On November 10th, Miami Dade College hosted the XI Presidential Dialogue of the IDEA Group, gathering nine former heads of state from Spain and Latin America. This significant event centered on defending democracy, individual freedoms, and addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
The Initiative for Democratic Spain and the Americas (IDEA Group) orchestrated the gathering, highlighting the political crises in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. These nations have been criticized for their oppressive political systems that curb political rights and fundamental liberties.
The public forum took place at the Wolfson Campus in downtown Miami, featuring two panel discussions and the presentation of the Sebastián Piñera Freedom Award 2026 to María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 2025.
Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua: Central to the Discussion
The forum commenced on November 9th with a closed session focusing on the political challenges and prospects for democratic transition in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. Notable contributors included Cuban activist Rosa María Payá; María Corina Machado, Venezuelan opposition leader; and Juan Sebastián Chamorro, a Nicaraguan ex-presidential candidate in exile.
Rosa María Payá, who recently introduced "Cuba at the Threshold" in Madrid, attended this edition. This proposal outlines a roadmap for potential democratic transition in Cuba, consisting of four phases: liberation, stabilization, reconstruction, and democratization. The plan suggests a transitional government lasting 18 to 36 months and a 51-member parliament.
Payá confidently stated that political change in Cuba might be closer than anticipated, asserting, "Cuba is nearer to freedom than many imagine." Meanwhile, Chamorro criticized the shrinking political space in Nicaragua under Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo's regime, advocating for sustained international pressure.
Nine Former Leaders Explore Freedom and AI
The public session on Tuesday posed the central question: "How to safeguard well-being without sacrificing freedom in the age of digital and artificial intelligence?"
The roster of former leaders included José María Aznar (Spain), Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga and Jeanine Áñez (Bolivia), Jamil Mahuad (Ecuador), Álvaro Uribe (Colombia), Federico Franco (Paraguay), Hipólito Mejía (Dominican Republic), Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, and Laura Chinchilla (Costa Rica). Additional attendees were Luis Almagro, former OAS Secretary-General, and Víctor Bisonó, representing the Dominican government.
The event began at 9:00 AM, featuring speeches by Miami Dade College's President Madeline Pumariega, Nelson J. Mezerhane Gosen of the IDEA Democratic Foundation, and Víctor Bisonó. A presentation by Asdrúbal Aguiar, IDEA Group's Secretary-General, and former Spanish President José María Aznar followed.
Panels on Rule of Law and Digital Space Control
The first panel, "Freedom and Rule of Law vs. Stability in the Americas: Where Are the Liberal Democracies?" included Laura Chinchilla, Jamil Mahuad, Jeanine Áñez, and Hipólito Mejía, moderated by journalist Idania Chirinos from NTN24. The discussion focused on the tension between security, political stability, and democratic institutions in a region marked by polarization and authoritarian rhetoric.
The second panel addressed freedom of expression, corporate power, and economic liberties, questioning digital space control and surveillance capitalism. Participants were Federico Franco, Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga, Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, and Álvaro Uribe, with journalist Claudia Gurisatti moderating. Topics included social media's influence, public opinion algorithms, institutional distrust, cybersecurity, and the risk of tech regulation becoming censorship tools.
The forum also tackled threats like organized crime, cyberattacks, and influence operations, emphasizing the importance of not undermining constitutional rights and individual freedoms.
Strengthening Democratic Opposition: Calls from Quiroga and Almagro
Before the forum, participants shared their views on Latin America's political future and the potential for change in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.
Former Bolivian President Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga expressed optimism for 2027 as a pivotal year for the region. He envisioned Venezuela regaining its grace, Cuba and Nicaragua achieving freedom, and all of Latin America breathing democracy, as reported by Diario Las Américas.
Luis Almagro urged Cuban and Nicaraguan exiles to enhance their organizational capabilities and build leadership to influence their countries' political situations. He noted that internal political action is "impossible" and emphasized the need for leadership that can impact politically within both nations.
Laura Chinchilla cautioned against the growing acceptance of authoritarian governments, especially when security concerns overshadow institutional and fundamental rights.
María Corina Machado Honored with the Sebastián Piñera Award
A highlight of the program was awarding María Corina Machado the Sebastián Piñera Freedom Award 2026 for her political career and commitment to democracy in Venezuela. Named after the late Chilean President Sebastián Piñera, who passed in February 2024, the award honors individuals dedicated to democratic values and fundamental freedoms. Luis Almagro received it in 2025.
Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient in 2025, has played a significant role in advocating for free elections and democratic guarantees in Venezuela. The award ceremony will conclude the forum, alongside closing remarks from organizers and the presentation of the IDEA Group's declaration titled "The Future of the West and Freedom."
A Declaration on the Future of Democracy
The XI Presidential Dialogue occurs amid significant challenges for Latin American democracies, as technological advancements reshape political communication, information flow, and citizen surveillance possibilities.
Asdrúbal Aguiar, IDEA Group's Secretary-General, warned of the weakening constitutional state and the allure of authoritarian models in a world grappling with narrative confrontations and technological transformation.
The official program includes presenting "The Future of the West and Freedom" declaration, whose final content will be disclosed by the organizers. The event is institutionally supported by Miami Dade College and the Nelson J. Mezerhane G. Chair for Democracy, Rule of Law, and Human Rights.
Key Questions on Latin American Democracy and Freedom
What is the main focus of the XI Presidential Dialogue?
The primary focus is on defending democracy, individual freedoms, and addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and new technologies.
Who was awarded the Sebastián Piñera Freedom Award 2026?
María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 2025, received the Sebastián Piñera Freedom Award 2026.
What were the main topics discussed in the forum?
The main topics included the political crises in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, the protection of democracy, and the impact of digital and AI technologies on freedom.