VII World Congress of Basque Communities Abroad is underway

The VII World Congress of Basque Communities Abroad begins today at the Euskalduna Conference Center. The slogan for the seventh congress, “SAREGINTZAN”, is meant to encourage work and collaboration between Basque communities and institutions. The opening ceremony of the Congress will be presided over by Basque President Iñigo Urkullu

The VII World Congress of Basque Communities Abroad begins today at the Euskalduna Conference Center. The slogan for the seventh congress, “SAREGINTZAN”, is meant to encourage work and collaboration between Basque communities and institutions. The opening ceremony of the Congress will be presided over by Basque President Iñigo Urkullu

Nearly 100 delegates from the Basque diaspora across 21 countries, as well as representatives from Basque public institutions, are taking part in the Congress, which will run until 4 October. The Etxepare Basque Institute, which supports the teaching of Euskera at Basque Centres (Euskal Etxeak) around the world, will also be represented at the Congress. Etxepare director Irene Larraza, will give a talk on October 3.

As for the topics up for debate, the Basque Government’s General Secretary for External Affairs, Marian Elorza, stressed that they will be far-reaching. She explained that they will include the phenomenon of globalization and networks with respect to the diaspora in the 21st century; international mobility of Basque youth and the new diaspora; and the trajectory and internal functioning of the Euskal Etxeak and the programmes implemented to meet these needs.

The World Congress is held every 4 years. A document of conclusions will be drawn up at the end and included in the 2020-2023 Plan. The conclusions are then developed over the following four years, until the next congress meets.

These congresses are an opportunity to evaluate the work carried out by the Basque communities abroad and to learn about the enormous contributions made by the various organizations to foster the good name of Euskadi around the world. All these congresses have served to further cement relations and strengthen ties between the 191 Basque communities in 25 countries.