Over the weekend, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader traveled to Miami, Florida, to accept one of the most prestigious recognitions from the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom at Florida International University: the Champion of Freedom Award. This annual honor is reserved exclusively for international leaders who have shown unwavering dedication to upholding democratic values, expanding shared human prosperity, and advancing policy frameworks that prioritize and protect economic freedom around the globe.
Founded in 2020 as an independent, nonpartisan think tank, the Adam Smith Center has built its reputation around advancing the core principles of individual liberty and inclusive economic development. In its citation for the 2024 award, the center highlighted Abinader’s track record of implementing carefully calibrated, fiscally responsible free-market policies that have transformed the Dominican Republic into a standout model of consistent economic expansion and robust institutional stability across the Caribbean and Latin American region.
Beyond the formal recognition, this year’s award ceremony carried additional strategic importance. The event, which has a long history of convening sitting heads of state, top global business executives, and influential figures from across public and private sectors, provided a high-profile international platform to showcase the Dominican Republic’s notable progress in three key areas: advancing government transparency, accelerating broad-based economic development, and strengthening the country’s commitment to the rule of law. For attendees and international observers alike, the award and the accompanying showcase of Dominican progress reinforced the country’s growing reputation as a stable, attractive destination for global investment and a leader in democratic governance in the region.