Foro La Toja Award – Josep Piqué
The Foro La Toja – Josep Piqué Award is a distinguished recognition granted annually to a person or entity that has made a significant contribution to strengthening the values that define liberal democracies and to progress in economic, political, or social fields. This award is named after Josep Piqué, a prominent politician, economist, and former Spanish minister, whose legacy is associated with the defense of political pluralism, international cooperation, and the promotion of democracy and freedom in their diverse forms.
The award aims to recognize those who, through their work and commitment, have demonstrated strong support for the principles of the social market economy, individual freedom, equality, and respect for human rights, as reflected in the mission of Foro La Toja – Vínculo Atlántico. The recipients are selected for their ability to face current challenges that threaten democratic balance and for their efforts to promote innovative solutions that ensure a fairer and more sustainable future for free societies.
Through this award, Foro La Toja seeks not only to honor those who contribute to strengthening democratic values but also to promote dialogue and reflection on the major global challenges and how to address them from a perspective that values cooperation, social justice, and respect for fundamental freedoms.
The award aims to recognize those who, through their work and commitment, have demonstrated strong support for the principles of the social market economy, individual freedom, equality, and respect for human rights, as reflected in the mission of Foro La Toja – Vínculo Atlántico. The recipients are selected for their ability to face current challenges that threaten democratic balance and for their efforts to promote innovative solutions that ensure a fairer and more sustainable future for free societies.
Through this award, Foro La Toja seeks not only to honor those who contribute to strengthening democratic values but also to promote dialogue and reflection on the major global challenges and how to address them from a perspective that values cooperation, social justice, and respect for fundamental freedoms.
Josep Borrell
High Representative of the Union for
Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
This year, the Foro La Toja – Josep Piqué Award was presented to Josep Borrell in recognition of his career. In his speech, Josep Borrell reflected on current global challenges and the need to strengthen democracy and European unity. He emphasized the importance of public action in the face of market system limitations. Finally, he highlighted the importance of a common European identity and advocated for cooperation and investment in security and technology to address global threats.
Ángel Gurría
Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (2006–2021)
The first Foro La Toja – Josep Piqué Award was granted in 2021 to Ángel Gurría, a Mexican economist and politician who served as the Secretary-General of the OECD from 2006 until May 2021. This recognition, presented during the inaugural session of the III Foro La Toja, highlighted his career and contribution to strengthening representative democracies and the Atlantic bond.
Ukrainian people
The Foro La Toja Award was granted to the Ukrainian people in recognition of their invaluable efforts to strengthen and develop representative democracies and the Atlantic bond. The award ceremony took place during the opening of Foro La Toja 2022, where the King presented the award to the Ukrainian ambassador to Spain. This accolade highlights the heroic resistance of the Ukrainian people, seen not only as a territorial defense but as a struggle for a democratic and open society.
Afghan Women's
Association
Association
In 2023, the award was granted to the Association of Afghan Women as a statement condemning the repression suffered by these women following the arrival of the Taliban regime in 2021. Their spokesperson, Sunita Nasir, was in charge of receiving this recognition, taking the opportunity to call for more support against the deprivation of freedom faced by her compatriots. Nasir concluded her speech demanding, on behalf of this group, a chance to contribute to society and achieve economic independence.