Democracy today faces one of its greatest tests. From Northern Europe to South Americas, from East Asia to West Africa, democratic societies are suffering the strain of rising political extremism and declining public trust.

To confront this crisis, citizens and leaders are searching for models of democratic renewal that can bridge divides, restore confidence, and redress the sources of citizen discontent.

“It is imperative to promote a common strategy to confront growing inequality, disinformation, and the challenges posed by digital technologies,” wrote the Presidents of Spain, Chile, Colombia, Brazil, and Uruguay following their July summit in Santiago.

Now, these leaders are gathering once again at a special event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly — to grow the coalition in defense of democracy and to pay homage to the late Uruguayan President José ‘Pepe’ Mujica who was its lifelong champion.

Mujica's extraordinary journey — from political prisoner to 40th President of Uruguay — offers lessons for democratic societies everywhere. Combining authenticity, humility, and a powerful agenda of economic transformation, Mujica proved that democracy thrives not through grand rhetorical gestures but through daily acts of political inclusion, and that true service prioritizes human dignity over personal victory.

On 24 September, the Panamerican Congress, the Foro Iniciativa Mujica, and the Remarque Institute invite you to a special event in honor of President Mujica, bringing together presidents, parliamentarians, and civil society leaders to celebrate his legacy and advance the struggle to strengthen democratic societies from Montevideo to Madrid, Mexico City to Manhattan.

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