Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic — Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader has officially opened ExpoSostenible 2026, a landmark sustainability event that runs through April 16 at the iconic Hotel El Embajador in the nation’s capital. The multi-day gathering is designed to cement the Dominican Republic’s status as a leading center for sustainability action across the Latin American and Caribbean region. Organized by the Santo Domingo Economic and Social Development Council, the event brings together a diverse cross-section of stakeholders, including senior government representatives, private sector leaders, representatives from global international organizations, and civil society advocates, all united to tackle interconnected global challenges spanning economic inequality, climate change, and social inequity.
In his keynote remarks at the opening ceremony, President Abinader underscored the urgent need to reorient national and regional development trajectories, arguing that robust economic expansion cannot come at the cost of environmental stewardship. He emphasized that the Dominican Republic has made a binding commitment to transitioning to a more resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking sustainable development model that balances growth with the protection of natural resources for future generations. Over the course of the event, attendees will take part in a dynamic program of expert panels, keynote addresses from global sustainability leaders, and interactive dialogue sessions. The core goal of these sessions is to move beyond abstract discussion and co-develop concrete, actionable policy and business proposals, while strengthening cross-border collaboration on sustainability priorities.
One of the most high-profile participants at the gathering is Nobel Peace Prize laureate Rigoberta Menchú, who centered her remarks on the often-overlooked human core of global sustainability efforts. Menchú used her platform to call for systemic, inclusive policy reforms that center the needs of marginalized and vulnerable communities, which disproportionately bear the brunt of climate change despite contributing the least to global emissions. Beyond discussions, ExpoSostenible 2026 is designed to drive tangible on-the-ground action through a range of targeted initiatives, including the EcoHub innovation space, dedicated networking zones, and structured business matchmaking programs. These platforms work to foster cross-sector alliances, accelerate the development of innovative sustainability solutions, and unlock new sustainable investment opportunities across the region.