, accepted decision-making rules, and safeguards against power concentration. These principles assure businesses of secure contracts, impartial regulators, and predictable conflict-resolution mechanisms.
Consultant Evelyn Villarreal shared a regional assessment, revealing mixed indicators. While there are signs of progress, concerns linger regarding eroding democratic standards and diminishing public trust in institutions. Participants underscored the need for business organizations to earn and maintain public confidence through transparency and integrity.
Addressing decreasing trust, the forum recommended enhancing institutional monitoring, advocacy based on evidence, organizational autonomy, and social legitimacy. Participants from COPARDOM and the National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP) discussed how these overarching regional trends apply to the Dominican Republic, identifying challenges such as political polarization, legal uncertainty, and low engagement among younger generations.
Conversely, attendees recognized strengths inherent to the Dominican political and business landscape, including a robust electoral system and established communication channels between government and business sectors. A regional survey highlighted 66 democracy-related initiatives focused on transparency and civic engagement opportunities.
The forum concluded with actionable proposals, including the establishment of a Business Fund for Democratic Culture (FECDE). This fund would coordinate civic education initiatives, promote informed electoral participation, and support outreach efforts to various demographics, including Dominicans abroad.
Recommendations extended to citizenship training programs, stronger anti-corruption measures, and a continuous platform for dialogue on ethics and transparency. Organizers believe that collective action from the business community can significantly contribute to strengthening democratic institutions and fostering sustainable economic development across the Dominican Republic.
