The 36th EDUCSI Educational Conference is held at Deusto: an identity that is re-created through dialogue

From 8 to 10 July, the University of Deusto hosts the EDUCSI Educational Conference (Education of the Society of Jesus), a biennial event that, in its 36th edition, brings together nearly 280 leaders from Jesuit foundations and schools in the Spanish and Portuguese Provinces. Under the motto “An identity re-created through dialogue,” this edition continues the theme of recent network meetings: reflecting on the identity of a Catholic school, of a Jesuit school.

"Today is always still now. Life is all now, and now is the best moment.” With this quote from Antonio Machado, María Luisa Berzosa FI concluded her talk in the first session. A phrase that clearly expresses the core of the educational process: to look deeply, understand through listening, and commit with courage.

At the opening session, Enric Puiggròs SJ, Provincial of the Society of Jesus, spoke about the educational mission amid intense challenges: political polarisation, artificial intelligence, and the weakening of a transcendent sense. Faced with this reality, he defended a clear focus on the Catholic identity of the centres.

Also present at the event were Jaime Badiola SJ, Delegate for Jesuit Education, who emphasised that dialogue and identity are not opposites but mutually necessary, and Juan José Etxeberria SJ, Rector of the University of Deusto, who stated that “to educate is to help look, understand, and commit”. A statement embodied in building citizenship, experiencing democracy through genuine participation, and supporting young people with trust—without imposing paths on them and standing by their side. It is a pedagogy of everyday care, where small and persistent actions lead to profound transformation. Full speech.

Through prayer sessions, keynote speeches, working groups, and cultural visits, the event aims to renew EDUCSI’s educational mission at a time that calls for discernment, shared responsibility, and openness to dialogue. Speakers include Jesuit Daniel Patrick Huang, with a presentation on the challenges of evangelisation in plural contexts, and Francisco José Ruiz SJ and Pilar López, who will address the keys to Ignatian leadership and responsible governance.

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Photo gallery.