Start of the new edition of the course “The Internationalisation of the Local World”

Yesterday marked the launch of the second edition of the course on the internationalization of the local world, organized jointly with Catalan Association of Municipalities (ACM). This blended-learning program aims to equip Catalan municipalities with the tools and knowledge to strengthen their presence internationally and enhance their role in networks and supramunicipal organizations.

The institutional welcome for the students was delivered by the Hon. Ms. Meritxell Budó, President of the ACM, who emphasized that “municipalities cannot be mere spectators of the major global challenges,” and by Mr. Joaquim Llimona, Director General of CEI, who noted that “many of today’s major challenges are global, but policies and solutions are often implemented at the municipal level.”

This was followed by a presentation on the course structure by the academic coordinators: Mr. Andrea Noferini, Professor of International Affairs at UPF and Academic Director of the Diplomatic Career Preparation Program at CEI; Ms. Marta Galceran, Senior Researcher at CIDOB; and Ms. Mireia Huerta, Head of the International Relations and European Funds Office at ACM.

The first session of the course was also held, focusing on understanding the current global context, multilateralism, and crises, as well as their impacts on the local level, led by Mr. Andrea Noferini.

Over four months, participants will acquire tools, knowledge, and practical experience to promote the external action of their municipalities, with a comprehensive approach that combines theoretical foundations, the European institutional context, and real cases of internationalization.