UIC Barcelona and the Calonge i Sant Antoni town council have formalised the signing of a new framework collaboration agreement with the aim of consolidating and expanding the joint initiatives developed in the municipality in recent years. This strategic alliance lays the foundations for transforming Calonge i Sant Antoni into a benchmark space in the cultural, educational and social spheres, promoting knowledge transfer and the creation of educational and professional opportunities in a local context. The agreement continues a relationship that began in 2021 and has already yielded successful outcomes through various projects, including forums on mobility, territorial strategy and the development of the Experience Campus.

Under this new agreement, initially valid for four years and renewable, both institutions establish a stable framework for coordinating cultural, social, educational and economic development activities, grouped under the umbrella of the “Calonge i Sant Antoni, cultural municipality” initiative. The agreement is structured around three main pillars: academic collaboration on real territorial challenges, the development of the Experience Campus aimed at the senior population, and the creation of an Education Hub as a platform for continuing education for professionals and graduates of UIC Barcelona.

The first pillar involves the active participation of master’s and postgraduate students from the University in projects aligned with the municipality’s needs and opportunities, encouraging a practical approach and innovative problem-solving. Students will work closely with the town council, the local community and the education sector, sharing specific proposals that can be translated into actionable initiatives for the territory.

At the same time, the agreement promotes the expansion of the Experience Campus, an initiative aimed at the over 50s, with the goal of fostering active ageing, personal development and civic engagement through an interdisciplinary training programme. Integrated into the European EFOS network and accredited by Erasmus+ programmes, the campus will offer a stable educational offering in the municipality, including in-person and online classes, cultural activities and community events, contributing to social cohesion and enhancing the quality of life for older adults.

The third pillar focuses on the creation of the UIC-Calonge Education Hub, a space dedicated to specialised training and professional development across diverse sectors. This centre will combine the academic prestige of the University with the cultural, heritage and natural assets of the municipality. It will offer a continuous programme of training sessions, workshops and professional events tailored to the local business network and open to a wide range of profiles, with particular emphasis on innovation, digitalisation, marketing and business management. This offering will help attract high-value visitors, support year-round economic activity and strengthen sectors such as hospitality, retail, catering and cultural tourism.