(Madrid, 30-31 October 2025)
The Culture and Religious Tolerance Foundation (In Spanish, Fundación de la Cultura y Tolerancia Religiosa – FCTR) had the honour of participating in the Ibero-American Future Congress, held in Madrid on 30 and 31 October at the emblematic Casa de América, and organised by the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB) and the Encuentros del Futuro Foundation (FEF).
This edition marks a milestone in the international expansion of the Future Congress, an initiative launched by the Chilean Senate in 2011 with the aim of bringing science and knowledge closer to the public in order to enrich public debate. Since then, the Future Congress has established itself as the leading scientific and humanistic outreach event in Chile and Latin America, thanks to the collaboration between the Senate, the Chamber of Deputies, Chilean universities, the Academy of Sciences, the executive branch and the Encuentros del Futuro Foundation. Its sustained growth, its presence in regions throughout Chile and its progressive global projection have allowed it to be held outside Latin America for the first time.
The conference brought together some of the most prominent voices in Latin America and Europe: renowned scientists, thinkers, academics, and political and social leaders. Participants included such prominent figures as Nobel Prize winner in Physics Serge Haroche, neuroscientist Mariano Sigman, former footballer and lecturer Jorge Valdano, as well as leading figures in Iberian politics such as Michelle Bachelet and Josep Borrell.
One of the highlights of the conference was the speech by His Majesty King Felipe VI, who participated on the second day and expressed his clear support for the Chilean model of dialogue between science, politics and society. The monarch stressed the need to strengthen cooperation in strategic areas such as digital transformation, sustainability and social development, noting that this edition represents ‘a valuable opportunity to continue reflecting together on the role of Latin America in the world.’ He also recognised the institutional work of SEGIB and FEF in promoting this space as a permanent forum for reflection, knowledge and joint work.
For our institution, participating in an event of this importance reaffirms our commitment to dialogue based on knowledge and cooperation between cultures. At a time when global challenges require collective thinking, we firmly believe that science, culture and tolerance must advance hand in hand.
With the participation of prominent figures and the support of high-level institutions, we consider this conference to be a milestone for Latin America: not only as a platform for ideas, but also as a space to transform them into concrete and lasting projects. The Culture and Religious Tolerance Foundation will remain committed to initiatives and alliances that promote coexistence, diversity and the construction of a common future.
