On 30 April, UIC Barcelona held a new edition of Global Encounters. The initiative, promoted by the Vice-Rectorate for International Relations, aims to bring international culture and knowledge closer to the university community This edition focused on Mexico, a strategically important country for the University due to its strong student presence, its well-established network of academic collaborations and the agreements it maintains with 15 universities nationwide.
The opening ceremony was presided over by the rector, Dr Alfonso Méndiz, and was attended by institutional representatives and consuls from several countries, including Mexico, China, Finland, Czechia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Germany, underscoring the event’s strong international nature. In his address, the Rector highlighted the close ties between the University and Mexico, noting that “Mexico is one of the Ibero-American countries with the strongest representation within our university community, which has enabled us to build a solid network of Mexican graduates”.
The institutional lecture, entitled “Mexico in Catalonia: relationships and mutual opportunities”, was delivered by Minister Alfonso Navarro Bernachi, acting consul of Mexico in Barcelona. During his presentation, he emphasised the historical links between the two territories, shaped by the reception of exiles following the Spanish Civil War and by a long-standing cultural and institutional relationship that has continued to strengthen over time.
The humanistic dimension of the day was addressed in the lecture “Talisman city: Octavio Paz and Barcelona”, delivered by the poet, translator and editor Aurelio Major, who was introduced by the dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Dr Laura Gandolfi. In her introduction, Dr Gandolfi remarked that “initiatives such as this remind us that the university is a space for encounters between languages and cultures”, highlighting the role of literature as a bridge between societies.
The programme also featured a contribution from Dr Ulises Cortés, director of Artificial Intelligence Research at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center. His talk explored current and emerging professions linked to artificial intelligence, outlining both the challenges and the opportunities presented by this constantly evolving field.
The day concluded with a cultural programme that included a performance by Mariachi Internacional Barcelona, a showcase of Mexican folk dance, and a practical workshop on traditional crafts focusing on floral designs and papel picado. Together, these activities reinforced the experiential and intercultural nature of the event.
This edition of Global Encounters reaffirms UIC Barcelona’s commitment to internationalisation and to fostering intercultural dialogue, by creating spaces for exchange that enrich the academic and personal development of the entire university community.
