HM the King He presided over the approval of the 2026 Action Plan at the Zarzuela Palace. Carolina FoundationThis roadmap, entitled "Global Partnerships for Innovation, Knowledge and Capacity Building", activates 736 scholarships postgraduate and doctoral programs to promote technology, the role of women in STEM and the defense of human rights and democracy.
The 36th ordinary session of the Board of Trustees was attended by high-level institutional and business representatives. The event brought together the Prime Minister and the Executive Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Pedro Sánchez; to the First Vice President and Minister of Finance, María Jesús Montero; and to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Jose Manuel Albares, along with a prominent delegation from the Spanish private sector.
Strategic pillars: Innovation and democratic commitment
The core of the meeting was the validation of the strategic plan for the coming year. According to the institution, the new training program maintains consistency with previous pillars but intensifies its focus on areas critical for global development. The program seeks to forge global alliances and networks that promote knowledge exchange in the Ibero-American space.
The director of the Carolina Foundation, Erika Rodriguez PinzonHe emphasized that this effort aligns with the priorities of the Spanish Cooperation, paying special attention to "the promotion of regional security and the strengthening of democracy as essential pillars for sustainable development."
The following details the key figures and pillars approved in the session:
| Concept | Details of the 2026 Plan |
|---|---|
| Plan Name | Global partnerships for innovation, knowledge and capacity building |
| Volume of Scholarships | 736 scholarships (Postgraduate and Doctoral) |
| Priority Areas | Technology, Innovation, Women in STEM |
| Social Commitment | Human rights, democratic institutions and social protection |
Public diplomacy and public-private collaboration
During your speech, Pedro Sánchez He expressed his gratitude for the work of the organization's technical and management team. The president emphasized that the institution "continues to be an essential and highly effective tool for development cooperation and public diplomacy in all its aspects."
For his part, the minister Jose Manuel Albares He emphasized the role of the Foundation in the Latin American region, highlighting "the magnificent reception that the Carolina Foundation has contributed to the advancement of democracy in Latin America.” She also noted that this commitment is reflected in initiatives supporting human rights defenders.
The session highlighted the strong public-private collaboration that underpins the Foundation, with the attendance of ministers such as Charles Body (Economy), Diana morant (Science) and high-ranking officials of the AECIDFrom the business sector, leaders of key companies that are employers for the Spanish foreign economy attended:
- Carlos Torres Vila, President of BBVA.
- Juan Manuel Cendoya, VP Santander Spain.
- Florentino Pérez, Chairman of the Grupo ACS.
- Jaime Alfonsín Alfonso, President of the Iberdrola Foundation.
- Trinidad Jimenez, Director of Global Public Affairs Strategy at Telefónica.
- Mercedes Gómez Badiola, director of Institutional Relations of Repsol Foundation.
- Felipe Campos (AGBAR), Fernando Carrillo (Prisa Group), Monica Malo (MINT), Jose Manuel Inchausti (MAPFRE), Juan Santamaria (Abertis) and Manuel Illueca (ICO).
Key points and frequently asked questions about the Carolina Foundation's 2026 Plan
How many scholarships have been approved for the 2026 call for applications?
The Board of Trustees has approved a total of 736 scholarships intended for postgraduate and doctoral training, maintaining the continuity of academic excellence programs.
What are the main focuses of the new action plan?
The plan prioritizes the technological innovation and the promotion of vocations STEM among women. It also maintains strong support for programs on human rights, democracy, and social protection.
Who are the members of the Board of Trustees that approved this plan?
Chaired by HM the KingThe Board of Trustees includes the Government of Spain (President and key Ministers) and presidents and directors of large Spanish companies such as BBVA, Santander, Telefónica, Repsol e Iberdrola, among others.
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