9-11 May 2025
Meeting of the Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean of the Socialist International Panama City
Introduction
The meeting of the Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean of the Socialist International, held from May 9 to 11, 2025, in Panama City, took place in a regional and international context of great complexity and historical significance. Hosted by the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD) and with the strong presence of nearly all member parties, this meeting was a convergence point for social democratic parties in the region, progressive leaders, multilateral organizations, and authoritative voices in continental democratic thought. The event was marked by a profound collective reflection on the structural challenges facing democracies in the region and a firm commitment to shaping a transformative agenda for the 21st century.
The diversity and representativeness of the attending delegations underscored the vitality of the Socialist International as a space for ideological coordination and regional political action. Delegations from more than twenty countries participated, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. They contributed diverse perspectives and national experiences that enriched the debate on shared challenges and collective solutions.
The central purpose of the meeting was to identify strategies to confront the resurgence of authoritarian populism, the erosion of democratic institutions, the fragility of party systems, and growing public disaffection with representative democracy. These phenomena, far from being isolated episodes, were analyzed as part of a broader civilizational crisis that demands structural, bold responses deeply rooted in the values of freedom, social justice, equality, and solidarity.
Over the course of the sessions, other fundamental issues for the region’s future were addressed, such as digital transformation, the impact of artificial intelligence, the redefinition of inter-American relations, regional security, new migratory movements, women’s inclusion in politics, and the need to defend sovereignty and multilateralism in an increasingly polarized world.
Several member parties also briefed attendees on the political situations in their respective countries.
The Committee reaffirmed its vocation as an active trench in defense of democracy and a driver of innovative proposals for the inclusive, sustainable, and participatory development of our nations. In this sense, the Panama meeting stood out as a high-level political exercise, combining rigorous diagnosis with a will to act at a decisive moment in the history of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Opening Session with the Socialist International Women (SIW) of Latin America and the Caribbean
The official activities of the Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean began on Friday, May 9, with a session organized by the Socialist International Women (SIW), focused on the transformative role of women in regional political life. Special emphasis was placed on the equal participation of women in political parties and the importance of party statutes and political participation laws in achieving this goal. The session was chaired by Janet Camilo, President of the SIW and former Minister for Women, a key figure in promoting women’s rights and articulating a feminist agenda within international social democratic spaces.
The panel included renowned figures committed to gender equality: Arelys González, President of the PRD Women’s Organization (Panama) and SIW Vice President; Kattia Rivera, former SI Vice President and current Costa Rican legislator from PLN; Peggy Cabral de Peña, Secretary General of the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD); SIW Vice President Yomaira Sarmiento; and Senator Claudia Perez of Colombia’s Liberal Party. Each panelist provided enriching insights from their national contexts, reaffirming that structural obstacles to women’s equitable participation remain prevalent in most Latin American democratic systems.
The urgency of integrating a gender perspective into party statutes, internal regulations, and practices was highlighted. This is not merely a normative or symbolic issue but requires a deep transformation of political culture, recognizing women not as secondary actors but as essential protagonists in building more inclusive, equitable, and representative democracies.
The discussion also tackled structural discrimination mechanisms within political organizations, such as resistance to quotas, gender-based political violence, lack of equitable campaign financing for women, and glass ceilings barring access to top leadership roles. Panelists agreed that parity should not be seen as a final goal but rather as a minimum standard toward achieving substantive equality.
A particularly significant moment was the signing of an agreement between the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD) and the Women’s Forum of Political Parties of Panama. This pact includes concrete commitments on equal participation, leadership training for women, prevention of political violence, and gender-sensitive reforms to party statutes. It stands as an institutional milestone that could serve as a model for other parties across the region.
The session concluded with open contributions from delegates of various countries, consolidating the consensus that gender equality is not a secondary or complementary issue but an essential condition for the real democratization of our societies and party structures.
Plenary Sessions and Key Topics
Saturday, May 10, marked the official start of the Committee’s plenary session. Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Augusto Robinson, National Secretary of International Relations of the PRD and Vice President of the Committee; Mr. Ricardo Torres, PRD Deputy Secretary; Ms. Chantal Kambiwa, General Coordinator of the SI; and the Committee President, Miguel Vargas Maldonado. All speakers emphasized the need for unity, ideological firmness, and collective action in the face of new democratic challenges.
Tribute to Dr. Rubén Berríos and José Francisco Peña Gómez
A highly emotional moment was the formal presentation of the José Francisco Peña Gómez Award to Dr. Rubén Berríos, Honorary President of the SI and a key figure in Puerto Rico’s independence movement. In his speech, Miguel Vargas highlighted Berríos’ coherence, humanism, and internationalist vocation, calling him “one of the ethical consciences of Latin American democracy.”
A tribute was also paid to Dr. José Francisco Peña Gómez, marking the 27th anniversary of his death. His vibrant oratory, inclusive thinking, and spirit of solidarity were remembered as a living legacy of a deeply Latin American social democracy.
Keynote Address by Dr. Daniel Zovatto
Next, political scientist Daniel Zovatto delivered a keynote address titled "Latin America: Regional Scenario, Political and Democratic Risk, Trends in the New Electoral Cycle, and Challenges Ahead of Trump’s Second Presidency." Zovatto presented a thoroughly documented overview of cycles of (de)institutionalization, the rise of anti-liberal leaderships, civic fatigue with representative democracy, and the dilemmas democratic leftist movements will face in the event of Donald Trump's re-election.
Zovatto proposed a new hemispheric relationship paradigm combining sovereignty with integration, social justice with governance, and multilateralism with coordinated regional action. His analysis sparked a broad debate about social democracy’s ability to challenge dominant narratives in the face of advancing competitive authoritarianism.
Launch of the Electoral Observation and Support Unit
In the second working session, Costa Rican deputy Kattia Rivera presented the Work Plan for the Electoral Observation and Support Unit. This initiative aims to ensure the integrity of electoral processes in SI member countries in the region through technical missions, training, preventive monitoring, and collaboration with international organizations.
The creation of this Unit responds to growing concerns about the hollowing out of electoral democracies, where the formality of voting is undermined by institutional manipulation, clientelism, media capture, and weak judicial systems. The Committee reaffirmed that without free and credible elections, democracy becomes an empty ritual.
Strategic Topics Discussed
Throughout the two working days, three key political-strategic themes were addressed:
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Authoritarian Populism and Democratic Backsliding:
The Committee expressed deep concern over regimes that, under anti-elite rhetoric, violate rights, centralize power, and criminalize opposition. It warned against institutional capture strategies (parliaments, courts, electoral bodies) and the cooptation of vulnerable sectors through welfare policies used as tools of social control. -
Relations with the United States:
A call was made to rebuild the bi-regional relationship on the foundations of mutual respect, fair economic cooperation, human rights, and non-intervention. The strengthening of CELAC, UNASUR, and CAN was proposed as spaces for sovereign coordination, avoiding diplomatic or commercial subordination. -
Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Divide:
While acknowledging AI’s transformative power, concerns were raised about its potential use for exclusion, surveillance, or anti-democratic purposes. Common regulatory frameworks, digital literacy for vulnerable populations, and public sector-led technological sovereignty were proposed.
Approved Resolutions
On Sunday, May 11, the Committee’s second working session focused on the discussion, voting, and approval of a substantive set of resolutions. These addressed national situations and regionally relevant themes, blending critical analysis, internationalist solidarity, and the active promotion of political solutions rooted in the principles of democracy, social justice, multilateralism, and respect for human rights.
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Haiti:
The resolution expressed deep concern over institutional collapse, armed violence, and the lack of effective governance. It condemned the international community’s prolonged indifference and called for a coordinated regional response that is non-tutelary and non-interventionist, aimed at rebuilding the rule of law, dismantling illegal armed groups, and restoring essential public services. It proposed creating a Regional Reconstruction and Support Fund for Haiti, managed transparently and with Haitian participation, to channel financial resources and technical assistance without unilateral conditions. -
Venezuela:
The Committee reiterated its commitment to defending the democratic rights of the Venezuelan people. It stressed the need for free, transparent, and competitive elections as the basis for resolving the crisis. It firmly rejected repression, disqualification of candidates, censorship, and persecution of political and social actors. Special attention was given to the judicialization of political parties and the criminalization of human rights defenders, which systematically violate constitutional principles and international treaties signed by Venezuela. The Committee called for renewed inclusive dialogue channels, with guarantees, international mediation, and respect for popular sovereignty. -
Nicaragua:
The resolution categorically condemned the constitutional reform approved on November 19, 2024, which formalized a dynastic and authoritarian model. It warned of the consolidation of a regime that has eliminated municipal autonomy, subordinated state powers to the ruling family, and suppressed fundamental civil rights. The Committee appealed to regional and global organizations like the OAS and the UN to activate multilateral mechanisms of pressure, documentation, and sanctions to help restore democracy in Nicaragua. -
Puerto Rico:
In a clear show of support, the SI reaffirmed its commitment to Puerto Rico’s right to self-determination and independence. The significant electoral gains of the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP) in the November 2024 elections were recognized, as was the historic leadership of Dr. Rubén Berríos. The resolution urged SI member parties to continue promoting Puerto Rico’s cause in international forums and to support it actively, respectfully, and in solidarity. -
Panama Canal:
The resolution warned of growing risks of foreign interference via opaque agreements and memoranda signed without public debate. It reaffirmed the sovereign right of the Republic of Panama to control, operate, and develop this critical infrastructure for global trade and hemispheric cooperation. The Committee supported Panama’s autonomous, professional management model since the 1999 handover, highlighting its efficiency, transparency, and national development focus. -
Mexico:
The resolution denounced the Mexican government’s concerning authoritarian drift, expressed in its systematic use of judicial mechanisms to weaken opposition, persecute critics, and unilaterally reform electoral rules. The Committee warned of the consolidation of hegemonic power based on polarization and exclusion, undermining plurality and the rule of law. A call was made to build a regional response to the advance of national-populism—left or right—that erodes institutions and democratic coexistence. -
Recognition of Isabel Allende:
The Committee passed a resolution honoring Isabel Allende of Chile’s Socialist Party for her fight for women’s rights and her contributions to regional democracy. The motion was presented by SIW President Janet Camilo and supported unanimously. -
Resolution to the Ethics Committee:
Lastly, the Committee unanimously passed an institutional resolution formally requesting the SI Ethics Committee to address the case concerning the so-called “Madrid Agreement” signed in 2022. -
These resolutions, adopted by consensus or clear majority, reflect the Committee’s active, critical, and supportive spirit and form a roadmap for internationalist action, defense of democratic values, and promotion of regional governance based on justice, equity, and dignity.
Panama Declaration
The meeting concluded with the solemn adoption of the Panama Declaration, a document summarizing the Committee’s political-strategic thinking in response to the major current challenges in the regional and global context. The declaration was the result of a collective deliberation process, enriched by the interventions, diagnoses, and proposals discussed on May 10 and 11, and serves as a guiding roadmap for member parties’ short- and medium-term action.
The document is structured around three central pillars:
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Concern over the rise of authoritarianism and institutional weakening in the region:
The declaration warns of the proliferation of authoritarian, populist, or illiberal regimes that use democratic mechanisms to concentrate power, dismantle institutional checks and balances, and restrict fundamental freedoms. In many cases, these governments have co-opted legislative and judicial branches, taken over electoral bodies, and manipulated public opinion via state or aligned media. In response, the declaration calls for a reinvention of progressive political parties as genuine spaces for representation, citizen participation, and the formulation of inclusive, evidence-based public policies. Member parties are urged to renew their leadership, democratize internal life, promote transparency, and reconnect with their peoples’ urgent demands. -
Redefining relations between Latin America and the Caribbean and the United States:
The Panama Declaration advocates a new inter-American relationship architecture based on sovereign equality, regional integration, mutual respect, and cooperative solidarity. It rejects the unilateral or hegemonic logic that has long characterized U.S.–Latin America relations. Instead, it proposes a more horizontal relationship focused on sustainable development, climate justice, strengthening democracies, and building resilient, equitable economies. It emphasizes the role Latin America and the Caribbean must play as a bloc with its own voice, capable of influencing the new world order and positioning itself as a global actor for peace, inclusion, and justice. -
Commitment to artificial intelligence serving the common good:
The document recognizes that accelerated digital transformation is reshaping economies, production systems, regulatory frameworks, and the relationship between the state and citizens. Artificial intelligence, in particular, represents a tool of vast potential but also poses significant risks if not governed ethically, inclusively, and democratically. The declaration calls for the development of regional legal frameworks, equitable digital literacy initiatives, and guaranteed open access to technology for all sectors of society. It urges movement toward Latin American technological sovereignty through public investment in science, innovation, and data governance. -
Across three days of work, a broad consensus was forged on the urgency of defending democracy from a substantive perspective—rooted in respect for human rights, political pluralism, social justice, gender equality, sovereign integration, and environmental sustainability. Member parties reaffirmed their conviction that democracy must not be limited to electoral procedures but must be expressed in the daily lives of peoples through robust institutions, inclusive public policies, accountability, and active citizen participation.
The Committee highlighted the role of social democratic parties as key actors in rebuilding Latin America’s political and social fabric. The need to revitalize internal structures, open to new generations, listen to excluded voices, and build social and territorial alliances to expand legitimacy and action was emphasized. In this sense, the meeting was also a call for constructive self-criticism and programmatic innovation as ways to reconnect with contemporary demands.
The event made it clear that social democracy is not an outdated or exhausted doctrine, but a necessary and modern tool to address 21st-century challenges: wealth concentration, climate change, technological transition, the rise of extremism, and the vulnerability of democracies. From their diverse national identities, the Committee reaffirmed a shared vision that places human dignity at the center of all public action.
As an institutional gesture, the Committee expressed gratitude to the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD) of Panama for its generous hospitality, impeccable organization, and firm commitment to democratic values. The PRD, as host, ensured a free, plural, and constructive deliberative space, contributing decisively to the meeting’s success.
Finally, the Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean of the Socialist International pledged to continue working resolutely for a more just, democratic, integrated Latin America and Caribbean, with its own voice in the concert of 21st-century nations. The call to build a new regional progressive pact—promoting solidarity-based cooperation, shared sovereignty, and structural transformation with justice and equity—was reaffirmed. This meeting, held on Panamanian soil, thus projects itself as a renewed starting point for the region’s transformative social democratic political action.
The Panama Declaration ends with a firm and hopeful call to all democratic and progressive forces in the region to build a new 21st-century regional pact grounded in the values of substantive democracy, social justice, effective multilateralism, and active planetary defense. It reaffirms that in the face of global challenges, the region must embrace solidarity-based cooperation, sovereign integration, and the construction of a shared destiny among the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Conclusions
The meeting of the Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean of the Socialist International, held in Panama City from May 9 to 11, 2025, stood out as a political and diplomatic milestone in building a transformative agenda for the region. In a regional scenario marked by economic stagnation, institutional weakening, and the advance of authoritarian expressions, the gathering reaffirmed the value of progressive multilateralism, the power of coordination, and the need to renew social democratic thought and action.
Translated from Spanish
