President Connolly to address Meeting in Defence of Democracy in Barcelona
Date: Sat 18 Apr, 2026 | 10:00
Uachtarán na hÉireann, Catherine Connolly, has travelled to Barcelona where she will today address the 4th Meeting in Defence of Democracy at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The official visit is the first overseas engagement of President Connolly's Presidency.
The meeting will bring together over a dozen Heads of State and Heads of Government from across the world and will include an opening address by Prime Minister Sanchez and a closing address by President Lula. The MC for the event will be the former President of Chile, Gabriel Boric.
In her contribution to the discussion, President Connolly will emphasise the importance of a strong multilateralism system and the obligation on States to stand together to defend international law, the United Nations and the institutions established to uphold human rights without qualification following the horrors of two World Wars.
In a statement ahead of the meeting, the President said:
“I am honoured to give my first address abroad as President of Ireland at this critically important event.
At a time when voices calling for war and military might are dominant, it is timely and fitting that we gather under an initiative championed by two leaders who have shown the political courage this moment demands. Prime Minister Sánchez and President Lula deserve our recognition, and our gratitude, for placing the defence of democracy at the centre of the international agenda.
Ireland is uniquely placed to offer a valuable perspective as a neutral, post-famine, post-colonial republic. At this crucial moment, we must work with all those who share our views to deepen international cooperation, and to nurture and develop conditions for lasting peace.”
President Connolly will hold bilateral meetings with a number of her fellow participants at the meeting.
While in Barcelona, the President will also attend a reception held in her honour by the Irish Ambassador to Spain, Brian Glynn. The reception will be attended by members of the Irish community living in the city and the surrounding area,
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
‘In Defence of Democracy’ initiative
The ‘In Defence of Democracy’ initiative is an international effort initially launched by Brazil and Spain in 2024 to confront the rise of extremism, polarization, and disinformation – phenomena that erode social cohesion and threaten democratic institutions.
The first meeting was held in 2024 during the United Nations General Assembly, bringing together countries from different regions and representatives of international
organizations, who agreed on the need for permanent coordination to safeguard democratic values.
In 2025, the initiative was strengthened through a preparatory meeting in Santiago de Chile and a second high-level gathering in New York during the UN General Assembly, where leaders from numerous countries reaffirmed their commitment to defending the rule of law, combating extremism, and protecting the integrity of information. They also warned about rising inequality and the risks posed by the irresponsible use of digital technologies, agreeing to join forces to address these global threats and to maintain this active cooperation platform.
Attendees
The following is the expected list of attendees at today’s meeting:
- Albania, Prime Minister Edi Rama
- Barbados, Prime Minister Mia Mottley
- Brazil, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
- Cape Verde, President José Maria Neves
- Colombia, President Gustavo Petro
- European Council, President António Costa
- Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama
- Indonesia, President Prabowo Subianto
- Ireland, President Catherine Connolly
- Lithuania, Prime Minister Inga Ruginiené
- Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum
- Senegal, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko
- South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa
- Uruguay, President Yamandú Orsi
- United Nations, Under Secretary General Guy Ryder