The Senate of the Dominican Republic and Universidad APEC (UNAPEC) have signed a framework cooperation agreement to expand educational opportunities for legislative employees while promoting collaboration in academic, scientific, technological, and cultural initiatives.
The agreement was signed by Senate President Ricardo de los Santos and UNAPEC Rector Erik Pérez Vega. It establishes a framework for joint postgraduate and continuing education programs, English language training, internships, and collaborative academic activities designed to enhance the professional development of Senate staff.
Professional Development for Legislative Personnel
Under the agreement, Senate employees will have access to postgraduate studies and continuing education programs, while both institutions will cooperate on seminars, workshops, conferences, and internship opportunities. The partnership also provides reciprocal access to each institution’s libraries and encourages academic exchanges between faculty and administrative personnel.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ricardo de los Santos said the partnership reflects the importance of collaboration between public institutions and higher education.
“This agreement demonstrates that institutions achieve more by working together, and it strengthens what is perhaps the greatest asset any person can possess: knowledge,” he said, emphasizing the value of continuous professional training for public servants.
Strengthening Academic and Legislative Research
A key component of the agreement is the integration of the National Congress Library and the UNAPEC Library through the international Z39.50 protocol, a widely used standard that enables libraries to share bibliographic records and improve access to research materials.
The interoperability initiative is expected to enhance catalog standardization while expanding access to information for both academic research and legislative work.
Universities as Partners in Public Development
UNAPEC Rector Erik Pérez Vega said universities should play an increasingly active role in connecting research, innovation, public policy, and the productive sector.
“Universities in the 21st century are called to serve as permanent bridges between research, public policy, productive sectors, and the needs of citizens,” Pérez Vega said, highlighting the role of higher education institutions in strengthening public institutions.
The agreement preserves the Senate’s constitutional, administrative, and institutional autonomy while creating opportunities for long-term academic cooperation between the two organizations.
Two-Year Renewable Partnership
The cooperation agreement will remain in force for two years and will be automatically renewed unless either institution decides otherwise.
Senate officials said the partnership reinforces the institution’s commitment to continuous staff development and the modernization of its documentary and research services through collaboration with one of the Dominican Republic’s leading universities.