The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, brought the launch event for Spain’s Public Diplomacy Strategy 2026–2028 to a close this Thursday. The presentation of the Strategy marks a milestone in Spain’s foreign action by providing, for the first time, a common strategic framework for the international outreach efforts undertaken by public institutions, the private sector, academia, the cultural sector, sport and civil society.
During his speech, Minister Albares noted that “21st-century diplomacy cannot be limited to relations between Governments; it must also be directed at people”. The minister also emphasised the importance of having this Strategy in the current context, which is characterised by the rise of narratives that challenge the foundations of the rules-based international order.
Albares also highlighted the problem of disinformation, which has become an instrument of power. Against this backdrop, the minister pointed out that “a country that does not tell its own story runs the risk of others telling it for them”.
In an international context characterised by geopolitical competition, rapid technological change and the growing importance of perceptions and narratives in international relations, the Strategy aims to strengthen Spain’s ability to engage in dialogue with societies in other countries, promote its values and interests, and consolidate its global influence.
Launch event
More than 100 people attended the event, including ambassadors and other diplomatic representatives, representatives of international organisations based in Madrid, academics and representatives of leading think tanks, as well as senior officials from this Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office. The journalist María Tadeo hosted the launch event, which also featured a keynote address by Nuria Oliver, a Spanish engineer and researcher who is a world-leading authority on artificial intelligence.
For images, click here
.
-NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION-