President Fernández Receives International Leadership Award

President Leonel Fernández received the International Leadership Award from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. This award, established 30 years ago, is bestowed upon individuals from around the world known to be important personalities within the international community.

This award, established 30 years ago, is bestowed upon individuals from around the world known to be important personalities within the international community.

After receiving the award, the Dominican President participated in a debate at the university on global issues considered to be of great concern around the world. Former Chilean President Ricardo Lagos also participated in the debate held in an auditorium full of university students and professors, according to a press release from the Presidential Office of Information, Press and Publicity.

Among the topics discussed was the issue of democratic stability of Latin America and the challenges in achieving it, such as social equality. In his speech, President Fernández assured his listeners that Latin American democracies not only satisfy basic needs but also create strong states comprised of democratic institutions built on the goal of achieving higher levels of social and economic standards for all citizens.

Following the debate, President Fernández left the university to visit Rhode Island´s Mayor David Sicciline, who gave him the key to the city and expressed his pride to greet and honor the Dominican President. The mayor recognized that the Dominican presence in this community is vital in the different areas where they participate.

President Fernández thanked Mayor Sicciline for the recognition and affirmed that he will work to maintain the strong links between the authorities of Rhode Island and the Dominican community. Fernández also attended a meeting with a state senator of Dominican origin, Juan Pichardo, and other members of the Dominican community in the United States.