Pedro Sánchez, at Columbia University: 'Open societies can keep fanaticism at bay'

The President of the Government of Spain presented Spain as the example that shows that economic growth, social justice and green transition can go hand in hand.

Columbia University, New York (United States)

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The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, kicked off his participation in the United Nations High Level Week with a speech at Columbia University, as part of the Global Leaders Forum, a series of events held at the university with the aim of encouraging debate on critical issues facing states. In it, the president argued for a progressive response to global challenges based on three core principles: a just and open economy, a rules-based international order and the strength of open societies. "We must stand up for these values because the truths we hold to be self-evident may cease to be so," he stressed.

Spain, an example of inclusive growth and green transition

President Sánchez stressed that Spain today represents the example that economic growth, social justice and green transition can go hand in hand. In this regard, he emphasised that the country is leading growth among advanced economies while reducing inequalities, promoting renewable energies and attracting migrant talent. On the subject of migration, the President of the Government of Spain reiterated that migrants have contributed around 20% to Spain's per capita economic growth over the last three years. "For us, migration is not a source of fear and threat, but of hope and opportunity", he stressed, while highlighting the need to continue fighting illegal immigration and the mafias that profit from it. "Being progressive is not a matter of candid idealism, but rather of responsible pragmatism. A pragmatism that has led me to emphasise that the rules must always prevail over the law of the strongest", he stressed.

He also argued that economic openness and social justice boost growth and attract talent - "Economics is not a zero-sum game. International trade helps us grow the pie", and stressed that the responsibility of governments is to help redistribute the benefits of economic growth and trade by putting in place mechanisms to ensure that "everyone wins".

Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la Bellacasa

Rules-based international order versus the law of the strongest

In Columbia, Pedro Sánchez once again defended the need to maintain a rules-based international order, strengthen multilateralism and advance in its reform in order to avoid "a world of blocs and areas of influence". In this regard, he referred to the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a clear example of aggression that the international community firmly condemned, denouncing the double standards in the face of the genocide in Gaza: "Protecting a country is one thing; killing over 60,000 civilians, displacing two million people, bombing hospitals and starving innocent children is quite another".

In this respect, the President highlighted the value of the new package of measures to fight the genocide in Gaza, announced by the government and which aims to contribute to putting an end to this tragedy. "Coherence and consistency are necessary in turbulent times," he said. He also called on Europe to redouble its efforts to reach out and forge partnerships that build on its traditional defence of a rules-based order.

During his speech, he also referred to the need to transform global governance, and recalled the Platform for the Reform of Multilateralism launched in Seville as an example of Spain's commitment to fairer and more effective global governance. "While others withdraw from multilateral institutions and reduce their commitment to international aid and development, we will redouble our efforts," he stressed.

Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la Bellacasa

Open societies can keep fanaticism at bay

The President of the Government of Spain finally stressed the virtues of an open society and the importance of defending democratic freedoms as a safeguard against tyranny. "When the free voice of a society is silenced, that society is destined to die," said President Sánchez, inviting the students and academics present to appreciate and defend freedom of expression. "Oppose any attempt to suppress it. Because if we lose the freedom to disagree with those in power, we will be sowing the seeds of tyranny", he stressed, warning against manipulation of public debate, disinformation, incitement to hatred or attempts to undermine democratic institutions.

In this respect, the President of the Government of Spain stressed the importance of power not being concentrated in the hands of a few, but being distributed in transparent, responsible and accountable institutions, and encouraged the new generations, "the leaders of tomorrow", to defend with conviction the principles and values that define humanity.

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