Queen Letizia highlights the global value of the Spanish language at the Cervantes Institute's Annual Meeting

Tenerife has become the epicenter of the debate on the future of Spanish with the annual meeting of directors of the Cervantes Institute, held for the first time in the Canary Islands. The event, which takes place at the University of La Laguna from July 28 to 30, was attended by Queen Letizia, who emphasized the role of the Spanish language as a vehicle for cultural connection , international understanding, and diplomatic outreach.

"Ultimately, a tool of seduction ," added Letizia, who also announced that she hopes to include institutional action linked to the Cervantes Institute on her next two state visits after the summer. "We must continue to focus so that Spanish society remains aware of the significance of an institution like the Cervantes Institute and the work each individual does at each center."

During her speech, the Queen praised the work of those responsible for the Cervantes centers around the world, acknowledging their daily dedication and the importance of their work in often adverse circumstances: "Thank you for your patience and effort in going to each of the centers every day, opening them, and managing a thousand problems you can't even imagine, pulling tricks out of your sleeves beyond your capabilities."

The opening session was marked by reflections by the director of the Instituto Cervantes, Luis García Montero, who outlined the twofold objective of the meeting: to take stock of the work accomplished and to outline strategic lines for the future. In his speech, he emphasized the need to respond to global challenges with new projects, such as the launch of a dictionary of Iberisms for Spain-Portugal relations, or the preparation for the fall of a Vargas Llosa Dictionary, as well as a poetry anthology by Oswaldo Chanove. Various authorities also participated in the event, including the President of the Canary Islands Government, Fernando Clavijo, and the Secretary of State for Latin America, Susana Sumelzo.

One of the key moments of the day was the discussion on Spanish as a border language, in which several directors of Cervantes centers addressed the language's situation in contexts such as the United States, Brazil, India, and sub-Saharan Africa. From the recognition of Spanish as a historical language in North America to its growing presence at universities in India and its linguistic competition with French in Africa, the speakers agreed on the need to adapt language promotion strategies to each local situation.

The meeting also highlighted recent achievements, such as the increase in female participation in the Institute's activities, the opening of new chairs around the world, and the rise of initiatives related to science and culture. Finally, the event featured a focus on Europe's relationship with Africa, in a lecture given by the director of Casa África, José Segura, who warned of the risks of a European foreign policy focused exclusively on the north of the continent.