Cuban activist Carolina Barrero, who leads the organization Citizenship and Freedom, is making her presence felt at the 2026 Copenhagen Democracy Summit. This prestigious annual event, hosted by the Alliance of Democracies Foundation, is taking place on May 12 and 13 at the Royal Danish Playhouse in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Barrero is joining the discussion panel titled "Overthrowing Dictatorships" alongside notable figures such as Iranian activist Masih Alinejad, Ugandan opposition figure Bobi Wine, Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo López, and Nobel Peace Prize winner and Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.
The session will be guided by Damon Wilson, who serves as the president of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).
"It's an honor to participate with key political figures in the fight for freedom, voices from different corners of the globe demanding that the democratic world stand up for those risking their lives for liberty," Barrero shared on her social media platforms, announcing her involvement.
Barrero's Focus on Effective Political Pressure
Barrero intends to focus her remarks on a pressing question: "How does political pressure translate into real transformation? International attention alone is not a change program. Turning it into one requires strategic clarity, political will, and, most importantly, listening to the Cuban civil society, which has been building alternatives both within and in exile for years."
Heightened Tensions with Cuba
Her participation comes amid heightened pressure from the Trump administration on the Cuban regime. Since January 2026, over 240 sanctions have been imposed by Washington, including the re-designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism on January 20. Additionally, two executive orders were signed, and on May 7, direct sanctions were placed on GAESA, the military conglomerate that controls between 40% and 70% of the Cuban economy.
Diplomatic Efforts for Change
Barrero's involvement in the Danish forum is part of a broader diplomatic initiative led by Citizenship and Freedom over recent months. In April, Barrero and program coordinator Amelia Calzadilla traveled to Brussels urging the EU to suspend its Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement with Cuba and to impose individual sanctions on military leaders and the Castro family.
Following these meetings, the European Union began an internal review process of the agreement, and European parliamentarians recently announced a resolution to pressure the regime.
On May 8, Barrero also publicly highlighted that the fall of the dictatorship does not automatically ensure democracy in Cuba, emphasizing the need for a clear strategy for the transition period.
The Copenhagen Democracy Summit explicitly excludes dictators, bringing together global political leaders, activists, and decision-makers. This year's edition is centered on the theme "Building an Alliance of Democracies in a New World (Dis)Order," as Barrero noted the critical question for democracies is what they are willing to defend and at what cost.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Copenhagen Democracy Summit
What is the Copenhagen Democracy Summit?
The Copenhagen Democracy Summit is an annual high-level event organized by the Alliance of Democracies Foundation, gathering leaders, activists, and decision-makers to discuss and promote democratic values worldwide.
Who is Carolina Barrero?
Carolina Barrero is a Cuban activist and the president and CEO of Citizenship and Freedom, an organization dedicated to advocating for democracy and freedom in Cuba.
What topics are being discussed at this year's summit?
This year's summit focuses on "Building an Alliance of Democracies in a New World (Dis)Order," addressing how democracies can unite to defend their values in a changing global landscape.