A coalition of progressive leaders from Latin America and Europe will gather in Barcelona on April 17 and 18 for the debut of the Global Progressive Mobilization (GPM) forum.
Organized by the Socialist International, the Progressive Alliance, and the Socialist European Party, the summit follows a similar high-level meeting held in Santiago, Chile.
The plenary session, named "Salvador Allende," will kick off the event, featuring a heavy delegation from Chile including former Minister Camila Vallejo and Senator Paulina Vodanovic.
Chilean officials will also participate in a parallel summit titled "In Defense of Democracy," held at the Fira Gran Vía convention center.
Defending democracy against the far-right
Former Senator Isabel Allende, the honorary president of the Socialist International, will serve as a keynote speaker. She is scheduled to lead a discussion titled "Preserving memory to defend democracy."
Allende will also join a panel on Saturday focused on "Promoting democracy, defeating the far-right," alongside European socialist politicians from Slovenia, Romania, Portugal, and Belgium.
The summit organizers state the forum aims to address the rise of conservative and far-right movements globally. The convention's official call notes that while conservative forces claim to offer the only response to global uncertainty, "there is another way: a progressive path."
Chilean Senator Paulina Vodanovic said she is attending to address real threats to democratic institutions. "Chile has a voice and a commitment to this task," Vodanovic stated.
Other confirmed Chilean attendees include former Minister Giorgio Jackson, former Minister Heraldo Muñoz, and former Minister Ricardo Solari.
The forum arrives during a period of intense geopolitical tension involving conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran. Organizers also intend to use the platform to reflect on the challenges posed by the return of Donald Trump to the global political order.
Former Minister Camila Vallejo will participate in a session regarding digital democracy and the impact of artificial intelligence on disinformation.
