On December 12, Madrid became the center of international diplomacy by hosting the Imperial Springs International Forum (ISIF) 2024, an event that brought together over 200 participants from various political, academic, and business fields from more than 50 countries. Organized by several institutions, including the Australia China Friendship and Exchange Association and the World Leadership Alliance – Club de Madrid, this forum has solidified its position as a key platform for inclusive dialogue and international cooperation since its inception in 2014.
Diego Martínez Belío, Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs of Spain, emphasized the relevance of the forum in seeking solutions to the most urgent global challenges. In this sense, Danilo Türk, President of the World Leadership Alliance, stressed that the ISIF acts as a bridge to foster trust and mutual understanding, aspects that are essential in a context of growing distrust and weakening international cooperation. “Through open dialogue, we seek to strengthen collaboration and jointly address the challenges that affect us,” Türk stated.
Participants agreed that the international order is at a crossroads and highlighted the need to establish genuine multilateralism based on respect and trust among nations. Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, urged nations to take concrete actions to address global challenges collectively, insisting on the defense of genuine multilateralism.
Other present leaders, such as former President of Croatia, Ivo Josipović, pointed out that in this complex situation, not only political action is required, but also a global approach involving personalities from different fields. Csaba Kőrösi, President of the 77th United Nations General Assembly, added that it is essential to revitalize multilateral structures to ensure a viable and effective world order for all.
Recommendations arising from the conference included the importance of mutual commitment among nations to promote positive development of multilateralism, as mentioned by Jenny Shipley, former Prime Minister of New Zealand. Since its inauguration in 2014, the ISIF has been a privileged space to promote friendship and cooperation, opening doors to a more collaborative future.
The event, under the theme “Collective Action for a Unique Future,” offered various activities, including a plenary debate and parallel forums that facilitated the exchange of ideas and strategies to address the current challenges of the world. This edition, the first held outside of China, marked a milestone in the history of the ISIF and demonstrated the collective desire to work towards a more united and cooperative future.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
