The Broadbent Institute joined progressive think tanks from around the world in Barcelona, Spain from April 17 to 19 to discuss the defence of democracy at the inaugural Global Progressive Mobilisation, hosted by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The GPM brought leaders, progressive political parties, unions, foundations, and think tanks from around the world to meet, exchange, and organize through panel discussions, networking events, and a one-day plenary of progressive world leaders.
Director of Policy Clement Nocos attended the conference with the support of partner think tank Rumbo Colectivo, which has spearheaded the International Coalition of Democratic Thought (CIPED) and organized a number of events at the GPM, held April 17 to 18th. CIPED organized several events with partner organizations, such as the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and Foundations for European Progressive Studies, on issues regarding the defence of democracy and public policy. ‘The return of power politics in the global economy?’ was a panel discussion organized by CIPED and FES that included 2024 Ellen Meiksins Wood Lecturer Isabella Weber, alongside former US Trade Representative Katherine Tai. CIPED was also involved in organizing GPM panels entitled ‘Oligarchy or Democracy: time to tax the superrich and end extreme wealth inequality,’ as well as, ‘Digital democracy & AI: Platforms, Power and Disinformation’.
On April 19, CIPED members held a Civil Society Meeting with more than 40 organizations, where the coalition exchanged points of collaboration for projects on the defence of democracy between member representatives. This work continues from the previous meetings held in September 2025 at Columbia University, alongside the UN General Assembly where the coalition was established, and the December 2025 Montevideo MOU signed in Uruguay that defined CIPED’s mission for, “Research, study, exchange, training, dissemination and advocacy to promote knowledge-based public debate, and contribute to the promotion, improvement and defense of democracy globally.”
The Broadbent Institute also continued its work with international partners at the GPM, engaging in sessions hosted by FES and FEPS project partners, as well as a networking event hosted by Rumbo Colectivo and the Panamerican Congress. The next Panamerican Congress will meet for its 2026 edition in Montevideo, Uruguay, in August. CIPED also plans its next major convening in 2027, hosted by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and the Morena National Institute of Political Training (INFP Morena).