Alongside the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City, the Broadbent Institute joined counterpart progressive think tanks from Chile, Spain, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay and Mexico to build a new network for the defense of democracy. Progressive leaders from these countries met earlier in Santiago, Chile in July 2025 to discuss forming a multilateral network to exchange ideas and lessons to defend democratic societies against far-right extremism. At the follow up convening of progressive think tanks and civil society groups, held at Columbia University on September 22nd, 2025, the Broadbent Institute was invited by Rumbo Colectivo in Chile to participate in the formation of this new international network.
The Broadbent Institute agreed to the principles of the new Red International de Pensiamiento Democratico (International Network of Democratic Thought) with the aim of developing a global platform of organizations committed to the defence of democracy, human rights, social justice, and multilateralism. Broadbent Institute Director of Policy and Engagement Clement Nocos joined the convening and formation of the network in New York.
Following this convening, UN High Level Event held at the UN Trusteeship Council on September 24th, entitled ‘In Defense of Democracy: Fighting Against Extremism’ was hosted Chilean President Gabriel Boric, alongside Presidents Lula da Silva (Brazil), Pedro Sanchez (Spain), Gustavo Petro (Colombia), and Yamandu Orsi (Uruguay). The event also featured comments by Nobel Prize economist Joseph Stiglitz on the need to defend democracy against the rising far-right. The new network was announced by Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez, with a follow up convening among progressive civil society groups to take place in Madrid in early 2026.
Second Meeting “In Defense of Democracy: Fighting Against Extremism” – United Nations Trusteeship Council, 24 September 2025
Later on the evening of September 24th, Democracia Siempre, a tribute to former Uruguayan President José “Pepe” Mujica took place featuring speakers reflecting on his legacy, and what the fight for democracy means today. 2024 Ellen Meiksins Wood Lecturer Professor Isabella Weber spoke of the need for an anti-fascist economics, and how New York City Democratic Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani brings hope for progressive politics.
