Dr. Leonel Fernández Emphasizes the Standout Role of the Latin American Community in the United States

The President of Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) and the Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (Funglode) Dr. Leonel Fernández gave a lecture on the role of Latinos in the United States and their relevance to America’s future.

In the main auditorium of Miami Dade College, Fernández stressed that the presence of 56.6 million Latinos in the United States makes them a determinant demographic force in economic and social as
well as political terms. And this force is likely to grow over the years, as according to Fernández the Latino population should reach 119 million by the year 2060.

Before a large academic and political audience, which included the presence of noteworthy figures such as the composer and producer Emilio Estefan, the three-term Dominican head of state explained that while in 2013 Latinos made up 16% of the labor force in the United States, by 2050 they should reach 24%,
with an economic clout reflected in their current purchasing power, at US$1.5 trillion, and business value, at US$3.3 million.

Likewise, the former president of the Dominican Republic highlighted the enormous presence of Latinos in education and culture as well as politics, with 32 members of Congress elected to date and more than 6,100 Latinos elected to public offices. Fernández emphasized that the Latino vote, as in other recent elections, will decide the winner of the presidential election in November.

“Latinos are the heart of America’s future,” he stated, adding that given their economic and cultural importance and demographic weight, they will play a standout role in the future of the United States and its relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean as well as in the much-sought-after integration and sustainable development of all countries throughout the Americas.

Other Activities
Fernández’s Miami lecture comes as part of a 7-day international tour that began on Tuesday and includes institutional appearances in the United States and Europe, among them another lecture on the subject “Juan Bosch: A Man of Multiple Dimensions,” to be given at the Institute for Latin American Studies at the University of Stockholm, Sweden.

Likewise, he will participate in the II Preparatory Seminar of the III Academic Summit in
Stockholm, organized by the EU-CELAC Permanent Academic Forum and the European Institute of International Studies.

At the Seminar, to be held at the University of Stockholm, Fernández will appear in his capacity as president of the EU-LAC Foundation and speak about the main challenges currently facing higher education at the global level.

Related Link:
http://leonelfernandez.com/noticias/leonel-fernandez-dicta-conferencia-en-miami-dade-college/