30 June 2026
Bilbao
A delegation from Bilbao and the University of Deusto will take part in the European Post-Industrial UNIC Cities Leaders Forum in Zagreb (Croatia) on 2 July, a forum designed to imagine, plan and commit to a better urban future. This international conference, which will bring together representatives from local governments, universities, businesses and civil society organisations, serves as a call to action to reaffirm our shared commitment to developing effective responses to the challenges currently facing our cities.
Europe’s post-industrial cities are at the forefront of this transformation and face challenges that are both deeply local and global, including access to affordable housing, energy poverty, managing demographic change, and addressing the impacts of the climate crisis.
In this regard, the forum will serve as a meeting point for local leaders, the academic community, businesses, NGOs and local communities, not only to exchange ideas, but also to co-create new solutions. At the heart of this initiative lies the European University Alliance (UNIC), comprising ten post-industrial cities, which serves as the ideal catalyst for achieving meaningful collaboration and a lasting impact beyond political, institutional and social boundaries. Its working methodology brings all stakeholders together around the same table, based on the principle that meaningful change can only be achieved by drawing on the experience and perspectives of the whole community.
Alongside Mayor Juan Mari Aburto and Rector Juan José Etxeberria, the delegation from Bilbao includes leading representatives from the institutional and academic spheres. Among its members are the Head of the Mayor’s Office, Aitor Bilbao; the Councillor responsible for the areas of Basque language, Citizen Services and Participation, the 2030 Agenda and International Affairs, Eider Inuntziaga; a representative of the Vice-Rector’s Office for University Community and the 2030 Agenda, Maximiliano Koch; and administrative staff and academic staff from the University, including Sonia de Pablo, Diego Casado, Fernando Villatoro, Nekane Sainz, Alejo Silvarrey and Edurne Iñigo Alday; as well as the company Naider, represented by Haizea Aguirre.
A forum for strategic debate
One of the highlights of the day will be the ceremony to adopt the“Declaration on Sustained and Long-Term Collaboration”, a document that will set out the long-term strategic commitment between the ten universities and cities in the Alliance.
Furthermore, Bilbao will bring its own perspective to the European debate. Mayor Juan Mari Aburto will play an active role in the Stakeholder Panel alongside officials from leading cities and academic institutions, such as the Mayor of Zagreb, the Mayor of Maltepe (Istanbul) and the chair of the UNIC Leadership Council and of Erasmus University Rotterdam. This interactive session will examine how local innovation and research originating in the classroom can be effectively translated into European Union policies.
The European Post-Industrial UNIC Cities Leaders Forum highlights the role of the UNIC Alliance as a key driver of urban change. By connecting ten cities in transition, the project acts as a platform for local community initiatives to inspire wider transformation across Europe.
