Leonel Fernández urges Latin America to embrace a knowledge-based economy

Madrid.- Former Dominican President Leonel Fernández warned that the global order established at the end of the 20th century is undergoing a profound transformation, creating a more complex and uncertain international landscape. Speaking at the Funglode Ibero-American Forum in Madrid, Fernández argued that Latin America must play a more active role in shaping its future rather than remaining a passive observer of global change.

The former president emphasized that the region’s greatest challenge is to accelerate economic growth by moving beyond a model based on raw material exports and toward one driven by knowledge, innovation, technology, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence. He described the digital divide as a new form of illiteracy and stressed that countries that fail to adopt emerging technologies risk being left behind in the global economy.

Fernández also highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration among universities, businesses, and governments to promote research, innovation, and effective public policies. During the forum, participants discussed key issues including geopolitics, migration, democracy, economic development, academic cooperation, and technological innovation. The former president maintained that investment in artificial intelligence and the development of innovation ecosystems are essential for Latin America to increase competitiveness and seize opportunities in an increasingly digital world.