Celebrating the 11th Edition of Barcelona International Community Day: A Remarkable Gathering of Talent and Innovation
This past Saturday marked the 11th edition of Barcelona International Community Day, a truly remarkable event organized with the support of the Mayor of Barcelona. Held at the stunning Museu Marítim de Barcelona, this venue, nestled by the seashore, provided a unique and picturesque backdrop. Founded in 1936, the museum is dedicated to promoting maritime culture, closely connected to the city through its historic location at the Royal Shipyards, a monumental structure with over 700 years of history.
The day started beautifully with a peaceful morning walk along the seaside toward the museum. Despite the long queue, entry was swift, and soon we were inside, ready to embrace the event with our wristbands. The day was packed with invaluable activities, including those tailored specifically for children. Spread across various spaces, the event's large Sals Gran auditorium hosted a fair featuring exhibitors from major companies, organizations, and associations—all key players in Barcelona's thriving international talent ecosystem.
Throughout the day, we visited numerous booths, engaging in productive networking sessions. A personal highlight was connecting with inspiring women-led organizations such as the Barcelona Women's Network and the Professional Women's Network of Barcelona. We even had the chance to speak with their presidents, and it reminded me how enriching it is to be part of a women's community that thrives on opportunity and sustainability—values that resonate deeply with me. While men are fantastic allies, there's something undeniably special about uniting with like-minded women. I also discovered that women-owned companies can receive a 40% discount on certain certifications—a truly valuable find!
The local administration deserves immense praise for organizing such a high-quality event. We were fortunate to attend insightful sessions, ranging from discussions on the complexities of taxes in Spain to the burgeoning digital talent within Barcelona's tech hubs (did you know that Barcelona is home to major companies like Cisco, Oracle, Amazon, and IBM?). The sessions also highlighted opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs seeking funding. Barcelona has truly established itself as a leader in fostering entrepreneurship, and the numbers speak for themselves. According to ACCIÓ 2023, 16% of startup founders in Barcelona are foreigners, with around 2,318 startups and a staggering €4.87 billion in investments between 2019 and 2023. Moreover, StartupHeatmap Europe ranks Barcelona as number 3 in the Top 10 most popular startup hubs in 2023.
From 10 a.m. to nearly 6 p.m., the day was packed with value, culminating in an enchanting children's music concert in the museum's garden—a perfect end to a truly incredible experience. A heartfelt thank you to the local administration for organizing such a valuable and inspiring event.
Barcelona continues to prove that it's not just a beautiful city but a thriving hub of innovation and opportunity!
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