About President Gabriel Boric of Chile in Conversation
The Eccles Institute for the Americas 2026 Latin American Keynote Conversation
Join us at the British Library for a rare opportunity to hear former Chilean President Gabriel Boric, as he talks to journalist Isabel Hilton only weeks after completing his term in office. President Boric, Chile’s youngest ever president, entered government in 2022 with an ambitious programme to reform the country’s economic model, expand social services and respond to the deep social inequalities that had fuelled the 2019 uprising. His administration sought change against a backdrop of political fragmentation and debates on constitutional reform, security and social rights in Chile.
In this wide ranging conversation, Boric and Hilton explore his personal journey, the resilience required to defend democracy in this volatile political era and how Global South leadership can drive a climate agenda rooted in social inclusion. And they discuss the future of Latin America, and Chile in particular, as the region confronts the growing influence of the populist right.
This event will take place in Spanish with simultaneous surtitles in English.
Presented by The Eccles Institute for the Americas and Oceana at the British Library.
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Gabriel Boric Font
Gabriel Boric Font is a Chilean politician who served his four-year term as Chile’s 37th president from 2022 until March this year.
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Born in Punta Arenas, Boric grew up amid the cultural remoteness of the Magallanes region but developed strong interests in literature and poetry; an early intellectual grounding that shaped his political imagination. He then rose to national prominence while leading the University of Chile Student Federation during the 2011 student protests. The youngest president in Chile’s history, Boric and his government introduced major progressive social reforms, including Copago Cero, the 40 hour workweek law, as well as pension and mining royalty reforms while simultaneously developing efforts to stabilise inflation.
Isabel Hilton
Isabel Hilton is a London-based writer, broadcaster and a longtime international correspondent.
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She has reported extensively from Latin America and served as The Independent’s first Latin America Editor, covering political, environmental, and social developments across the region, including Chile. She is a Contributing Editor at Prospect, a Visiting Professor at King’s College London, and chair of several UK media and policy organisations. She was appointed OBE for her work on environmental awareness and holds two honorary doctorates.
About the Eccles Institute
The Eccles Institute builds, curates and preserves the Americas and Oceania contemporary collection at the Library and champions knowledge and understanding of these regions through a rich programme of fellowships and awards, cultural events, research training, guides to the collections and initiatives for schools.
For more information about the Institute and our collections, contact eccles-institute@bl.uk or visit our blog.
Venue and bar opening times
This event will take place in the British Library Knowledge Centre and is also available to watch online. Tickets may be booked to attend in person, or to watch online.
If you are attending in person, please note that the Knowledge Centre and the bar will be open from 18.00.
Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before the start time of this event. If you have specific access requirements please email customer@bl.uk
Attending the event online
If you book an online ticket, you will receive the viewing link on the morning of the event. You can either watch the event live or during the next 7 days on catch up.
Concessions
There are a range of concessions available. These include discounts for British Library Members, Young Persons (16–25s), and visitors on Universal/Pension Credit and free entry for carers.
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