Santo Domingo. The University of the Caribbean (UNICARIBE) successfully celebrated the II International Congress on Water Scarcity and Energy Resources, held on November 21 and 22, with the participation of more than 250 attendees, including students, academics, international experts and representatives of the energy sector.

The event began on November 20 with a pre-congress course given by EGERSA Solar, entitled “Introduction to the Sizing of Domestic Photovoltaic Installations”, facilitated by Mr. Edwards Hilario and Mr. Julian Peña, Director of the Environmental Management and Renewable Energy Department. The workshop covered fundamental concepts of solar energy, analysis of electricity consumption, calculation of energy demand and a practical module on photovoltaic systems.

During the official opening of the congress, the Rector, Dr. Ricardo A. Ramírez-Mendoza, offered welcoming remarks, highlighting UNICARIBE’s commitment to the training of professionals capable of facing the environmental challenges of the country and the region. He noted that “water scarcity and energy transition require solutions based on science, innovation and academic cooperation,” underscoring the importance of these spaces to strengthen research and critical thinking.

Over the course of two days, keynote speeches, technical panels, and academic presentations were held. Special guests included Dr. Emilio Mínguez, international expert in nuclear energy; Dr. Gerardo Gordillo, emeritus researcher in solar energy; Ing. Hernando Leyton, specialist in modeling and simulation, whose presentations provided a broad overview of regional challenges in water and energy security. The participation of the First Secretary of the Colombian Embassy, José David Moreno, reinforced the international dimension of the meeting and demonstrated diplomatic interest in academic initiatives aimed at environmental sustainability.

On Saturday 22, panels were held on key issues for the Dominican Republic: the future of water, innovation in sustainability and early education in water and energy management, with the participation of companies, environmental organizations, teachers and strategic allies.

The lecture sessions featured research from universities in the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Mexico and other countries, addressing topics such as renewable energies, water treatment, climate change, water quality, water governance and environmental technologies.

Organizers

• University of the Caribbean (UNICARIBE).
• Network of Water Resource Research Seminars.

Allies and Collaborators

• CAYEI – UNICARIBE.
• ITESMARENA.
• Politécnico Grancolombiano.
• UNIAGRARIA (The Green U of Colombia).
• UNAD (National Open and Distance University).
• ADOU (Dominican Association of Universities).

Collaborating Companies

• EGERSA Solar Technologies.
• Green Love.
• Santo Domingo Coffee.

Institutional Support and Strategic Allies

• Pearson.
• Impulsouth – Global Cooperation for Climate Action.
• La Merced Foundation.

The Organizing Committee expressed its deep gratitude to these institutions, companies and partners, whose collaboration made possible the successful development of the congress, strengthening UNICARIBE’s mission to promote sustainability, science and innovation. UNICARIBE reaffirms its commitment to the training of professionals capable of offering real solutions to the environmental and energy challenges facing the region.

Authors:
Dr. Julián Peña – Environmental Management and Renewable Energies , CAYEI Research Center.
María José Brito – Environmental Management and Renewable Energies Coordinator.