AEGEE-Bilbao will host the next Agora from 22nd to 27th April 2025. The organising core team explained in an interview with the Golden Times why you can’t miss it.
Golden Times: How did you react when you were notified that you got it?
AEGEE-Bilbao: Our reaction was a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Excitement, because all the hard work we had done to prepare the application had paid off – and anxiety due to the preparations still ahead. However, we are highly motivated to move the project forward and are looking forward to April with enthusiasm!
GT: How did you get the idea to apply for this prestigious event?
AEGEE-Bilbao: The idea was born in November 2023 during the Network Meeting Valladolid, initially seeming impossible. However, we decided to give it a try, as the opportunity to bring the network together in Bilbao for AEGEE’s 40th anniversary and host the first Agora in Spain in ten years felt like an incredible prospect. Little by little, we are piecing together the logistics, and here we are now!
GT: The topic will be “Bridging the Gap.” Why did you choose the topic?
AEGEE-Bilbao: We wanted to give this Agora a theme that is deeply important to us: “Gender Equality,” which is aligned with SDG 5. Bilbao, a city with a river running through it, has many bridges. We combined this iconic symbol of the city with our theme and arrived at “Bridging the Gap,” representing the idea of building bridges to address inequality in society. It is both a meaningful theme and symbolises our city.
GT: It’s just five months away – how are the preparations for the Agora going?
AEGEE-Bilbao: At the moment, we are working with the Provincial Council of Bizkaia to finalize the necessary subsidies for the event, as well as collaborating with local companies and associations. We are also coordinating with local venues for the evening’s social program. There are still tasks to complete, such as organizing the 40th anniversary celebration of AEGEE, which we plan to do in style!
GT: How many participants can you host?
AEGEE-Bilbao: The plenary room has a maximum capacity of 950 seats, though we do not anticipate that many attendees.
GT: What can you tell us about accommodation and the Agora venue?
AEGEE-Bilbao: The conferences will take place at the Bilbao Exhibition Center, one of the city’s most modern venues. It features a plenary hall, several parallel rooms for the prytania, and a pavilion with 5,000 square meters of sleeping space. The venue is also well-connected by public transport.
GT: What social program highlights can we expect?
AEGEE-Bilbao: We aim to give each party a unique theme and a memorable opening, along with relaxed alternative programs. Beyond this, we want to present Bilbao’s festive spirit and culture as part of the experience, while organizing an unforgettable 40th anniversary celebration to bring all the antennae together. Many surprises are in store – perhaps even a birthday cake?
GT: Should we plan extra time for discovering Bilbao?
AEGEE-Bilbao: Bilbao is undoubtedly an exciting city with much to explore. While we encourage you to discover it at your own pace during your free time, we are preparing a small game for early birds before check-in. This activity will allow participants to follow clues, visit cultural landmarks, and learn more about the city. We will also keep an eye out for those who can’t make it on time and want to have a proper view of Bilbao.
GT: It’s going to be your first statutory event. Do you have anyone advising you on how to organize an Agora?
AEGEE-Bilbao: Yes, we have several experienced people in AEGEE supporting us. Borja Torres, our vice-main organizer, is a former CD member and has extensive knowledge of the association’s legal aspects and operations. Additionally, Kirsten Broekema, a member of AEGEE-Bilbao, is advising us remotely. Some team members have attended Agorae in both online and live formats and have taken notes on the process. The current CD has also been extremely helpful, and many people in the network have offered assistance to ensure Spring Agora Bilbao 2025 is a success.
GT: What can you tell us about your antenna?
AEGEE-Bilbao: Our antenna has been active since 2009 and currently has 65 members. The Covid pandemic hit us hard, but we have been working on recruitment campaigns, and we believe hosting the Agora in Bilbao will significantly boost our visibility. In 2024, we organized our feminism training event “Akelarre,” an anniversary celebration, and our annual LTC after the summer holidays.
GT: When does the application period start?
AEGEE-Bilbao: We are not sure yet, but we expect it to begin around February.
GT: Are there any pre-events or post-events planned?
AEGEE-Bilbao: We have some ideas but no confirmations yet, so it is still uncertain. However, we know of a neighboring antenna planning an event before the Agora, which would fit perfectly into the schedule.
GT: The dates are 22nd–27th April. Is there a program on the 22nd and 27th, or are these arrival and departure days?
AEGEE-Bilbao: On the 22nd, we plan to have a game in the morning for participants to explore Bilbao, followed by the opening ceremony in the evening. Currently, we do not have any plans for the 27th, but we are open to organizing something.
GT: Anything you would like to add?
AEGEE-Bilbao: We would like to invite all AEGEE members to join us! The Agora is much more than just a statutory event – it is a meeting place for the network, a space for learning, discovery, and one of the best opportunities to experience the essence of AEGEE and all it has to offer. If you are considering attending, please feel free to reach out to AEGEE-Bilbao with any questions, and we will gladly assist you. Best regards, and we can’t wait to see you in Bilbao! Agur!
Photos: Mauritius Images, Guggenheim Museum, AEGEE-Bilbao
