Spain’s debates and reforms in this field of currently revolve around three major areas: (1) implementation of the new development cooperation law, (2) the shift in Spanish foreign policy frameworks, and (3) the evolving participation of young people in global governance and international dialogue processes. 

These developments reflect Spain’s ongoing adaptation to a more uncertain global context marked by climate crises, geopolitical tensions, and the need for stronger multilateralism.

Global youth participation and Spain’s role in international forums

Spain continues to host and participate in a growing number of youth‑led global policy spaces. A notable trend is the rising visibility of youth in international dialogue events held in Spain. 

For example, Madrid hosted the Youth Global Forum 2026, bringing together youth from over 100 countries to engage in policy roundtables on climate resilience, democratic participation, AI regulation, peacebuilding and human rights. These events align with the EU Youth Strategy, the Youth Dialogue, and the European Youth Work Agenda. They reflect an ongoing debate about expanding meaningful youth participation beyond EU processes to global governance arenas.

Stakeholders increasingly call for greater institutionalisation of youth participation in foreign policy and development cooperation, echoing recommendations from the UN system and the 2030 Agenda. This includes demands for stronger youth involvement in the implementation of the Sixth Master Plan, humanitarian aid design, and Spain’s climate diplomacy initiatives.

Mechanisms supporting youth participation in these forums are described in Chapter 9.3.

Ongoing debates on Spain’s contribution to global solidarity and climate action

Spain’s commitment to global solidarity is reflected in its decision to host the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville in 2025, announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the presentation of the Sixth Master Plan for Spanish Cooperation. Youth organisations and civil society networks highlight the importance of integrating youth perspectives into the preparatory process and outcome documents, particularly on climate finance, social cohesion and equitable development. 

Additionally, Spain’s commitments under the 6th Cooperation  Master Plan  (VI Plan Director de la Cooperación Española 2024-2027) — particularly its feminist cooperation, climate justice and “leave no one behind” approaches — have sparked debate about how Spanish policies can better respond to climate‑induced migration, food insecurity, and conflict situations disproportionately affecting young people globally

Overall direction of reforms

The overall trajectory of reforms in Spain’s “Youth and the World” agenda is characterised by:

• modernisation of development cooperation under the Sustainable Development and Global Solidarity Law (Ley 1/2023 de Cooperación para el Desarrollo Sostenible y la Solidaridad Global).
• deepening multilateral engagement through the Spain´s Forgein Action Strategy 2025-2028 (Estrategia de Acción Exterior 2025-2028.) 
• mainstreaming youth participation in development cooperation and global policy events
• increased humanitarian commitments
• growing attention to climate diplomacy, digital disruption and democratic resilience.

These debates highlight Spain’s efforts to adapt its youth‑related international engagement to a rapidly changing global context, while responding to youth demands for meaningful participation in shaping solutions to global challenges.