Santo Domingo, D.N., June 26, 2026. The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) commemorated its 25th anniversary with the keynote lecture “Learning to Educate in a Changing World,” delivered by Her Excellency Raquel Peña, Constitutional Vice President of the Dominican Republic. The event brought together representatives from the Dominican government, the diplomatic corps, higher education institutions, as well as students and institutional allies, creating a space for reflection on the challenges facing education in a context of constant transformation.

The lecture was part of the commemorative program for UNICDA’s 25 years, a celebration that reaffirms the university’s commitment to educational excellence, innovation, and training professionals capable of responding to the demands of an ever-evolving world.

During her presentation, the Vice President of the Republic highlighted the importance and the government’s commitment to transforming the Dominican educational system to address the challenges of a constantly changing world, thereby ensuring sustainable development and social equity in the Dominican Republic.

“Education cannot walk with its back to the country. It must respond to the aspirations of its people and to the transformations of a world where technology, creativity, and knowledge are increasingly decisive,” she stated. At the same time, she listed some of the advancements already achieved under the administration of President Luis Abinader, such as: strengthening early childhood care, reducing the illiteracy rate, investing in school infrastructure, improving the School Feeding Program, and the impact of the National Student Transportation System (TRAE), which currently covers more than 94% of public sector enrollment.

Raquel Peña took the opportunity to congratulate the Universidad Domínico Americano for reaching a quarter of a century playing an exceptional role in the training of youth and professionals, and wished them success in the years to come.

At the conclusion of her remarks, Peña called for unity among the State, universities, technical institutes, the productive sector, and families to consolidate educational transformations and ensure that education remains the main driver of social mobility and national development.

For her part, the President of the Board of Directors of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, Darys Estrella, highlighted the significance of this anniversary for the institution and the responsibility to continue promoting a transformative education.

“As we commemorate UNICDA’s 25 years, we look back with gratitude on the path traveled, but we also renew our commitment to continue contributing to an education capable of responding to present challenges and preparing new generations for the future”, Estrella expressed.

In his speech, the Rector of the Universidad Domínico Americano and Executive Director of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, Enrique Fernández Malla, emphasized that UNICDA’s 25th anniversary represents an opportunity to reaffirm the institution’s commitment to an education capable of anticipating changes and responding to the country’s needs.

“If there is an institution that has known how to reinvent its way of educating as the world transforms, it is this one,” said Fernández Malla, noting that UNICDA is part of an educational ecosystem that accompanies individuals from early childhood to university and continuing education, with an academic offer that is permanently updated to meet the demands of the national and global environment.

At the conclusion of the event, the Universidad Domínico Americano honored Vice President Raquel Peña as a Distinguished Visitor, in recognition of her career in public service, her commitment to strengthening Dominican education, and her contributions to national development. The distinction was presented by members of the Board of Directors of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano and UNICDA’s academic authorities, along with the ICDA institutional pin and the university’s 25th anniversary commemorative pin.

About UNICDA

The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA), founded in 2001, is part of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA), a binational institution created in 1947 to strengthen the ties between the Dominican Republic and the United States through education and culture. Throughout its 25-year history, UNICDA has established itself as a higher education institution committed to academic excellence, innovation, and the comprehensive training of professionals with a global vision, contributing to the sustainable development of the country.