This significant international forum brought together over 800 accredited participants from 76 countries and 5 continents, serving as a platform to exchange learnings in cross-cutting areas such as housing, mobility, public space, and care. The Lea-Artibai region was represented by Julián Arrate (Lekeitio Lagunkoia) and Maite Zabala (Ispaster Lagunkoia and member of the Biscay Council for Older Persons).
The local delegation played a prominent role in the debate sessions. Julián Arrate presented the reality of Lekeitio's bars as a benchmark model of friendliness in the Basque Country. Although the conference formally concluded, members of Lekeitio Lagunkoia extended their activities until today, Friday, participating in guided visits to learn from exemplary experiences in other Basque municipalities. These included the 'Pasira' healthy walking routes in Azkoitia and the anti-ageism program 'My Age Doesn't Define Me' from Barakaldo.
Separately, and alongside this international engagement, Lekeitio Lagunkoia is organizing a special event to commemorate the tenth anniversary of its founding. A Nordic walking event is planned for June 26th, in collaboration with the Lekitto Bedarra association. The route will be short, flat, and accessible, offering participants a chance to discover local treasures like the Sosoaga cider house in Santa Elena or the mural at the old shelter on the Santa Catalina path.
The walk will conclude at the municipality's senior residence, where participants will share a meal with food they bring themselves. Prior to this, a guided tour of the center's gardens will take place to showcase various singular tree species, including juniper, red beeches, a dinosaur-era araucaria, carob, tulip tree, and pomegranate.
Currently, the initiative has around 25 registered participants. Interested individuals can sign up until noon on June 24th, after which the organization will coordinate event details via a WhatsApp group.
