Punta Cana Forum 2026 to bring Dominican leaders together to discuss the country’s future
GALA Media Group will host the first edition of the Punta Cana Forum 2026 next week, bringing together government officials, political leaders, business executives, media professionals and opinion leaders to discuss the Dominican Republic’s main challenges and opportunities.
Held under the theme “The Country That Is Coming,” the invitation-only forum will focus on economic development, infrastructure, investment, institutional strengthening and the emergence of a new generation of political leaders.
The event will feature two thematic panels before concluding with the presentation of the book Young Politician by Andrés Vander Horst and a conversation about the role of younger generations in Dominican politics.
Infrastructure and investment
The first panel, “Infrastructure and Investment: Engines of Dominican Economic Development,” will be moderated by Nairobi Viloria and will feature Minister Jean Luis Rodríguez, RD Vial Director Hostos Rizik, InterEnergy Group Sustainability Director Milagros De Camps Germán, and economist Richard Medina.
The discussion will examine the policies and investments needed to sustain economic growth, attract new capital and develop infrastructure with a long-term vision.
Legislation and legal certainty
The second panel, “Legislation and Legal Security: Foundations for Investment and Development,” will be moderated by journalist Roberto Cavada.
Participants will include Yorlin Vázquez, Charles Mariotti Jr., Carmen Ligia Barceló González, Liz Mieses, Rogelio Antonio Genao and Natanael Concepción.
The panel will address pending legislative reforms and the legal guarantees needed to strengthen investor confidence, institutional stability and the rule of law.
Focus on the next generation of political leaders
The forum will close with the presentation of Young Politician, by Andrés Vander Horst, introduced by Culture Minister Roberto Ángel Salcedo.
Journalist and writer José Luis Taveras will then moderate a conversation with Omar Fernández, Juan Garrigó, Gloria Reyes and Johnny Pujols, focusing on the perspectives and priorities of a new generation of Dominican political leaders.
The discussion will explore how younger politicians are approaching leadership in an environment increasingly shaped by social media, artificial intelligence and political figures emerging outside traditional party structures.
GALA Media Group said the Punta Cana Forum is intended to create a space for dialogue, critical thinking and responsible leadership around the country’s economic, political and social future.
The inaugural event is supported by Grupo Puntacana, Grupo Dupla, CEPM and United Petroleum, which are serving as official sponsors.
