Ibero-American Conference
Initially held in 1991, the first Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Governments led to the establishment of the Ibero-American “Conference and the Ibero-American Community of Nations”. Conceived as a forum for the promotion of common political, economic, and cultural themes, the Ibero-American Conference also encourages cooperation among developing countries. Brazil is one of the main cooperation providers within this initiative, with projects in health, education, culture, tourism, household, and infrastructure.
The Ibero-American Summits bring together 22 countries – 19 from South and Central Americas (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela) and three from the Iberian Peninsula (Andorra, Spain, and Portugal).
Since the 24th Summit, the meetings occur biennially. They are coordinated by the Pro Tempore Secretariat (organized by the host country), in association with the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB).
The Ibero-American Conference also counts with Associate observers (States) and Consultative Observers (international organizations).
Besides meetings of Heads of State and Government, there are also meetings of Ministers of Foreign Affairs - the second most relevant body within the decision-making process -, National Coordinators, and Cooperation Officers. There are also ministerial meetings on a variety of technical themes, including events among businesspeople, members of parliament, and local government authorities.
The Conference also brings together the following institutions, which make up the “Ibero-American space”:
Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture (OEI);
Ibero-American Social Security Organization (OISS);
Ibero-American Youth Organization (OIJ);
Conference of Ministers of Justice of the Ibero-American Countries (COMJIB); and
Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB).