Former heads of state from Spain and Latin America will convene in Miami to examine how societies can protect public well-being without compromising democratic freedoms in the digital and AI era.<\/p>\n
MIAMI, Fla., October 28, 2026 \u00a0\u2014 Miami Dade College (MDC) will host the XI Presidential Dialogue of Grupo IDEA on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, bringing together former presidents and other prominent leaders from the Americas and Spain to examine how digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), political polarization and evolving security threats are affecting democracy and civil liberties.<\/p>\n
The program will take place at MDC\u2019s Wolfson Campus in downtown Miami from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and feature two panel discussions, concluding with the presentation of the 2026 Sebasti\u00e1n Pi\u00f1era Prize for Freedom to Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Venezuelan opposition leader, Mar\u00eda Corina Machado.\u00a0 Learn more about the Sebasti\u00e1n Pi\u00f1era Prize for Freedom and its 2026 recipient.<\/a><\/p>\n The event will be conducted in Spanish, with simultaneous English interpretation, and streamed on MDC Live<\/a>. <\/p>\n \u201cMiami Dade College is proud to host the XI Presidential Dialogue, bringing together leaders from across the Americas and Spain to exchange perspectives on some of the most pressing issues shaping our societies,\u201d said Madeline Pumariega, president of Miami Dade College. \u201cThis year\u2019s focus on artificial intelligence is especially fitting for MDC, as a global leader in AI education and workforce development. We look forward to engaging our students, faculty, staff and fellows from our Institute for Freedom in the Americas in meaningful conversations about how AI can be used responsibly to advance progress while safeguarding individual freedoms and democratic institutions. This dialogue reflects MDC\u2019s role as a convener of diverse ideas and perspectives that help shape our collective future and strengthen the democratic values that unite us.\u201d<\/p>\n Under the theme \u201cHow Can We Protect Well-Being Without Sacrificing Freedom in the Age of Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence?\u201d the dialogue will examine how democratic societies can address emerging threats while safeguarding constitutional institutions, individual rights and public trust.<\/p>\n \u201cThe realities in Spain and the Americas, together with the experience of the dictatorships associated with twenty-first-century socialism, have brought into question the importance of the democratic, constitutional state governed by the rule of law. This model appears to be weakening as the conquest of markets accelerates, along with the resulting dismantling of borders and national sovereignty. Meanwhile, amid a global war of narratives, the West is allowing itself to be seduced by alternative, authoritarian models,\u201d said Asdr\u00fabal Aguiar, Secretary General of IDEA Group.<\/p>\n The discussions will address the influence of social media and AI on public opinion, the erosion of institutional trust, political polarization and the tension between security and individual freedoms. Participants will examine how governments can counter cyberattacks, organized crime and hybrid warfare while safeguarding democratic rights, and how to regulate digital platforms and AI without compromising freedom of expression or enabling censorship.<\/p>\n The gathering will feature a distinguished group of former heads of state and government, including:<\/p>\n Jos\u00e9 Mar\u00eda Aznar, former prime minister of Spain Media Registration<\/p>\n Media representatives interested in attending the XI Presidential Dialogue must register in advance. RSVP is required. Please complete the media credential request form.<\/a><\/p>\n Additional information regarding media access and event logistics will be provided to confirmed attendees<\/p>\n XI PRESIDENTIAL DIALOGUE: 2026 PROGRAM<\/p>\n 8 a.m. | Registration<\/p>\n 9 a.m. | Official Inauguration of the XI Presidential Dialogue<\/p>\n Madeline Pumariega, president, Miami Dade College and the Institute for the Freedom of the Americas 9:30 a.m. | Presentation of the Presidential Dialogue<\/p>\n Asdr\u00fabal Aguiar, Secretary General, Grupo IDEA 10:00 a.m. \u2013 11:15 a.m. | Panel I: Freedom and The Rule of Law Vs. Stability in the Americas: Where Do Liberal Democracies Stand?\u00a0<\/p>\n Speakers: Laura Chinchilla, Costa Rica; Jamil Mahuad, Ecuador; Jeanine A\u00f1ez, Bolivia and Hip\u00f3lito Mej\u00edas, Rep\u00fablica Dominicana.<\/p>\n Moderator: Idania Chirinos, NTN24<\/p>\n 11:15 a.m. \u2013 12:30 p.m. | Panel II: Freedom of Expression and Information, Corporate Power and Economic Freedoms: Who Controls the Digital Space and Its Surveillance Capitalism?<\/p>\n Speakers: Federico Franco, Paraguay; Jorge Tuto Quiroga, Bolivia; Miguel \u00c1ngel Rodr\u00edguez E., Costa Rica and \u00c1lvaro Uribe V., Colombia<\/p>\n Moderator: Claudia Gurisatti, NTN24<\/p>\n 12.30 pm. \u2013 12:45 pm | Closing Ceremony, Presentation of Prize to Mar\u00eda Corina Machado <\/p>\n \u201cThe Future of the West and Freedom\u201d: Declaration of the IDEA Group EVENT DETAILS<\/p>\n What: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 XI Presidential Dialogue of Grupo IDEA<\/p>\n Theme: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 How Can We Protect Well-Being Without Sacrificing Freedom in the Digital and Artificial Intelligence Era?<\/p>\n When: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. \u00a0Livestream: MDC Live<\/a><\/p>\n Where: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus, Auditorium, Building 1, Second Floor, 300 N.E. Second Ave., Miami, FL<\/p>\n About Miami Dade College<\/p>\n Miami Dade College (MDC) is the most diverse institution in the nation, with 167 nations and 63 languages represented in its student body. The college\u2019s eight campuses and outreach centers offer over 300 distinct degree pathways, including associate and baccalaureate degrees, certifications and apprenticeships. MDC is the recipient of many top national awards, including the prestigious Aspen Prize, and has been ranked #3 among Top Public Institutions in the Southern Region by U.S. News & World Report. The College changes lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences. It is home to the Miami Culinary Institute, the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex, the Miami Fashion Institute, The Idea Center, the Cybersecurity Center of the Americas, two AI Centers, the Center for Learning, Innovation and Simulation at the Medical Campus, the Business Innovation & Technology Center, the School for Advanced Studies and New World School of the Arts, among others. MDC has been recognized among the nation\u2019s \u201cGreat Colleges to Work For\u201d since the program\u2019s inception.\u00a0The College serves as an economic, cultural and civic leader for the advancement of our diverse global community. MDC alumni and employees contribute more than $5 billion annually to the local economy, and graduates occupy top leadership positions in every major industry. MDC\u2019s renowned rich cultural programming includes the Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, the National Historic Landmark Miami Freedom Tower, Koubek Center Mansion and Gardens, Live Arts Miami at MDC, the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives, and the Museum of Art and Design.\u00a0 MDC has admitted more than 2.5 million students and counting, since it opened its doors in 1960.\u00a0Approximately 125,000 students are currently enrolled. For more information, visit\u00a0www.mdc.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n XI Presidential Dialogue Media Contacts:<\/p>\n O\u2019Connell & Goldberg PR: <\/p>\n Leslie Franco: rnehring@oandgpr.com<\/a>. Cell phone: 954-592-9108<\/p>\n
\nLaura Chinchilla, former president of Costa Rica
\nJamil Mahuad, former president of Ecuador
\nJeanine \u00c1\u00f1ez, former president of Bolivia
\nHip\u00f3lito Mej\u00eda, former president of the Dominican Republic
\nFederico Franco, former president of Paraguay
\nJorge \u201cTuto\u201d Quiroga, former president of Bolivia
\nMiguel \u00c1ngel Rodr\u00edguez, former president of Costa Rica
\n\u00c1lvaro Uribe, former president of Colombia
\nV\u00edctor Bisono, minister of foreign affairs, Dominican Republic
\nLuis Almagro, former secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS)<\/p>\n
\nNelson J. Mezerhane Gosen, trustee, IDEA Democr\u00e1tica Foundation and publisher of Diario Las Am\u00e9ricas.
\nV\u00edctor Bisono, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic<\/p>\n
\nJos\u00e9 Mar\u00eda Aznar, Former President of Spain<\/p>\n
\nRemarks by Luis Almagro, former Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS)
\nPresentation of the 2026 Sebasti\u00e1n Pi\u00f1era Prize for Freedom to Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Venezuelan opposition leader Mar\u00eda Corina Machado.<\/p>\n