President Abinader Welcomes Dominican Students from New York as Part of Consul Vásquez’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan

Santo Domingo, DR: On Monday, August 4, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader welcomed 30 outstanding students, children of Dominican parents living in New York, to the National Palace. The meeting marked the first initiative of its kind under the ambitious 2025–2028 Strategic Plan launched by Dominican Consul Jesús Antonio Vásquez Martínez in New York.

This unprecedented initiative is part of the roadmap unveiled by Consul Vásquez Martínez in early June 2025, which redefines consular work and aims to strengthen ties between the Dominican Republic and its diaspora in the United States.

During the heartfelt meeting, President Abinader personally greeted each of the students and encouraged them to apply for dual citizenship and obtain their Dominican passports. “This will always be your country, and our doors will always be open to each of you. That’s why you should learn about this nation and know its history,” the president said. He also urged them to use their talents in the service of both the United States and the Dominican Republic.

The 2025–2028 Strategic Plan is structured around five core pillars, including the standout program Origin of Excellence, which recognizes high-achieving students of Dominican descent in New York City. The plan’s goal is to transform consular management, promote binational economic development, and empower Dominicans abroad by strengthening their cultural and historical roots.

The strategy also aims to encourage young people to remain closely connected to their families and utilize their talents for the benefit of both countries. “As part of the Origin of Excellence program’s activity schedule, our 30 outstanding students from NY visited UASD, where they were proudly received in an event that celebrated their talent and commitment to our roots,” Consul Vásquez Martínez posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, August 7.

Students as Ambassadors of the Future

Consul Vásquez Martínez explained that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to re-engage Dominican youth born abroad. “We want to turn these students into ambassadors of a young demographic where we’ve been losing influence, through campaigns supported by the private sector as well,” he stated, inspiring a sense of pride and hope in the audience.

He also announced that the next phase of the program will bring 50 students from public schools in the Dominican Republic to New York as part of a cultural exchange. This exchange will not only provide these students with a unique learning experience but also broaden their artistic horizons and enhance their future opportunities. “This way we create more opportunities for youth from vulnerable backgrounds, while rewarding their talent and recognizing the good,” added the diplomat.

The young participants have received multiple expressions of institutional support and recognition, underscoring the credibility and success of the program. “Yesterday at @MIREXRD, we experienced a special moment: our 30 outstanding students from the Origin of Excellence program were warmly and proudly welcomed by Vice Ministers @OpinioDiaz and @celinestoribio. Thank you for believing in the talent of our youth abroad!” wrote Consul Vásquez Martínez on X.

Similarly, the Dominican Municipal League, led by its president Víctor D’Aza, welcomed the students and recognized them as ambassadors of the Dominican Republic. “Our 30 Dominican students from NY continue making an impact! Today they were proudly received by @LigaMunicipalRD and recognized as ambassadors of the DR. Thank you to President Víctor D’Aza for such a warm welcome,” the consul posted on social media, fostering a sense of pride and support in the audience.

Reconnecting with Their Roots

During their stay, which continues through Sunday, August 10, the students will visit institutions such as the Instituto Duartiano, the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD), the National Congress, the Central Electoral Board, the Ministry of Culture, and various museums and key national institutions.

They will also explore their families’ places of origin, including Santiago, La Vega, Puerto Plata, Tenares, Salcedo, and other towns in the Hermanas Mirabal Province, fostering a sense of connection and nostalgia in the audience.

In addition, they will meet prominent figures in national life, including former MLB player David Ortiz, businessman Pepín Corripio, singer Manny Cruz, the Caribbean Queens volleyball team, and renowned historian Mu-Kien Sang Ben.

Transparent Selection and Program Expansion

The 30 students were selected through a transparent process carried out by the New York State Department of Education, ensuring fairness and transparency. For next year, the program plans to expand the number of participants to 50.

With this historic initiative, the Dominican Republic takes a bold step toward a new kind of consular diplomacy, one centered on youth, cultural identity, and the talent of Dominicans living abroad.