Each year, the Spanish Public Policy Network brings together students, professionals, and leaders in public policy for our flagship Annual Conference in the United States. The conference serves as a dynamic forum to explore pressing issues in public policy through expert panels, institutional visits, and networking events.
In 2025, we proudly expanded our reach by hosting our first Annual Conference in Spain—marking an important milestone in establishing the association there and strengthening connections with our growing community in Spain.
Past editions of our Washington, DC conference have featured exclusive visits to leading international institutions, including the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the U.S. Congress, and the U.S. Senate. Participants have engaged in insightful discussions with professionals and policymakers, gaining firsthand perspectives on global policy challenges.
Beyond the formal program, the conference fosters meaningful connections through informal networking events—happy hours, dinners, and social gatherings—where members and institutional representatives can connect in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
If you are building your career in the field, shaping it from within, or are specializing in public policy, we invite you to join our community and and stay connected for updates on future Annual Conferences!
SPPN Annual Conference 2025 – Washington, D.C.
In November 2025, from the 13th to the 15th, SPPN hosted its IV Annual Conference, “El Reorden Mundial,” in Washington, D.C., once again bringing together Spanish professionals specialized in public policy from across the United States and Spain.
Participants had the opportunity to visit the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the European Union Delegation to the United States, where they learned from Spanish professionals working at these institutions. They also engaged with the private sector during a happy hour organized in collaboration with FTI Consulting.
As part of the Annual Conference, expert panels addressed key issues shaping today’s global landscape, including geoeconomics and the race for competitiveness; defense and security within the new global order; the impact of artificial intelligence and technology on public policy; political polarization and the role of the media; and international alliances, with a particular focus on Latin America.
Among others, panelists included Xiana Margarida Méndez, Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund; Federico Steinberg, Prince of Asturias Distinguished Visiting Professor at Georgetown University; Paloma Bernal Turnes, Senior Economic Advisor at Costa Rica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Guillermo Corral, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Spain in the United States; Professor Jonas Tamas, former advisor to the President of the United States; Pablo Molina, Interim CIO at Drexel University and Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University in Ethics and Technology; Antonio Vargas, Principal for Global Trade and Economic Security at Amazon; Ana Irene Delgado, Permanent Representative of Panama to the Organization of American States; Edison Lanza, Permanent Representative of Uruguay to the Organization of American States; as well as Spanish correspondents from leading print, radio, and television media outlets.
This Annual Conference further strengthened Spanish talent in the field of public policy, fostering a growing community of distinguished professionals who are shaping the policies that will define the future in Spain, the European Union, the United States, and beyond.
SPPN Annual Conference 2025 – Spain
From June 13th to 15th, 2025, we had the privilege of hosting the first National Conference of the Spanish Public Policy Network (SPPN) in Madrid, bringing together young professionals and students passionate about public policy and international development.
Over three days, we combined learning, networking, and insightful discussions. On June 13, we started with a visit to La Moncloa, where we met with José Fernández-Albertos, Secretary-General and Director of Public Policy. Later, we went to the Spanish Congress to gain firsthand insight into legislative work and engage in direct conversations with members of parliament. The day wrapped up with a Happy Hour, organized with alumni from Harvard, Columbia, Georgetown, MIT, and other top universities in public policy.
The next day, we hosted two inspiring panels, beginning with opening remarks from Fernando Prieto, Secretary-General of the Fundación Consejo España-EE.UU. The first panel, titled “Public policies in Spain,” featured Juan Luis Redondo Maillo (Director of Public Policy at Telefónica) and Javier Soria Espín (Laboratorio de Oportunidades). The second, “International development from Spain,” featured Rafael Dezcallar (President of Ayuda en Acción) and Elena García Aragón (CAF).
We concluded the conference with valuable insights, new friendships, and an even stronger drive to continue building a community of change-makers in the public sector and international cooperation. We are deeply grateful to all the speakers, institutions, and participants who made the event possible and joined us.
SPPN Annual Conference 2024 – Washington, D.C.
On November 8–9, 2025, the third edition of the SPPN Annual Conference brought two inspiring days of learning, reflection, opportunity, and new friendships.
We visited the International Monetary Fund, where Spaniards in leadership positions shared insights into the IMF’s work and their respective roles. At the World Bank, Spain’s new Executive Director and her team offered a closer look at the institution’s work and spoke about career opportunities for young professionals.
At the Inter-American Development Bank, we heard from the Executive Director and the CEO of IDB Lab about how the Lab supports high-impact projects across Latin America.
The weekend concluded with high-level panels at Georgetown University and the Embassy of Spain, featuring expert speakers on global policy challenges and a conversation on the U.S. presidential elections with Spanish journalists reporting from Washington, D.C.
