Columbia University’s Juventud Hablemos and GFDD Co-Sponsor Sold-Out Event on the Evolution of Democracy in the Dominican Republic

On the evening of February 17, 2025, Columbia University’s Juventud Hablemos organization, in collaboration with the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD), hosted a sold-out event titled The Evolution of Democracy. The event proved to be an engaging and impactful discussion, bringing together students, faculty, and distinguished guests for an in-depth exploration of how democracy has evolved over time and its significance today.

The evening’s keynote speaker, Nathanael Concepcion, delivered a compelling presentation on the challenges and shifts occurring in democratic systems worldwide, with a special focus on the Dominican Republic. His insights prompted the audience to reflect on how democracy continues to evolve and why preserving democratic values is more critical than ever.

A notable highlight of the event was the presence of Dr. Leonel Fernandez, former President of the Dominican Republic, who attended as a distinguished guest. Dr. Fernandez contributed a unique perspective to the discussion, sharing his personal experiences with democracy and leadership during his time in office. His remarks greatly enhanced the depth and energy of the evening’s dialogue.

With the event reaching full capacity, issues surrounding democracy are of great interest and importance to the Columbia community. The event concluded with stimulating conversations, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of awareness about the future of democracy and the role each of us plays in shaping it.