4ª High-Level Meeting of the Forum “Democracy Always” - Barcelona, 14 April 2026

We, the Heads of State and Government, and High Representatives gathered in Barcelona, reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the defence of democracy, respect for human rights and the rules-based international order based on international law, including the self-determination of peoples and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. We reiterate our determination to work together to reinforce democratic institutions and to address the structural drivers that weaken them, erode public trust, and undermine social cohesion. Democracy is not a static achievement but a process of permanent construction, grounded in the legitimacy, effectiveness, and responsiveness of its institutions.

This meeting builds upon the path launched during the United Nations General Assembly in 2024, strengthened in Santiago de Chile in July 2025, and reaffirmed on the margins of the UN General Assembly later that year. Together, these milestones have consolidated a shared space for dialogue and coordinated action in response to the challenges facing democracies worldwide.

We meet at a time of global opportunity. The vast majority of the international community stands united in its commitment to human well-being and progress, self-determination, and the inclusive and democratic governance frameworks that allow peoples and nations to shape their own futures. Across regions, States reaffirm their dedication to the multilateral system as the indispensable foundation for peaceful coexistence, sovereign equality, and shared prosperity. Because we know that it is precisely in challenging times that multilateral cooperation, grounded in international law, human rights, and mutual respect, proves its greatest value.

On the other hand, we also meet at a time of global uncertainty. We are witnessing serious challenges on the multilateral system, the UN Charter, international law, popular sovereignty, human rights and democracy. All of this is happening against the backdrop of an increasingly complex global environment that is challenging our countries' security and economic stability.

At the same time, rising inequality, the failure to ensure accountability for the gravest international crimes, disinformation and information manipulation, and the misuse of digital technologies are putting pressure on public trust, social cohesion, and institutions that represent and serve their people and belief in the efficacy of multilateral diplomacy.

In this context, we believe it is both an ethical imperative and a political responsibility to act collectively and decisively to protect values of democracy. Together, we endorse the following:

Strengthening multilateralism

We reaffirm that respect for international law and multilateral cooperation remain the most effective foundations for peace, sustainable development, and human dignity. We therefore commit to:

• promoting a renewed and more effective, inclusive and representative multilateralism, including the global financing for development framework, grounded in the respect of international law and responsive to citizens' expectations;
• reinforcing diplomacy and cooperation among states committed to democratic values, social justice, sovereignty, and human rights.
• reforming the United Nations, and in particular the UN Security Council, to make it more fit for purpose, representative, democratic, and effective in delivering on the expectations of the global public and fulfilling its mandate.

On the selection of the next Secretary General of the United Nations, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles in resolutions of the General Assembly, which underline the importance for candidates to embody the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, and a firm commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. We reiterate the commitment contained in the Pact for the Future, stressing the need for due regard to gender balance and regional rotation regarding the selection and appointment process of the Secretary, recalling that in 80 years this high position has never been held by a woman.

Alongside these initiatives, and in order to strengthen the protection of women, we commit to advancing strategies and policies to combat political and digital gender-based violence, both to ensure the right of all women and girls to live free from violence, and to counter campaigns designed to push women out of public and political spaces.

A reformed and inclusive multilateralism, that urgently requires to address the diverse needs and challenges faced by countries in special situations, in particular African countries, the least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing states, as well as the specific challenges faced by middle-income countries and countries in conflict and post conflict situations. we reaffirm that least developed countries, as the most vulnerable group of countries, need enhanced global support to overcome the structural challenges they face for the achievement of the sustainable development goals.

Integrity of information and democratic digital governance

We recognize that disinformation, manipulation of information ecosystems, and the irresponsible use of digital technologies pose significant risks to democratic processes and social cohesion.

We note the increasing concentration of influence and allocation of resources in the digital economy, including those directed toward the development of artificial intelligence, and commit to protect users and uphold democratic resilience and rights online.

We recognize the role of public transparency and open data policies in promoting information integrity and strengthening the civic space and trust in institutions.

We therefore commit to strengthening international cooperation to promote transparency, accountability, and democratic governance in the digital sphere. In this context, we launch the Digital Democracy Roundtable, focused on exchanging experience on digital regulation and public policies and perspectives on the multilateral agenda for digital governance.

We call on countries to support and enhance centres for algorithmic transparency, initiatives to promote information integrity, free, independent, and pluralistic media and the sustainability of journalism, and to ensure the appropriate development of digital technologies and social media that benefit citizens, pluralistic societies and promote digital sovereignty.

We also reaffirm our support for international initiatives that promote information integrity and combat disinformation, including efforts led within the United Nations system, such as the UN and UNESCO's Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change.

Addressing inequality and preventing extremism

We recognize that persistent inequality, social, economic and political exclusion, and lack of opportunity create fertile ground for extremism, polarization, and democratic backsliding. We recognize that the social and cultural diversity of democratic societies calls for inclusive, participatory, and intercultural approaches as an essential condition for democratic cohesion and legitimacy.

We commit to advancing inclusive public policies and open governance approaches that promote social justice, social dialogue, gender equality, nondiscrimination on grounds of racial or ethnic origin, youth participation, and equal opportunities for all, recognizing these as essential pillars of democratic resilience.

In this regard, we welcome coordination with international initiatives addressing inequality and social cohesion, such as the International Panel on Inequality presented during the South African G20 Presidency.

We reaffirm our commitment to a fair, progressive tax system as an important foundation for sustainable and equitable economic development. In this regard, we underscore ongoing discussions and initiatives related to international tax cooperation, noting the negotiation of the United Nations Model Convention on International Tax Cooperation, the stocktake reports on the OECD/G20 Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) and transparency initiatives, as well as work under the Seville Action Platform, such as the coalition for taxing the super-rich.

We know that climate change is exacerbating inequality. this is why, in pursuit of the objectives of the United Nations framework convention on climate change and the goals of the Paris agreement, we reaffirm the importance of accelerating action in this critical decade.

Countries are engaged in supporting the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, with the aim of implementing programs to combat hunger and poverty, particularly by securing funding and fiscal space to ensure that these policies are put into practice.

We underline that organized crime constitutes a significant and pernicious threat to democratic governance, fuelling corruption, violence, and conditions that facilitate extremism and radicalization.

We also support initiatives that empower youth and promote inclusive participation as a means to prevent radicalization and strengthen democratic culture, such as the Youth Multilateral Observatory against Extremism.

From commitment to implementation

Since the launch of this initiative in 2024, we have advanced from shared concern to coordinated action. The Barcelona meeting marks a decisive step toward implementation, building on the priorities identified in Santiago and UN General Assembly meetings.

We will continue to develop concrete cooperation mechanisms, encourage knowledge-sharing, and support networks that bring together governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector in defence of democracy.

Looking ahead

We call upon additional countries and partners to join this initiative and contribute to building a permanent space for cooperation in defence of democracy, human rights, social justice, and the right of people to build their own future.

We reaffirm that safeguarding democracy is a shared responsibility. Governments alone cannot succeed. Parliaments, regional and local authorities, academia, civil society, media, and the private sector all play essential roles in strengthening democratic resilience.

We welcome the continued engagement of diverse stakeholders and encourage broad participation in the next milestones of this process.

Together, we reaffirm our determination to defend democracy, protect and strengthen multilateralism, and ensure that our institutions remain capable of responding to the aspirations of our citizens.

We express our special gratitude to Gabriel Boric, former President of the Republic of Chile, for his significant contribution to the development of this initiative in support of democracy.

"In Defence of Democracy" will convene again in New York in September during the 81st UN General Assembly.

The signatory countries to the Declaration are: the Republic of Albania, the Federal Republic of Germany, Australia, the Republic of Austria, Barbados, the Republic of Botswana, the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Republic of Cape Verde, the Republic of Colombia, the Slovak Republic, the Kingdom of Spain, the Republic of Ghana, the Republic of Guatemala, the Republic of Lithuania, the United Mexican States, the Republic of Namibia, the Kingdom of Norway, Palestine, the Dominican Republic, the Republic of South Africa, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Oriental Republic of Uruguay.