CODESPA celebrated its 40 years of work creating economic opportunities for those who need them most with a four-day event that brought together more than 150 people. The goal: to reflect on the transformative power of decent work and its impact on building fairer and more sustainable societies.
During the event, testimonies and experiences were shared that demonstrate how innovation, inclusion, and partnerships can change lives. Young entrepreneurs like Pablo Sánchez Bergasa (Medical Open World) and Guillermo Gauna-Vivas (Ayúdame3D) showed how technology, when put at the service of people, saves lives and restores autonomy. The challenges of social entrepreneurship and the importance of purpose as the foundation of sustainability were also discussed.
The voices of Nicole Ndongala (Karibu Association) and Vicky Bendito (ILUNION) highlighted the urgency of real inclusion: “Integration tolerates, inclusion embraces,” said Vicky, emphasizing that decent employment is a basic right. Stories like Baudilio’s in Guatemala showed how financial inclusion opens doors to autonomy and self-esteem.
In another session, leaders such as Ariadna Bardolet (la Caixa Foundation) and Marcello Gandolfi (CODESPA) reflected on purpose-driven leadership and the inner strength needed to drive change in vulnerable contexts. Innovative projects were presented, such as NUGKUI, a Peruvian enterprise that transforms waste into economic opportunities for young people.
The closing was marked by the role of the private sector as an ally in human development. Companies such as Repsol, Ferrovial, and Teknia shared initiatives that combine social responsibility, corporate volunteering, and sustainable solutions, demonstrating that partnerships are key to generating impact.
