The BBK Kuna building in Bilbao hosted the "Exploring complementary paths to community sponsorship: new strategies and opportunities" conference, organized by the Department of Welfare, Youth, and Demographic Challenge. Representatives from the Government of Navarra, ACNUR, Confebask, the University of the Basque Country (EHU), and the University of Burgos attended the event.
At the opening, Minister Nerea Melgosa explained that Euskadi is and wishes to remain a welcoming society. "A society that understands that welcoming is not a one-off gesture, but a sustained responsibility. A society that knows solidarity is not improvised; it is organized. That coexistence is not decreed; it is built. And that inclusion is not resolved by good will alone; it requires planning, resources, coordination, and time," added the head of the Department.
Melgosa underscored the importance of the conference for looking beyond the urgent and focusing on structural issues. She believes that community sponsorship, complementary pathways, civil society involvement, community support, training, employment, business participation, and university connections are valuable and necessary components for improving outcomes.
The conference addressed employment and training, which Nerea Melgosa considers a fundamental pillar for inclusion. "It requires training, recognition of skills, educational pathways, links with the business community, and support. Employment does not solve everything, but without employment, without training, and without autonomy, many trajectories remain blocked," the minister highlighted.
