Delivered on December 18, 2025 at the IHRA Plenary in Jerusalem.
Argentine Presidency 2026 of the IHRA
Dear IHRA President, querido Dani Dayan,
Dear IHRA Secretary General, Michaela Küchler,
Dear IHRA Advisors, Dr. Robert Williams and Sir Andrew Burns,
IHRA authorities, plenary delegates, and partner organizations,
Dear all,
It is a double honor to sit here with you today in this city of Jerusalem, the heart of the Jewish people, while representing my country, Argentina, as the incoming Chair of this organization—so essential to the world’s collective memory.
It is impossible to put so many emotions into words. In this very special place, I pledge to dedicate my utmost efforts to Argentina's IHRA presidency next year.
In 2026, for the first time, IHRA delegates will cross the equator. Argentina has been a full member of this organization for more than 20 years, and this will be the first time that a country of the Global South hosts these valuable plenary meetings.
For those who do not know me, I assumed the presidency of the Buenos Aires Holocaust Museum back in 2017 and led the renewal of its exhibition with a technological and interactive approach. During the inauguration ceremony of the renovated Museum, I highlighted that since the return of democracy in our country in 1983, all governments—regardless of political orientation—have maintained a clear and increasing commitment to Holocaust remembrance, making it a true State policy, which is quite rare in our region.
President Javier Milei announced Argentina’s candidacy at the Yom HaShoah ceremony in May 2024, and it was approved by this assembly at the London plenary. A few months ago, the government granted me the great honor of serving as the next IHRA Chair.
Since then, we have been working intensively with the Argentine Foreign Ministry to ensure that—despite the long journey—you will have the best possible experience. We are convinced that our presidency will bring IHRA closer to Latin America and Latin America closer to IHRA. One of the projects of my presidency will be related to this matter and the other one will involve documentary archives. That is why we have chosen the theme: “Expanding the frontiers of remembrance.”
Both plenaries will be held in the city of Buenos Aires. The first one from Monday June 1 to Thursday, June 4, and the second one from Monday, November 2, to Thursday, November 5. On Sunday, May 31, and Sunday, November 1, the two conferences will take place, and we sincerely hope you will be able to attend those as well.
We trust that, in addition to continuing the organization’s essential work, you will have the opportunity to learn about what we have accomplished in our country in the field of Holocaust remembrance over the years, what we are doing today, and the enormous potential for impact that IHRA can further cultivate in Argentina and throughout Latin America, home to more than 650 million people. We will also gain the opportunity to reach the global Spanish-speaking community more powerfully—the fourth most spoken language in the world.
We are truly enthusiastic about the challenges that await us in 2026 and about the opportunity to open new conversations that will enrich the ones already underway. We embrace this responsibility with deep commitment, and I am proud to be accompanied here today by the person who will serve as IHRA Deputy Chair next year, Ambassador Fabiana Loguzzo.
Alongside the Foreign Ministry, Argentina’s local IHRA chapter includes the Secretary of Education, the Secretary for Human Rights, and various civil society organizations such as our Museum. You will be welcomed with particular warmth by the Holocaust survivors living in our country—more than 5,000 arrived after the war and became the cornerstone of Holocaust remembrance in Argentina. Today, around 150 survivors are with us. I would like to thank all of them for the work we have undertaken together and for what we will continue to do as we prepare for Argentina’s presidency.
In Jewish tradition we say, “LeShaná Haba’á B’Yerushalayim”—next year in Jerusalem.
Today, from Jerusalem, we say with deep emotion and commitment: “Next year, in Buenos Aires.”
We will be delighted to welcome you.
Thank you very much.