Hispanic Council

Hispanic Council. It is a Spanish think tank and non-profit organization dedicated to analyzing and strengthening the relationship between Spain and the countries of Latin America, as well as the broader Ibero-American community. Founded in 2011, the organization operates from Madrid and focuses on public policy, economic cooperation, and cultural diplomacy. Its work aims to foster dialogue and mutual understanding across the Atlantic Ocean, engaging with political, academic, and business leaders.

History

The organization was established in 2011 by a group of professionals and academics with experience in international relations and Ibero-American affairs. Its creation responded to a perceived need for a dedicated institution to study and promote the complex ties between Spain and Latin America in the 21st century. Early initiatives involved organizing seminars in collaboration with institutions like the Complutense University of Madrid and publishing preliminary analyses on bilateral trade agreements. Over the years, it has expanded its reach, participating in major forums such as the Ibero-American Summit and establishing partnerships with think tanks like the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the Inter-American Dialogue.

Mission and activities

The core mission is to act as a bridge for dialogue and cooperation between Spain and Latin America, with a focus on generating actionable policy proposals. Key activities include conducting in-depth research on topics such as trade, digital transformation, and sustainable development within the Ibero-American space. It regularly convenes high-level working groups and private meetings with figures from governments, including members of the Congress of Deputies and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Spain). Furthermore, it organizes diplomatic roundtables and provides strategic analysis for companies operating in markets like Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina.

Leadership and structure

The organization is led by a board of directors composed of prominent figures from the Spanish business, academic, and diplomatic sectors. Day-to-day operations are managed by an executive team with expertise in areas such as European Union policy and Latin American economies. It maintains a council of advisors that includes former ambassadors, such as those who have served in Chile or Peru, and renowned academics from institutions like the University of Salamanca. The structure also features specialized committees focused on areas like economic affairs and cultural relations, drawing on experts from entities like the IE Business School and the Royal Academy of History.

Publications and research

It produces a steady stream of analytical publications, including policy papers, annual reports, and monographs on specific bilateral relations. Notable reports have covered the economic impact of the European Union-Mercosur agreement, the role of the Spanish language as a global asset, and cybersecurity challenges in the Americas. Research often involves collaboration with scholars from universities like Stanford University and University of Buenos Aires. These publications are frequently presented at events hosted in venues such as the Círculo de Bellas Artes or the Casa de América in Madrid.

Public engagement and events

Public engagement is a central pillar, achieved through a robust calendar of events open to a wide audience. These include the annual "Hispanic Council Forum," which gathers leaders from across Ibero-America, and more specialized conferences on topics like entrepreneurship in Silicon Valley or renewable energy in Chile. It regularly hosts book presentations featuring authors like Mario Vargas Llosa and debates on current affairs with journalists from El País and CNN. The organization also maintains an active presence on social media and produces multimedia content to disseminate its findings to the broader public.

Category:Think tanks based in Spain Category:Organizations established in 2011 Category:Hispanic and Latino American organizations