The Department of Welfare, Youth, and Demographic Challenge of the Basque Government has announced the opening of the new edition of the Good Practices Award in Friendliness. This award seeks to recognize the most innovative and effective initiatives that contribute to improving the quality of life for older adults in the autonomous community.
This recognition is integrated into the Euskadi Lagunkoia Berria program, a project based on the principles of the World Health Organization's (WHO) "Age-friendly Environments Programme." The concept of an age-friendly environment refers to communities or cities that stimulate healthy and active aging by creating or recovering spaces and actions designed to maintain people's functional capacities throughout their lives.
Since its first implementation in 2019, the award has been convened annually to highlight the efforts of various entities and individuals in promoting greater friendliness in Basque society. Friendliness is defined as the capacity of an urban environment to be accessible and inclusive, thus allowing older adults to participate fully in social and cultural life.
Currently, the Euskadi Lagunkoia Berria program has the adhesion of 90 municipalities: 40 in Bizkaia, 27 in Gipuzkoa, and 23 in Araba. The program aims to involve older adults and citizens in the improvement of their communities, adding significant value to the quality of life in Euskadi and fostering active and healthy participation among the elderly.
This work has strengthened Euskadi's international projection. In June, Donostia hosted the 3rd World Conference of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities, promoted by the WHO and attended by representatives from over 60 countries. Furthermore, Euskadi Lagunkoia Berria is part of the Basque Strategy for Older Adults 2026-2029, which advocates for longevity, autonomy, community participation, and a full life through 16 key projects.
The award carries a financial endowment of 3,000 euros and is compatible with other grants or subsidies. Applications can be submitted for 15 days starting from the day after their publication, exclusively through the e-sede of the Basque Government. It is essential to attach documentation accrediting legal representation and an explanatory report of the project according to the official model available on the same e-sede.
The award ceremony will take place at a public event during the Friendliness Conference organized by the Department. During the event, the awarded entity will be able to present its project and share its experience with other stakeholders involved in creating a more age-friendly Euskadi.
From Euskadi Lagunkoia Berria, local entities, social organizations, cooperatives, and companies with social commitment are encouraged to submit their candidacies and contribute with their good practices to this collective recognition.
