Dominican President Leonel Fernández conferred upon José Luís Machinea the Order of Duarte, Sánchez and Mella Award during a solemn ceremony in the National Palace.

At the same time, he confirmed his commitment to continue working for the same principles and values which have guided his life’s work for development in Latin America and, especially, the Dominican Republic...

Dr. Machinea, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), thanked the Dominican government for the honor bestowed upon him in accordance with Decree number 234-08. At the same time, he confirmed his commitment to continue working for the same principles and values which have guided his life’s work for development in Latin America and, especially, the Dominican Republic, according to a press release from the President’s Office of Information, Press and Publicity.

“For more justice and solidarity in the region and for a real consolidation of democracy,” said Machinea about his work. He added that he is convinced the Dominican Republic will confront and overcome its difficulties as it has in the past, such as the economic crisis President Leonel Fernández’s administration faced at the beginning of August 2004.

The ECLAC representative said the DR’s recovery has been extraordinary thanks to President Fernández’s leadership. He added that growth in the Dominican Republic has been very strong, if not the strongest, in the entire region.

Dr. Machinea said it is essential not to overlook the long term challenges when dealing with short term problems, especially taking into account the global situation in which the world finds itself today. He said he is convinced that the countries capable of taking the long view into the future are the ones that will succeed in the future.

Throughout the ceremony, President Fernández was accompanied by Juan Temístocles Montás, Minister of Economy, Planning and Development, who emphasized the personal and professional achievements of the ECLAC Executive Secretary.

On October 30, 2003 Machinea was appointed by Koffi Annan, then Secretary General of the United Nations (UN).

Montás said he was very satisfied that the Dominican government has awarded Dr. José Luís Machinea one of the country’s great distinctions; he noted it reflects the high level of respect shared by the authorities for Dr. Machinea’s professional achievements and brilliant work as Executive Secretary of ECLAC. He pointed to Machinea’s demonstration of unequivocal support and appreciation of the Dominican people throughout his years with ECLAC.

On October 30, 2003 Machinea was appointed by Koffi Annan, then Secretary General of the United Nations (UN). Later his appointment was reconfirmed by current UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on February 9, 2007.