Madrid, Spain.– Former President of the Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernández, has been appointed Honorary Member of Spain’s Carlos III Foundation, the highest distinction awarded by this prestigious institution.

Fernández’s appointment is a recognition of his career dedicated to promoting democracy, education, culture, and the development of the Ibero-American peoples.

The Carlos III Foundation, based in Madrid, highlighted Fernández’s commitment to strengthening democracy, fostering international dialogue, and creating spaces for critical thinking through the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD), which he presides over.

“I receive with profound honor the news of having been appointed Honorary Member of Spain’s Carlos III Foundation. I sincerely value this recognition as an expression of appreciation for the work we have been carrying out through GFDD. My thanks to the President of the Foundation, Mr. Carlos Escudero de Buxón, and all the members of its Board of Trustees,” Fernández stated.

During his visit to Spain, Fernández has maintained a busy schedule focused on strengthening academic cooperation and the education of young Dominicans. He met with leaders of the Spanish Association of Foundations, including Pilar García, Silverio Agea, and Carlos Álvarez Jiménez, exchanging ideas on the development and evolution of the foundation sector in Europe.

He also held a meeting with Óscar Arroyo Ortega, Director of the National Library of Spain, to discuss strengthening the institution’s cultural role and adapting it to new technological challenges.

As part of his agenda, Fernández signed a cooperation agreement with the Center for Political and Constitutional Studies of Spain (CEPC, by its acronym in spanish), directed by Rosario García, aimed at promoting research, education, and academic exchange in the areas of governance and the rule of law.

Additionally, he finalized an agreement with the IEB University Center for Higher Studies, focused on training young Dominicans in finance and stock markets. “At GFDD, we continue opening doors for our youth,” he emphasized.

This recognition in Spain follows activities previously held in France, where Fernández led the international colloquium commemorating the 60th anniversary of the April 1965 Revolution and inaugurated a photographic exhibition on this historic event at the Maison de l’Amérique Latine in Paris.

In both France and Spain, Fernández also met with leaders of the Fuerza del Pueblo party, which he heads, thereby strengthening ties with the Dominican diaspora.