Spain initiates worldwide collaborations for environmental sustainability

Spain has unveiled a new framework for sustainable development partnerships, under the country's Law on Cooperation for Sustainable Development and Global Solidarity. This initiative, which prioritises areas such as climate change, care systems, democracy, human rights, security, cultural exchanges, equality, employment, and sustainable production, aims to reinforce Spain's emphasis on mutual respect and joint action to address shared development challenges.

The new partnership model is not confined to national boundaries but extends to regional and global scopes. Unlike previous bilateral agreements, this model allows Spain and its partners to align on common regional and global priorities. This strategy positions Spain as an active player in shaping regional and global public goods.

The partnership with Uruguay, formalised during Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's official visit to Montevideo on July 22, 2025, serves as a testament to this new approach. The Spain-Uruguay Partnership for Sustainable Development, which covers the period 2025-2029, marks a departure from traditional aid models, involving cooperation with civil society, universities, the private sector, and public institutions in partner countries.

The initiative seeks to create inclusive, innovative, and transformative cooperation. It integrates feminist, multilateral, and rights-based approaches, reflecting Spain's commitment to gender equality and human rights.

Spain's Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, described the new framework as "more effective" in facing global challenges. The model is not limited to Uruguay; Spain has also established sustainable development partnerships with Germany and other countries. Further agreements are underway with Egypt and Panama, following the successful establishment of the Spain-Uruguay Partnership for Sustainable Development.

This broader strategy aligns with Spain's efforts to position itself as an active player in shaping regional and global public goods, contributing to the UN Agenda 2030 and sustainable development goals. The solutions aimed for are not merely national but also regional and global in scope, reflecting Spain's commitment to collective action in addressing the world's most pressing issues.