Pete Buttigieg Joins Global Leaders in London to Urge Progressives to Seek Bold, Forward-Thinking Solutions

On September 26, 2025, some of the world’s most prominent progressive leaders gathered in London for the Global Progress Action Summit, a high-profile event aimed at revitalizing center-left politics in the face of mounting right-wing populism and political polarization. Hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the summit featured influential figures including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, among others. Together, they addressed a shifting global landscape where progressive values—especially those centered on inclusion and equality—are increasingly under threat from regressive movements and anti-immigration rhetoric .

The summit, the largest gathering of its kind, was described by organizers as a pivotal moment for progressives to unite, share strategies, and develop new approaches to some of the most pressing issues of the 21st century—including economic stagnation, democratic backsliding, and attacks on marginalized communities .

Pete Buttigieg, a former presidential candidate and the first openly gay Cabinet member in U.S. history, played a prominent role at the summit. In his address to world leaders, Buttigieg cautioned against longing for a return to past political paradigms, stating, “We need to avoid being committed to retrieving some prior status quo.” Instead, he urged fellow progressives to embrace bold, forward-looking solutions that address the realities of today’s political and social environment .

Buttigieg’s message resonated with attendees, many of whom acknowledged that progressive parties across Western democracies are facing unprecedented challenges. In the United States, the Democratic Party remains on the defensive, struggling to articulate a vision that can counter populist narratives. In Europe, debates over immigration and national identity have fueled the rise of right-wing parties, leaving progressives searching for new ways to engage disillusioned voters .

Throughout the summit, the importance of unity and bold action was a recurring theme. As one organizer noted, “The Global Progress Summit demonstrates a unity of purpose and the urgency for actions that progressives, governments, leaders, and change makers share” . The program focused on “governing for working people” in an “age of insecurity,” affirming that progressives must deliver security, prosperity, and democracy for all—especially those who have historically been marginalized.

Sessions addressed not only economic policy and climate change but also the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, and racial equity. Buttigieg’s presence was a visible reminder of the progress made in LGBTQ+ representation at the highest levels of government, and his advocacy for protecting and advancing LGBTQ+ rights resonated with international delegates .

While much of the summit focused on broad policy themes, there was significant discussion about the specific threats faced by LGBTQ+ communities around the world. Delegates acknowledged that recent years have seen a worrying uptick in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, hate crimes, and public rhetoric—often spearheaded by populist and nationalist parties. In response, progressive leaders reiterated their commitment to defending hard-won rights and expanding protections for transgender people, queer youth, and other vulnerable groups .

In a closing plenary session, the importance of “progressive patriotism” was discussed—how to foster national pride rooted in the ideals of diversity, inclusion, and social justice, rather than exclusion or grievance. One speaker summarized the new progressive ethos as: “They go low, we go relevant,” highlighting the need for policies that speak directly to the everyday realities of all people, regardless of identity .

As the summit concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to developing “new ideas, being bold and confident, and making distinctly progressive arguments about what the world needs now and why we have the answers to the challenges people face” . For LGBTQ+ advocates, the event underscored the importance of international solidarity and the need to center the voices and experiences of all marginalized groups in the fight for democratic renewal.

The London summit marked a significant step for progressive leaders across continents to coordinate responses to global threats, reaffirm their support for inclusive policies, and chart a course toward a future where equality, dignity, and justice are not just aspirations, but realities for every individual.