Dominican Minister Highlights Santiago's Future, Announces Amber Highway Tender

SANTIAGO, Dominican Republic – Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza announced Tuesday that the tender for the Amber Highway, connecting Santiago with Puerto Plata, will be launched in the coming days. The announcement came during the International Public Innovation Forum: “The Future of Santiago,” an event focused on driving a modern, sustainable, and innovative vision for the city’s urban development.

The Ministry of the Presidency (Minpre) and the Universidad Tecnológica de Santiago (Utesa) co-organized the forum. A key highlight was a presentation by French-Colombian researcher and urban planner Carlos Moreno, known for creating the “15-Minute City” model.

Moreno's concept advocates for urban planning where residents can access essential services – including work, education, health, commerce, leisure, and culture – within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their homes.

Paliza emphasized that Santiago is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by government initiatives aimed at modern mobility, enhanced connectivity, and territorial equity. He cited ongoing projects like the Santiago monorail and cable car, which are expected to improve transport, reduce environmental impact, and give citizens more valuable time for family, work, and recreation.

“Behind every public decision must be a shared focus on well-being, equity, and sustainable development,” Paliza stated. “Thinking about Santiago is not a task for a single day or a single government; it is a permanent commitment to a city that is the productive, cultural, and human heart of the country. That is why we are here, to continue boosting Santiago.”

Beyond the Amber Highway, Paliza also highlighted the Manzanillo port’s role in solidifying an economic axis that links the Atlantic with the heart of the Cibao region, enhancing regional tourism, commerce, and competitiveness.

Carlos Moreno elaborated on the “15-Minute City” model, explaining its aim to reorganize urban life around three core principles: proximity, diversity, and sustainability. The objective is to enable individuals to live, work, study, and enjoy their surroundings without relying on long commutes, thereby fostering a better quality of life, greater social cohesion, and a significant reduction in environmental footprint.

“The ‘15-Minute City’ concept could be applied in the Dominican Republic, adapted to its urban and social context,” Moreno explained. “It is not a magic formula, but a new way of conceiving the city, one that promotes a kinder, more cordial, and balanced life, with more local jobs, better services, and more sustainable environments.”

Moreno underscored the necessity of reducing car dependence and bolstering local service offerings to create healthier and more sustainable cities. This approach ensures easy access to quality education, healthcare, culture, commerce, and public spaces.

Frank Rodríguez González, president and chancellor of the Utesa Corporate System, expressed that the forum presented a valuable opportunity to strengthen Santiago’s vision as an intelligent, sustainable, and humane city. He stressed the importance of collaboration among academia, the public sector, and society for a common future.

“At Utesa, we firmly believe that education and innovation are essential pillars for the development we all dream of for our city and region,” Rodríguez González said. “We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in our institution to host this event, which promotes innovative thinking and civic engagement.”

The forum, held at the Utesa Convention and Dominican Culture Center, served as a platform for reflection and dialogue among local authorities, academics, entrepreneurs, and experts. Participants concurred that Santiago possesses the potential to become a model for smart and sustainable urban development throughout the Cibao region.

Among the attendees were Carlos Iglesias, Vice President of the Council for the Strategic Development of Santiago, along with other provincial business leaders, local authorities, and Minpre vice ministers.

The inaugural edition of the International Public Innovation Forum took place in Santo Domingo on February 8, 2023, under the theme “Present and Future of Public Services in the Dominican Republic.”