PUNTA CANA. — The Dominican Republic has become the first Caribbean nation to host the Latin American Sanitation Conference (LatinoSan 2026), the region’s leading forum dedicated to advancing water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives.
Held in Punta Cana from June 2 to 4, the conference has brought together government officials, international organizations, academics, industry experts, private-sector representatives, and civil society leaders to discuss strategies aimed at improving public health, environmental sustainability, and access to essential services throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
During the opening ceremony, Minister of Public Health Víctor Atallah underscored the critical role of safe water and sanitation in improving living conditions and promoting sustainable development. He emphasized that access to sanitation is closely linked to public health outcomes, environmental protection, social inclusion, and economic growth.
Atallah also highlighted the challenges facing the region, including the effects of climate change and the persistent lack of access to adequate water and sanitation services in vulnerable communities.
The event has also served as a platform for showcasing the Dominican Republic’s ongoing investments in water and sanitation infrastructure. Wellington Arnaud, executive director of the National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage Systems (INAPA), outlined several major projects currently underway, including the government’s Universal Sanitation Program for Coastal and Tourist Cities.
Among the flagship initiatives is a nearly US$1 billion infrastructure project in Verón-Punta Cana that includes the construction of aqueduct systems, sewer networks, and water reuse facilities designed to support the region’s rapid growth while improving environmental sustainability.
LatinoSan 2026 is being organized by the Ministry of Public Health and INAPA with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Discussions throughout the conference are centered on innovation, climate resilience, financing mechanisms, environmental protection, and regional cooperation, with the goal of expanding equitable access to sanitation services and strengthening public health systems across the region.
The event marks a significant milestone for the Dominican Republic, reinforcing its growing leadership role in addressing water and sanitation challenges while promoting sustainable development in the Caribbean and Latin America.
