Ibero-American Summits represent one of the most important political fora in the field of multilateral cooperation between Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking nations in the Iberian Peninsula and the Americas. This event brings together the heads of State and Government of Ibero-American countries with the aim of strengthening collaboration, addressing common challenges and promoting sustainable development in the region. This article explores what Ibero-American Summits are, their history, Spain's key role, the recent summit in Cuenca, Ecuador, and the challenges facing this forum in the current environment.
What are Ibero-American Summits?
Ibero-American Summits of Heads of State and Government are regular meetings (annual until 2014, and biennial since then) that bring together the 22 countries in the Ibero-American community: 19 Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking Latin American nations, together with Spain, Portugal and Andorra. This forum promotes dialogue and cooperation on key issues such as economics, education, the environment and human rights.
These meetings are organised by the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB), an institution that acts as a platform for support and coordination among member countries.
Spain's role: towards the Ibero-American Summit in 2026
Spain has played a key role in the creation and development of Ibero-American Summits. Since the first meeting in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 1991, Spain has been a driving force behind this forum, committed to strengthening the historical, cultural and economic ties between Europe and Ibero-America.
Spain's main contributions:
- Promoting political dialogue: Spain has acted as a bridge between Europe and Latin America, promoting cooperation initiatives and multilateral agreements. In this regard, Spain's role in promoting the last EU-CELAC Summit[AIP1] during the Spanish presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2023 should be highlighted.
- Development cooperation: Spain has funded and supported numerous education, technological innovation and sustainability programmes in the region.
- Promoting shared language and culture: As a Spanish-speaking country, Spain has led efforts to promote the Spanish language and cultural exchanges in the Ibero-American community.
- Defence of democratic values: Spain advocates political stability, democracy and human rights in the region, highlighting its commitment in crisis settings.
Lastly, Spain will host the 30th Ibero-American Summit in 2026. [AIP2] This occasion will be particularly symbolic, being the thirtieth and coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the first Ibero-American Summit held in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 1991.
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Spain will serve as the pro tempore Secretariat until the Ibero-American Summit in 2026. Photo: Javier Hernández (Nolsom) / MFA
The Cuenca Summit, Ecua dor (2024): Outcomes and Key Issues
The 29th Ibero-American Summit, held recently in Cuenca, Ecuador, focused on the current challenges facing the region and the world. Under the banner “Innovation and sustainability for inclusive development", the Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, joined H.M. King Felipe VI at a meeting which saw Spain serve as pro tempore Secretariat.
Main agreements from the Cuenca Summit:
- During the Cuenca Summit, progress was made in the meeting priority areas: innovation, inclusion and sustainability, and important steps were taken in areas such as mobility, security and financing for development.
- The Ibero-American Summit Action Programme, which implements Ibero-American cooperation, was approved. This is the engine that really builds the Community.
- A Political Declaration was adopted within the framework of the Summit that reflects widely shared concerns, such as gender equality, the 2030 Agenda, and the fight against climate change.
Spain also presented a number of special declarations in the framework of this Summit. Alongside a statement of solidarity for the victims of the tragic flash flooding events in the Valencia region, other statements were made on:
- The IV International Conference on Financing for Development, to be held in Seville in 2025
- The presence of Spanish in the International Court of Justice
- Protection against manipulation of information and communications
- Business and human rights for a productive, sustainable and fair transformation
Spain further presented, within the framework of the Summit, special declarations in collaboration with other countries: one with Chile, on artificial intelligence for sustainable development in Ibero-America, and another, with Chile and Costa Rica, on seabed protection.
Minister Albares participates in the Ibero-American foreign ministers meeting at the 2024 Summit in Cuenca, Ecuador. Photo: Javier Hernández (Nolsom) / MFA
Conclusion
The Ibero-American Summits continue to be crucial fora for promoting cooperation among Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries. The recent summit in Cuenca, Ecuador, underlined the importance of sustainability, innovation and social inclusion as pillars of regional development.
Spain, as host of the next Summit, continues to play a leading role as a bridge between Europe and Ibero-America, promoting shared values and joint solutions. In an increasingly interconnected world, taking advantage of this space to build consensus will be key to facing 21st century challenges and ensuring a prosperous future for the whole Ibero-American community.
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