Donostia served as a venue to analyze the contributions and strategic value of decentralized cooperation. The event, organized by eLankidetza – Basque Agency for Cooperation and Solidarity and the Coordinator of ONGDs of Euskadi, brought together representatives from public institutions, NGOs, and international experts to reflect on the present and future of this cooperation model.
The meeting addressed human rights, humanitarian action, international cooperation, and models promoted from the territories. Javier Cortés, Director of eLankidetza, emphasized the need to continue strengthening decentralized cooperation in the current international context. "Cooperation driven from the territories makes a strategic contribution to global solidarity, based on the involvement of citizens and civil society and collaboration between institutions," he stated.
“"It is fundamental to recognize the value of this model and reinforce the commitment to human rights, humanitarian action, and sustainable development."
The event provided an opportunity to exchange proposals and experiences to address future challenges and renew the commitment to humanitarian action and sustainable human development. Discussions also covered the international agenda and multilateral architecture, as well as transformative experiences promoted from various territories and institutions.
Nerea Uriarte, President of the Coordinator of ONGDs of Euskadi, highlighted that global conflicts, humanitarian crises, and setbacks in human rights have underscored the need to review the role and future of cooperation policies. She also noted the increasing pressure on decentralized cooperation in several regions of the State.
José Antonio Alonso, Professor of Applied Economics at the Complutense University of Madrid, warned about the structural crisis in international cooperation and the need to renew its model, emphasizing the key role of the territory due to its proximity to citizens and its close link with local realities.
At the end of the day, Jon Insausti, Mayor of Donostia, delivered the welcome address, followed by a keynote lecture from sociolinguist Jon Sarasua. The organizing entities reaffirmed their commitment to promoting human rights, global solidarity, and sustainable development.
