The Convention - Liberal Festival
ABOUT
The Convention is a global gathering of free market and libertarian think tanks, organised by New Direction. Set in the Spanish capital of Madrid and hosted at the Instituto Juan de Mariana, the conference will provide a unique opportunity for liberal think tanks to share policy ideas and build an expansive network of likeminded institutions.
Our aim is to establish a world-wide agenda for strengthening and developing free markets, and to inspire a new generation of free market supporters. Faced with the current rise of protectionist and authoritarian politics, we believe that the time is ripe for a new free market strategy; which champions the record of free markets in raising living standards across the world and provides a comprehensive reform agenda for the future.
The Convention - Liberal Festival
Our challenge
A global opinion study on attitudes towards capitalism, commissioned by the Legatum Institute in 2015, showed that the 2008 financial crash had seriously undermined support for the capitalist system. People agreed that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer in capitalist societies. This belief is in direct contradiction with the reality, with the proportion of the world’s population living in absolute poverty falling from 37% in 1990 to less than 10% today. The research also revealed widespread support for protectionist policies.
The public mood detected in this research has been explicitly expressed in the political turmoil of recent years. The rise of politicians offering protectionist and anti-market policies in the USA, Britain and the rest of Europe should alarm everyone who believes in free markets, free trade and a free society.
Similarly, developing countries in Latin America, Asia and Africa continue to cling to the policies which are halting their development, in a misguided attempt to defend their manufacturing industries and an unwarranted fear of multinational corporations.
Politicians listen to public opinion. There has not been a significant trade deal since NAFTA in 1994 and, extraordinarily in peace-time, the volume of international trade is falling in proportionate terms.
The anti-market movement is organised and global. As well as lobby groups, it brings together most aid organisations, development charities and other NGOs. There is, though, no counterweight making the case, worldwide, for the politics that lift the poor whenever they are applied. Public opinion may be against us, but we have the better story to tell.
The Convention - Liberal Festival
LOCATION
The Convention will be hosted in Madrid, Europe’s fifth largest city. Madrid provides a fitting location for such a wide-reaching summit, as it serves as a continental bridge to the Americas, and a crossroads between the north, south, east and west of Europe.
The Convention will take place at the new campus of Universidad Francisco Marroquin (UFM), to gather together the country’s flourishing liberal, free market organisations and to build a hub to network Latin American thinkers with Europe and the developing world.
The UFM, Madrid, Spain and the Spanish language will play a critical role in the future of free market ideas. Spanish is emerging as one of the most important languages in our globalized world and is now one of the main challengers to the predominance of English.
There are approximately 400 million native Spanish speakers in the world, making it the second most widely spoken language, with official language status in twenty-one countries. An additional sixty million people speak Spanish as a second language and it is becoming increasingly popular amongst students learning an additional language. The rapid emergence of Latin American economies means that Spanish language will become ever more important in discussions regarding trade, regulation and the global economy.
To reach the UFM from Madrid you can use the Bus line number 7 from "Alonso Martinez and Line 10 from "Plaza de Castilla"
The Convention - Liberal Festival
SPEAKERS
Help shape a brighter future for all together with prestigious speakers including: Juan Ramón Rallo, Daniel Hannan, Daniel Lacalle and more.
Tom Palmer
George M. Yeager Chair for Advancing Liberty and Executive Vice-President of Atlas Network, Germany
@TomgpalmerPablo Casado Blanco MP
Deputy Secretary of Communication of the Partido Popular, Spain
@pablocasado_Pedro Schwartz PhD
“Rafael del Pino” Professor of Economics, Spain, OBE
Jesús Huerta de Soto
Professor in the Department of Applied Economics at King Juan Carlos University of Madrid, Spain
@JHS_OficialIsabel Díaz Ayuso
PP Spokesperson at Madrid Parliament. Former Deputy Mininster for Justice at the Region of Madrid, Spain
@IdiazAyusoGabriel Calzada
President of Universidad Francisco Marroquín, Spain
Miguel Anxo Bastos
Professor of Political Science and Public Administration Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
@Bastos_QuotesAlexander Golovín i Sivera
Cofounder of the libertarian and pro-Independence think tank Catalans Lliures, Spain
@andersiveraÁngel Fernández PhD
Author, Economist UCM, Spain
Berta González de Vega
Contributor at El Mundo and founder of "No nacemos victimas" Spain
@martinidemarCarlos Gómez Pindado
Public Law and Criminal Justice Lawyer. Spain
Francisco Capella
Astrophysics and Artificial Intelligence, Co-Founder of Instituto Juan de Mariana, Spain
José Augusto Domínguez
Senior Programme Coordinator at ¨Centro de Estudios Superiores OMMA¨. Spain
@jadominguez1871Juan Luis Vicente Martín
Investor Relations, Spain
Juan Pina
Secretary General of Fundación para el Avance de la Libertad, Spain
José Antonio Peña
Profesor de Sistema Político en la Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Spain
Mario Noya
Director of "El Medio", Editor at Libertad Digital, Director of LD Libros (esRadio), Spain
@MarioNoyaMLeón Gómez Rivas PhD
Professor of Modern History and Economics, Spain
Ron Nehring
Director The Leadership Institute, National Spokesman for Ted Cruz in '16, US
@RonNehringRoxana Nicula
President of Fundación para el Avance de la Libertad, Spain
Sara Sánchez
National Coordinator of Students for Liberty, Spain
Themistoklis Asthenidis
Deputy Director ACRE, Managing Editor The Conservative.online, Greece
@TAsthenidisThe Convention - Liberal Festival
AGENDA
New Direction and will gather think tanks from Europe and around the world at the Universidad Francisco Marroquin to hear business leaders, academics, intellectuals, (free-market advocates) and other public figures discuss the future of free market ideas. The conference will also provide those think tanks present with the opportunity to organise an event as well as hold a stall inside the venue, to promote their brand, institution and policies to the conference participants.
Many different activities as well as food and beverage trucks will be available for the benefit of participants during the day. On Friday evening, participants are invited to attend ‘The Liberty Dinner’. The Instituto Juan de Mariana will present an Award to Alejandro Chafuen. Participants will also hear speeches from leading Liberatarians.
Friday, 1 June - Casino de Madrid
21.00 - 21.30
Welcome Reception
Liberal Thinking
21.30 - 24.00
La Cena de la Libertad & Juan De Mariana Award
Alejandro Chafuen
by Intituto Juan de Mariana
Saturday, 2 June - Universidad Francisco Marroquin
9.30 - 9.45
Antrum Platonicum
Tom Palmer is a true heavyweight of libertarian activism. He has carried the ideas of liberty to some of the most oppressed and dangerous parts of the planet, smuggling books into the Soviet Union and has overseen the translation of the great works of Bastiat and Hayek into regional languages to fight the dogma that state control employs.
The future of liberty and why it matters
By Tom Palmer
9.45 - 10.45
Antrum Platonicum
Following the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent recession in the western world, capitalism seemed to have been undermined, discredited and rejected in the eyes of too many voters. Are we seeing a return to liberal values? Or are we fighting a losing fight?
The Future of Liberalism
by New Direction
Moderator: Diego Sánchez de la Cruz
- Daniel Hannan MEP
- Daniel Lacalle
- Gabriel Calzada
- Juan Ramón Rallo
10.40 – 11.00
Atrium
The most polemical issue in recent Spanish history has attracted widespread international attention. With tensions high, how should we proceed from here? Two young Spanish activists have been working tirelessly in Catalonia, and will discuss their opposing views over the future of Spain.
Open Debate
Catalonia: What Next!
by The Conservative.online
Moderator: Ignasi Boltó
- Alexander Golovín i Sivera
- Javier Hurtado Mira
11.00 – 11.45
Scholasticus
Feminism, as it has grown, has come into conflict with fundamental liberal ideas. Is it possible to reconcile the equality of outcome demanded by modern feminism with a sensible, liberal perspective? Which is desirable for a society, if these who ideologies cannot coexist, and what must change?
Feminism Vs Liberalism
by Floridablanca
Moderator: Ignacio Sánchez
- Isabel Benjumea
- Guillermo Graiño
- Berta González de Vega
11.00 – 11.45
Anglia
Could localism provide a convincing answer to the deficit, both fiscal and democratic, suffered by central government? Does localism make the nation as a whole wealthier, freer, happier and more efficient? We will hear from the experts from the ECR’s Committee of Regions.
Localism; the solution?
by ECR group Committee of Regions
Moderator : Neva Sadikoglu
- Rob Jonkman
- Daniel Martínez
- Maru Pardal
- Radoslaw Fogiel
11.00 – 11.45
Populus Libertatis
The political formation of young people is an issue that cuts deep into the fabric of our culture and our society. How do we come to form the opinions we hold? Are we justified in holding these beliefs, or do we hold them due to a misconception, a bias, or a fallacious argument prevalent accross society? The discussion, to be moderated by Dr Javier Hurtado Mira, will centre on how liberals ought to see the world of the political youth.
Formation of young minds: a liberal perspective
by DEMYC
Moderator:Javier Hurtado Mira
- Isabel Díaz Ayuso
- Ana Collado
- Diego Gago
- Jacobo Pombo
11.00 – 11.45
Forum Libertati
Miguel Bastos and Jesus Huerta de Soto are going into the crucible. Both men are renowned professors and the top of their fields, both political economists belonging to the Austrian school and both will stop at nothing to lay down the truth about socialism and its effects on the life, prosperity and liberty of those living under it.
Wrath of Titans
by Xoan de Lugo
- Miguel Anxo Bastos
- Jesús Huerta de Soto
11.40 - 12.00
Atrium
In the heart of the convention, join our most talented speakers and debators discuss an issue central to liberal thought since the days of Smith and Ricardo. Daniel Hannan MEP, the "Brexit Architect", Tom Palmer, renowned scholar, author and activist and former President of Madrid Esperanza Aguirre, will make the intellectual and moral case for free trade.
Open Debate
Trade: the ultimate instrument for poverty alleviation, conflict resolution and social justice
by IFT
- Daniel Hannan MEP
- Esperanza Aguirre
- Tom G. Palmer
12.00 - 13.00
Antrum Platonicum
Europe stands at the crossroads of two competing futures. Ahead of the 2019 elections, Europe must choose between a future of cooperation of distinct free trading nation states, or a protectionist bloc.
The future of Europe
by New Direction
Moderator: Naweed Khan
- Jan Zahardil MEP
- Daniel Lacalle
- Alberto Zilio
12.55 - 13.15
Atrium
Two academics and fellow activists will discuss the feat of a lifetime out in the field supporting libertarian organisations. Alejandro Chafuen, former president and CEO of Atlas Economic Research Foundation, and Gabriel Calzada President of Universidad Francisco Marroquín, are staging an open debate.
Open Debate
A Life defending Liberty
By The Conservative.online
- Alejandro Chafuen
- Gabriel Calzada
13.15 – 14.00
Populus Libertatis
As Libertad Digital celebrates their 18-year anniversary in the business of promoting liberal values in the press, they also reflect on the past, present and future successes that will shape the way liberalism evolves over the coming decades.
Past, present and future of the right-leaning media
by Libertad Digital
Moderator: Manuel Llamas
- Rául Vilas
- Daniel Rodríguez Herrera
- Mario Noya
13.15 - 14.00
Scholasticus
The School of Salamanca is of the most important institutions of our civilisation, which guided us through the age of discovery and the renaissance, and now we turn again to Salamanca to challenge the very ideas which many of us take for granted.
Salamanca as a pillar of free thinking
by Centro Diego de Covarrubias
Moderator: Domingo Soriano
- Ángel Fernández
- León Gómez Rivas
13.15 - 14.00
Anglia
The Leadership institute leads the charge for training a new generation of conservative leaders. Having trained nearly 200,000 leaders and activists since its foundation, the institute will share its insight and expertise on a subject that has plagued conservatives at the ballot box. How do we connect Free Market Ideas to voters’ values?
Mind the Gap: How to Connect Free Market Ideas to Voters’ Values
by Leadership Institute
- Ron Nehring
13.15 – 14.00
Forum Libertati
Worldwide, liberal students are standing up for fundamental freedoms in Universities. The difference between opinion and incitement is under assault, and our institutions wilfully censor mainstream beliefs in an attempt to avoid offence. Students for Liberty is leading the charge internationally for campus freedom, and take centre stage in the Convention.
Defending Freedom in Universities
by SFL
Modertor: Alvaro Pavón
- Irune Ariño
- Juan Carlos Escudero
- Sara Sánchez
- Juan Luís Vicente Martín
13.45 -15. 30
Perfugium
The perfugium is a place of refuge. Cicero, a Roman statesman, spoke of how the Roman home is the “common refuge of all”. As Consul, he had no authority there, and each man was to find there a safe haven, free from the unwelcome interference of his State.
- Food stands
- Liberal Beers
- Concerts
- Open Mic with Daniel Hannan and Daniel Lacalle
14.10 - 14.30
Atrium
An open debate at the centre of the convention. Daniel Martinez is the leader of Spain's Libertarian party, and will discuss the doctrine as well as the strategy with José Augusto Dominguez, a student of law and master of Economics, belonging to the Austrian School. How can libertarians approach the coming decades?
Open Debate
A Libertarian conversation
By Instituto Juan de Mariana
- José Augusto Domínguez
- Daniel Martínez
14.15 - 15.15
Populus Libertatis
An ominous presence of the last few years of both domestic and international affairs alike, the issue of state-sponsored cyber-attacks is opening a new front for rival nations. The targets have often been our democracies themselves, sowing doubt and discontent. How best we understand these attacks and their motives? How will this frontline develop over the coming years?
From Russia without Love: Understanding Information Warfare and the Attack on Democracies
by Leadership Institute
- Ron Nehring
14.30 - 14.50
Atrium
Are we fighting a losing battle, one which will spell the end of freedom? An open debate led by two expert communicators on how we as liberals need to wage the war of ideas in a world which has been shifted to the left.
Open Debate
The end of freedom
By The Conservative.online
- Almudena Negro
- Fran Carrillo
15.00 - 15.20
Atrium
Those two Greek experts will give us a brief history of the Greek debt saga as well as practical examples on how protectionism, over-regulation, a bloated public sector and crony capitalism can bring a country to its knees. They will also explain why expectations for a "quiet summer" - or a "clean exit" from its third bailout programme this coming August - may prove to be nothing more nothing less than wishful thinking.
Open Debate
The Greek debt saga
By The Conservative.online
- Themistoklis Asthenidis
- Olympios Raptis
15.30 - 16.15
Anglia
Epicenter's Adam Bartha and the IEA's Kate Andrews are here at The Convention to finally put to rest some of the subtle misconceptions, insidious fallacies and downright myths that are perpetuated in public discourse.
10 Biggest Myths in Politics & The Economy
By Epicenter
- Adam Bartha
- Kate Andrews
15.30 - 16.15
Scholasticus
Inequality has been a mainstay of political discussion for many decades. But is inequality really threatening to undermine the integrity of our nations? Does inequality in our societies risk driving us to an economic or political crisis, or are our worries misdirected?
Inequality: the great theat of the XXI century?
By Instituto Juan de Mariana
Moderator: Francisco Capella
- Gabriel Calzada
- Juan Ramón Rallo
- Miguel Anxo Bastos
15.30 - 16.15
Populus Libertatis
What does it mean to have electoral freedom? Will the approaching upheaval in technology inevitably come at the cost of our democratic freedom, or can we capitalise on these improvements to return more decision making to the people?
The Electoral Freedom
By Fundación para el Avance de la Libertad
Modarator: Roxana Nicula
- José Antonio Peña
- Juan Pina
15.30 - 16.15
Forum Libertati
Ideas of hostility to technological progress has existed in many forms for hundreds of years. Technological liberalism offers us a pragmatic, optimistic ambition. To embrace new institutions, new technologies, we open ourselves to more creativity and flourishing in both our economy and our political system.
Technological liberalism as a key driver to social prosperity
By El Club de los Viernes
- Daniel Rodríguez
- Víctor Santana
16.30 - 17.30
Antrum Platonicum
How can we prepare ourselves for the unknown challenges of the future? Can we turn to the same guiding principles that have preserved liberal democracy in the past? The Convention looks to marry the disciplines of philosophy, politics and economics to chart out a moral, practicable and prosperous ambition for us all.
Talking with the Future
By The Convention
Moderator: Carlos Gómez Pindado
- Antonio Escohotado
- Esperanza Aguirre
- Pedro Schwartz
The Convention - Liberal Festival
PARTNERS
Don’t miss the opportunity for your think tank to share a platform with the most important free market advocates in the world. If you are a think tank, company or association, don’t hesitate to organise a event, or have a stand at The Convention and your logo represented all around the venue. This is your chance to promote your institution on a global stage and join an expansive network of like-minded think tanks that will lead the world in free market thought. This sponsorship package will include access to the conference and the full program, including the prestigious ‘Cena de la Libertad’ hosted by Insituto Juan de Mariana.