Dominican Republic to Host World Governments Summit Dialogue for Latin America and the Caribbean

Nov. 20-21 meeting in Cap Cana expands the Dubai-based forum's regional edition, with organizers expecting representatives from more than 30 countries

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Dominican Republic will host the World Governments Summit Dialogue for Latin America and the Caribbean 2026 on Nov. 20-21 in Cap Cana. The meeting will bring together senior government officials, business leaders, investors and international organizations from Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and other regions to discuss investment, regional integration, connectivity and the future of public institutions.

This is the second edition of the regional Dialogue, which the World Governments Summit launched in the Dominican Republic in 2025. Organizers expect more than 70 speakers, representatives of more than 30 countries and more than 120 companies and private-sector institutions. The first edition drew representatives from 22 countries and 29 speakers.

The meeting comes as governments across the region look for new drivers of investment and growth. The U.N. Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has called for policies that mobilize resources for innovation, economic diversification and quality job creation. It projects regional growth of 2.2% in 2026, rising to 2.5% in 2027.

Organizers plan more than 30 sessions and more than 10 high-level meetings across six themes: geoeconomics and strategic investment; tourism, culture and experience economies; global cooperation and regional integration; the future of governments; logistics and global connectivity; and human capital and the future of work.

A global forum extends its reach

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, founded the World Governments Summit in 2013. It is a platform where governments exchange policy experience and approaches to public-sector innovation. The summit has convened participants from more than 150 countries since its founding, including 145 heads of state and government and more than 3,500 speakers.

The first regional Dialogue took place Oct. 2-3, 2025, in Punta Cana. It was the first of the organization's regional dialogues held outside the UAE. In February, during the 2026 summit in Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed and Dominican President Luis Abinader witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding to hold the second edition in the Dominican Republic.

Convening and organizers

The 2026 Dialogue is being convened under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed and under the patronage of President Abinader. It is organized through a partnership among the World Governments Summit Organization, the Government of the Dominican Republic and the Center for Public Policy Analysis (CAPP). Participating institutions include the Inter-American Development Bank; CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean; the International Finance Corporation; the Association of Caribbean States; the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); and the Latin American Center for Development Administration.

"Last year in Punta Cana, governments from 22 countries told us they wanted a regular, practical channel to exchange experience with counterparts in the Middle East and beyond," said Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, the UAE's minister of Cabinet affairs and chairman of the World Governments Summit Organization. "The Dominican Republic and the World Governments Summit responded with a formal agreement to make that possible over the long term. This year's Dialogue is larger by design. Its 15 high-level meetings are built to move from discussion to specific partnerships in investment, logistics and government modernization."

Why the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic's role as host reflects expanding ties with the UAE. During his February visit to the UAE for the 2026 summit, Abinader also met with government officials and investment leaders on tourism, logistics and trade. In July, the UAE Foreign Ministry's envoy for Caribbean and Pacific states made an official visit to the country, meeting with Abinader and Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez on economic cooperation, digital transformation and investment.

The host country also brings direct experience in one of the Dialogue's themes. The Dominican Republic received a record 11.6 million visitors in 2025, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Cap Cana is located in the country's eastern tourism region.

About the World Governments Summit

The World Governments Summit Organization is a global, neutral, nonprofit organization focused on the future of governments. Through its flagship summit in Dubai, regional dialogues and other initiatives, it brings together governments, international organizations, thought leaders and the private sector to examine how innovation and technology can help governments address shared challenges. For more information, visit https://www.worldgovernmentssummit.org./.