Madrid hosts the Imperial Springs International Forum for the first time, a key global platform for dialogue with China

  • The Forum, co-organised by Club de Madrid since 2016, will hold its ninth edition on 11–12 December, marking the first time it takes place outside China. It will bring together over 130 leaders and experts from more than 40 countries to discuss ways to strengthen multilateralism and global cooperation in the face of pressing challenges affecting societies worldwide
  • Under the title “Collective Action for One Future”, the Forum will address critical issues, including peace and security, green technology and artificial intelligence, and the financial frameworks needed to advance towards a sustainable and cooperative future
  • Featuring around 40 former heads of state and government, and international organisation representatives, alongside a high-level Chinese delegation, the event underscores the Forum’s commitment to inclusive, collaborative dialogue

The Imperial Springs International Forum (ISIF), co-organised by Club de Madrid, will hold its upcoming edition in Madrid on 11–12 December. This milestone marks the first time the Forum is held outside China, reflecting ISIF’s ambition to broaden multilateral dialogue by engaging a more diverse range of actors and fostering a more inclusive and cooperative global order.

ISIF 2024 will convene over 130 political leaders, dignitaries, and experts from more than 40 countries in Madrid. Participants will include former heads of state and government, academics, and representatives of international organisations. The Forum will also welcome officials from the Chinese and Spanish governments, with Madrid’s mayor attending as an institutional partner.

Under the theme “Collective Action for One Future”, ISIF 2024 will champion the value of multilateralism and international cooperation in today’s increasingly complex global landscape. Through dialogue with China, a key global actor for maintaining stability, the Forum will explore solutions to shared challenges amid growing polarisation and uncertainty. Discussions will cover global strategic stability, development financing, security challenges, and the future of multilateralism. Additionally, the Forum will seek joint approaches to critical issues such as green technology, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development.

The decision to hold ISIF 2024 in Madrid is a significant step forward in the debate on the future of multilateralism. It offers a remarkable opportunity to strengthen understanding and cooperation with a key global player. For two days, Madrid will become the global capital of dialogue and collaboration,” said Danilo Türk, President of Club de Madrid. “In today’s increasingly complex international context, we must build bridges and amplify voices. Only through enduring partnerships can we implement solutions that effectively benefit societies worldwide.”

This ninth edition of ISIF is expected to generate concrete proposals for implementing commitments made by the international community. A set of recommendations will conclude the Forum, reflecting a shared vision for addressing global challenges, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and fostering collective solutions.

 

 

About the Imperial Springs International Forum (ISIF)

The Imperial Springs International Forum is co-organised by Club de Madrid—the largest forum of democratically elected former heads of state and government—and strategic Chinese partners. ISIF has established itself as a leading 1.5-track dialogue platform, promoting multilateralism as an essential pathway for addressing shared global challenges. By fostering mutual understanding and cooperation, the Forum offers a constructive space for generating joint solutions to the pressing issues of a globalised world.

Each year, ISIF gathers in Guangzhou, bringing together Club de Madrid Members, Chinese and international authorities, diplomats, multilateral representatives, and influential thought leaders. The Forum’s strength lies in the trust and dialogue cultivated over years of collaboration between international leaders and Chinese experts.

The 2024 edition will take place at the Eurostars Madrid Tower Hotel, with the opening ceremony open to the press. High-profile representatives from the organisers of ISIF, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Australia-China Friendship and Exchange Association, and the People’s Government of Guangdong Province will attend the opening ceremony.