Abinader receives Americas Society’s highest honor for leadership and regional impact

New York.- President Luis Abinader received the Gold Badge, the highest distinction awarded by the Americas Society, during a ceremony in New York recognizing his leadership in the Dominican Republic, economic recovery, and commitment to democracy and regional cooperation.

The recognition was presented by Americas Society/Council of the Americas President and CEO Susan Segal and board chairman Andrés Gluski. The president attended alongside First Lady Raquel Arbaje, his daughters, and Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó.

In his remarks, Abinader highlighted the Dominican Republic’s 4.5% economic growth, the reduction in monetary poverty from 26% in 2019 to 14.5% during the first half of 2026, and the decline in undernourishment from 8.7% to below 2.5%, according to figures he cited.

The president also projected that the country would receive nearly 12.4 million tourists this year and said foreign investment would exceed US$5.2 billion. He pointed to the expansion of free trade zones, exports, medical devices, and electronic equipment, while highlighting government strategies focused on artificial intelligence and semiconductor assembly.

Abinader emphasized the importance of strengthening democracy, citing the 2024 constitutional reform that limits presidents to two terms in office. He described the measure as part of his administration’s legacy and reiterated his commitment to democratic institutions and regional cooperation.

The Gold Badge recognizes democratically elected leaders whose work has had a significant and lasting impact on their countries and the region. Gluski praised Abinader’s role in the Dominican Republic’s economic recovery, institutional strengthening, and cooperation on security and resilient supply chains.