As part of its commitment to Dominican society, Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña has established the UNPHU Forum for Social Studies, with the purpose of debating issues and problems concerning society, which require urgent action. In that context, a discussion panel was set up on the topic: Present and future of relations with Haiti. The challenges of good neighborliness. This is its fourth edition, which continues the seminars held on January 18, February 22, and March 17 of this year.
On this occasion, the progress in planning the Border Zone was discussed, taking into consideration that this is one of the priority strategic actions to be carried out in the field of relations with Haiti. It was proposed that this process would cover the 7 provinces that form the border area, Montecristi, Dajabón, Santiago Rodríguez, Elías Piña, Independencia, Bahoruco and Pedernales. It was also pointed out that these areas constitute some of the poorest territories in the Dominican Republic, and the main causes that influence this situation were addressed, such as the lack of opportunities, and the effectiveness of public investment that promotes the potential of the area. As a result, the young population emigrates to other localities, leading to a process of systematic depopulation, which makes that territory vulnerable to the migratory pressures inherent in a border area between countries with a significant economic imbalance.
The main speaker was Architect Erick Dorrejo, director of Border Zone Development Policy, MEPyD; as panelists were José Castillo, sociologist; Mgtr. Rafael Bello, Economist; Architect Milagros Nanita, Institute of Higher Education in Diplomatic and Consular Training (INESDYC) and Architect Mizocky Mota, School Architecture and Urbanism UNPHU. The activity was moderated by Miguel Guerrero, journalist and writer, as Architect José Antonio Constanzo, was the rapporteur.
The activity took place in the Max Henríquez Ureña Room of the university.
