Presidium Meeting 2026, Online

Presidium Meeting on Recent Global Developments (Online)
 

On March 12, the Socialist International held an online Presidium meeting chaired by SI President Pedro Sanchez on recent global developments.

In his opening speech, Pedro Sanchez, President of the Socialist International, highlighted the following:

"We are having this first meeting of 2026 in a very turbulent moment for the world. As an organization, as progressives, we believe in a global system based on rules, on international law, on multilateralism. We have experienced many times what happens when the use of force has been applied unilaterally. For us it’s of paramount importance to be consistent. We took a clear position when Russia violated the territorial integrity of Ukraine and initiated a war that is still going on. We were vocal when international and humanitarian law was violated in Gaza.

And then, by a unilateral decision, in contempt of international law, the United States, in cooperation with the government of Israel, started the war against Iran. And in order to be consistent with our common principles, I said 'No to the war'. And I thank you all for your numerous messages and statements of support.

Let me not be misunderstood. This stance in no way means we support the Iranian regime. The Socialist International, over time, was always in solidarity with those fighting for democracy in Iran. It condemns the oppression of women, the imprisonment of political opponents, the lack of freedom of expression, and the support of the regime to terrorist militias in the region.

But we cannot let the world become a space of unregulated and unprincipled antagonism. We cannot enter into a dangerous spiral with huge consequences that will destroy countries, peoples, economies. A spiral that risks leading to chaos that can hurt even the most powerful nations.

We saw what happened before the Second World War. As progressives we cannot see the unraveling of the multilateral system without raising our voice, without being more united than ever.

The Global Progressive Mobilization meeting next April in Barcelona, following an initiative we took with PES President Stefan Löfven and discussed and approved by our organization in previous discussions and in the Malta Council, is an opportunity to bring the different organizations representing our movement together and give a strong message to the world."

Following the opening speech of the SI President, Chantal Kambiwa, SI General Coordinator, presented activities that were held following the Malta Council as well as those planned to take place in the first semester of 2026.

Then, the Chairs of the regional Committees — Miguel Vargas (Latin America and Caribbean), Saleh Kebzabo (Africa), Paul Magnette (Europe), and John Grech (Mediterranean) — briefed the Presidium on the latest work and future meetings.

Then a rich debate between the attending Presidium members followed, focusing on the current big global challenges but also some national situations. Particularly moving was the call for support and solidarity of the VP from Haiti, explaining in detail the dismantling of the rule of law and the destabilization of the entire democratic system in combination with a major humanitarian crisis.

A large number of speakers congratulated Pedro Sanchez for his bold position against the war in Iran, highlighting that the European Union needs to be more vocal and united in this crucial conjuncture. All agreed on the dangers of a regional escalation, noting that the conflict can easily become lengthy and produce hybrid threats. It was repeatedly said that the opposition to the war is linked with the urgency to protect common rules that protect humanity from falling into a dystopian, self-destroying chaos. In no case does it mean support for the Iranian oppressive regime that is also behind terrorist organizations and proxy wars.

The consequences of the war in the Middle East were mentioned at length, with emphasis on how the current developments reinforce extremists both in Israel and Palestine and hurt the forces working for peace, democracy, and a two-state solution. The case of Lebanon was raised as a tragedy overlooked by the global community despite the extremely high number — more than 800,000 — displaced people.

The impact of the war on the global and regional economy was analyzed, including the consequences of the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of global oil passes. An increase in the prices of oil and gas will certainly be reflected in the cost of other goods, further straining societies already hurt by high prices in most sectors.

Most Presidium members indicated that the Global Progressive Mobilization Meeting in Barcelona is very timely and needs to be actively supported. It was highlighted that the model of a joint event by independent and complementary political organizations of the progressive family was a very productive formula that needs to continue.

At the end of the discussion, Executive Vice President Paulina Lampsa presented the concept of the GPM, explaining the important role of the Socialist International, the host party PSOE, and the Global Progress Foundation, highlighting the crucial contribution of VP Hana Jalloul in coordinating the different actors of the endeavor. It was also clarified that the GPM will be a very inclusive event where a big space will be given to think tanks, civil society organizations, activists, trade unions, artists, bloggers, and academics.

The SI General Coordinator Chantal Kambiwa ended the meeting by warmly thanking the participants and asking them all to be present in Barcelona.

"When progressives unite their voice they are strong. This is what we aim for through the Global Progressive Mobilization, the initiative that, as we discussed in our Council in Malta, we took with the PES President. And I am very happy to host the first event of the GPM in Barcelona on the 17 and 18 of April.

The dates were chosen to coincide with the official meeting of heads of state participating in the partnership we initiated with President Lula, 'In Defense of Democracy'. It’s an opportunity to bring together the whole progressive family — leaders, parliamentarians, party organizations, think tanks, trade unions — each one with its own identity and added value.

On Friday we will have all-day side events and on Saturday there will be the launch of the Global Progressive Mobilization. On this occasion, our foundation, the Global Progress Foundation, will have the opportunity to co-organize some interesting side events. I hope you will be able to be there, as you have always told me how much you wanted a big global high-visibility event.

But I will not take more of the limited time we have. I will give the floor to our General Coordinator Chantal Kambiwa to inform you about recent and future activities and then I am looking forward to hearing your views."