Against a backdrop of growing uncertainty, the bi-regional partnership between Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the broader Ibero-American space, is taking on renewed importance as a platform for collective action and shared responses. Ibero-America represents a space for regional convergence grounded in shared values: a commitment to multilateralism, respect for international law, the promotion of peace, and the recognition of human dignity as a cornerstone of development.

The XXX Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, to be held in Madrid on 4–5 November 2026 under the theme “Ibero-America. Together we build our Community. Together We Project It Towards the Future and the World” offers a strategic opportunity to reaffirm these principles and advance a shared vision in the face of today’s global challenges.

In this context, and on the occasion of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain and the United Nations Development Programme Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean are pleased to invite you to a high-level dialogue on the future of the region. The objective is to foster dialogue among Latin American and Caribbean foreign ministers on the challenges and opportunities facing democratic governance, human development, and multilateral cooperation in the region.

Preliminary Agenda

Institutional Opening

• José Manuel Albares Bueno, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain 

• Alexander de Croo, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Presentation of the Dialogue

• Michelle Muschett, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean

High-Level Dialogue

• Héctor Francisco Huanca Gutiérrez, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Plurinational State of Bolivia 
• Roberto Velasco, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico

Moderator:

• Andrés Allamand, Ibero-American Secretary-General (SEGIB)

Conclusions of the event 

• Michelle Muschett, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean

Closing

• Susana Sumelzo, State Secretary for Ibero-America and the Caribbean and for Spanish around the World

For further information, please refer to:

Concept Note of the event "Democracy, Development, and Shared Futures: Ibero-America on the Road to the Madrid Summit"

Democracy and Development Report 2026 "Democracies Under Pressure. Reimagining the Future of Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean"