Albares chairs first Plenary session of Higher Council for Cooperation for Sustainable Development and Global Solidarity

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, this morning chaired the first plenary session of the Higher Council for Cooperation for Sustainable Development and Global Solidarity, which will strengthen institutional dialogue and participation with civil society, as well as improve the coordination of decentralised cooperation.

For the first time, the Council includes representation from the autonomous communities, with two rotating seats, and from local authorities through the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP), as well as the Confederation of Cooperation and Solidarity Funds (CONFOCOS). Additionally, for the first time, representatives from peace-focused organisations and the Spanish Youth Council are included.

In his address, Albares highlighted the "new era for development cooperation in our country," emphasising Spain's "firm commitment to human rights, peace and international law". He also expressed gratitude to all individuals and organisations involved in the renewal process and welcomed the new actors joining the Council, noting that "the work of each and every one of us is fundamental in this new stage.

With this meeting, the final of the three coordination and consultation bodies provided for under Law 1/2023 on cooperation is officially established, alongside the new Interministerial Commission and the Sectoral Conference on Sustainable Development and Global Solidarity. This completes the regulatory framework envisaged under the Law, following the approval throughout 2024 and 2025 of the Royal Decrees establishing the new Statute for Aid Workers and for AECID, as well as new regulations on international cooperation grants, the Spanish Fund for Development (FEDES), and the Interministerial Commission.

During the session, the State Secretary for International Cooperation, Eva Granados, also presented the main lines of action of the recently established Spanish Cooperation Evaluation Office (OECE), which aims to promote continuous improvement of the cooperation system, contribute to knowledge generation, and strengthen accountability. The OECE will consolidate Spain's role in defending multilateralism and build accurate narratives to counter disinformation.

Following the establishment of the new Higher Council for Cooperation for Sustainable Development and Global Solidarity and the launch of the Spanish Cooperation Evaluation Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation consolidates a foreign policy committed to solidarity and multilateralism, and a renewed and strengthened Spanish Cooperation, dedicated to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement.

For images of the event, click here.​