“Más Cultura del Acuerdo” (MCA) to foster mediation and dialogue in Spain

Iberian Lawyer can exclusively reveal the launch of Más Cultura del Acuerdo (MCA), a non-profit association founded by prominent lawyers Marlen Estévez Sanz, Clara Cerdán Molina, Ana Martínez Eguídanos, and Pilar Cuesta de Loño. The initiative aims to promote dialogue, consensus-building, and mediation as effective tools for resolving conflicts in various sectors of society. MCA emerges at a time of growing social polarisation, offering a path toward collaboration and constructive engagement.

Promoting mediation and the culture of agreement

At the core of MCA’s mission is the goal of equipping society with the tools and knowledge to adopt mediation as a practical method for addressing disputes. Through targeted education and awareness campaigns, the association seeks to emphasise the intrinsic value of dialogue and agreement as essential components of harmonious coexistence.

Led by a board of directors chaired by Marlen Estévez Sanz, MCA is supported by a high-profile advisory council composed of leaders from the business, legal, and social spheres. Among its members are Antonio Garamendi (President of CEOE), Pascual Sala (former President of the Constitutional Court), Miquel Roca (co-author of Spain’s Constitution), and Victoria Ortega (former President of the General Council of Spanish Lawyers), alongside other distinguished figures.

Rooted in collaboration and expertise

The foundation for MCA lies in Estévez’s 2022 book, De la Cultura del Litigio a la Cultura del Acuerdo (From the Culture of Litigation to the Culture of Agreement). The book brought together diverse voices—including political leaders, business executives, and cultural figures—to showcase the potential for finding common ground even in times of tension. Contributors included Fernando Carrillo (former Minister of Colombia), Silvia Sanz (orchestra conductor), and Nathalie Sequeira (lawyer at CIADI).

The book’s exploration of fostering a culture of agreement, the importance of emotional skills in conflict resolution, and the centrality of mediation now forms the philosophical backbone of MCA’s efforts. As Estévez explains, “Mediation and agreement-building are not just tools; they are mindsets that can transform how we approach conflicts in every aspect of society, from education to business.”

A Landmark Legislative Moment

The launch of MCA aligns with a significant legislative development: the 19 December 2024 approval of the Ley Orgánica de medidas en materia de eficiencia del Servicio Público de Justicia (Organic Law on measures for efficiency in the Public Justice Service). Soon to be published in the Boletín Oficial del Estado, this law marks a pivotal step for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in Spain.

The legislation prioritises mediation and arbitration, particularly in civil and commercial disputes, as tools to alleviate the burden on courts. By fostering faster, more consensual solutions, mediation reduces judicial congestion while promoting outcomes that benefit all parties involved.

Strategic objectives and vision

MCA is set to begin with a pilot project in collaboration with the ISDE – Higher Institute of Law and Economics, introducing mediation principles to students aged 14 to 16 in private schools across Spain. This initiative includes educational videos, workshops, and opportunities for students to propose projects demonstrating how to implement a culture of agreement within their communities.

The association also seeks to build partnerships with public administrations, businesses, and other organisations to integrate mediation as a practical alternative to litigation. Forums, events, and media campaigns will amplify the message of the social and economic benefits of dialogue and consensus-building.

On the international stage, MCA plans to replicate its efforts in countries such as Colombia, Chile, and the United States, leveraging its network of global contributors to foster a broader culture of agreement.

Broader implications

The creation of Más Cultura del Acuerdo highlights the growing importance of alternative conflict resolution methods in Spain. As the judicial system continues to face significant challenges, MCA’s work complements the legislative push toward mediation, positioning the association as a key player in fostering collaborative solutions.

Co-founder Clara Cerdán Molina underlined the association’s mission: “In an increasingly polarised and tense society, we believe it is essential to launch the association Más Cultura del Acuerdo (MCA) to promote dialogue and the constructive resolution of problems as the foundation for social growth and peaceful coexistence.”

With its focus on younger generations, institutional collaborations, and international expansion, MCA aspires to become a transformative force in mediation and dialogue. As Estévez reflects, “This is more than an association—it’s a movement to remind us that agreement is possible, even in the most divided contexts.”

“The birth of Más Cultura del Acuerdo stems from a deep conviction in the value of resolving conflicts through dialogue and consensus-building, as well as the responsibility to promote these approaches across various levels of today’s social reality. For this reason, the association is committed to advancing education and sharing the information needed to strengthen this much-needed culture of agreement.”, concludes Pilar Cuesta.