Solidarity or Strategy? Spain’s Bold Vision for Global Cooperation

This session will feature Viviane Ogou i Corbí, activist, anti-racist political leader, and Member of the Spanish Congress, who brings a unique perspective from both institutional politics and grassroots organising. As founder and president of Puerta de África, she has been at the forefront of youth empowerment and the promotion of African studies in Spain.

In an era of shrinking aid budgets, rising defence spending, and weakening multilateralism, what does meaningful international cooperation look like today? While many governments are turning inward, Spain is emerging not as Europe’s largest donor, but as one of its most credible political voices on global development and cooperation.

Spain’s evolving model brings together legal commitment, decentralised solidarity, strong civil society engagement, feminist policy, and a human rights-based approach. Its 2023 cooperation law gave legal status to the commitment to reach 0.7% ODA by 2030, while its current Master Plan frames international cooperation as part of a broader project of global justice. At the same time, Spain’s model—deeply rooted in local and regional participation—raises important questions about coordination, coherence, and effectiveness.

In this event, we will explore whether Spain’s approach—bridging grassroots solidarity and global engagement—can offer a compelling alternative for Europe at a time of shifting priorities. Can solidarity still be a strategy in today’s geopolitical landscape? And what can other countries learn from Spain’s experience?

Format:

• 30-minute talk by guest speaker Viviane Ogou i Corbí
• Open group conversation and Q&A
• Networking drinks afterwards
Open question for discussion:

Is Spain truly building a different model of cooperation, or is it mainly offering stronger political ambition than its budget still supports?
Who should come?

• Professionals interested in international development, social impact, and European cooperation
• NGO workers, researchers, and policy professionals
• Anyone curious about Spain’s evolving role in global justice and human rights
• People who enjoy thoughtful conversations and meeting others interested in global issues
Location:
UPF solidària (UPF) - Auditori de Mercè Rodoreda del Campus de la Ciutadella
Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27

08005 Barcelona