Dominican Republic becomes first Caribbean nation to host LatinoSan 2026

Punta Cana.- The Dominican Republic has become the first Caribbean nation to host the Latin American Sanitation Conference (LatinoSan 2026), the region’s premier forum focused on water, sanitation, and hygiene. The event, taking place from June 2 to 4 in Punta Cana, brings together government leaders, international organizations, experts, academics, private-sector representatives, and civil society groups to advance solutions that improve public health and sustainable development across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Health Minister Víctor Atallah emphasized that access to safe water and sanitation remains one of the most transformative factors in improving quality of life. He noted that sanitation is directly linked to public health, environmental protection, social equity, and economic opportunity, while highlighting the challenges posed by climate change and limited access to essential services throughout the region.

The conference also showcased the Dominican Republic’s growing investments in water and sanitation infrastructure. INAPA Executive Director Wellington Arnaud highlighted the country’s Universal Sanitation Program for Coastal and Tourist Cities, including a nearly US$1 billion aqueduct, sewerage, and water reuse project in Verón-Punta Cana. Organized by the Ministry of Health and INAPA with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), LatinoSan 2026 is focused on promoting innovation, resilience, financing, environmental sustainability, and regional cooperation to expand equitable access to sanitation services across the region.