On Friday 2 October, Seville City Council hosted the launch of World Space Week, which takes place from 4 to 10 October under the slogan ‘Launcher Revolution’. Through the “Seville, Spain’s Space Capital” initiative and the Space Forum, José Luis Sanz’s administration is promoting this major technological event, featuring a programme of over 40 activities spread across various venues throughout the city.
The aim of this initiative by the city council is twofold, as explained by the Councillor for the Economy, Álvaro Pimentel: “To bring science and the latest technological advances closer to the people of Seville and to consolidate Seville’s position as the aerospace hub of southern Europe, as we are once again the major Spanish city organising the most activities, thanks to the organisations that make up the Space Forum, with this celebration.”
This presentation featured the participation of Alma Okpalefe, Executive Director of the World Space Week Association, who, in an official statement, highlighted Seville’s organisational model as a true international benchmark: “Unlike other municipalities where this event is limited to isolated activities, the Andalusian capital has succeeded in establishing its own local ecosystem that fosters lasting partnerships, develops talent and promotes international cooperation, capitalising on the impact of hosting the headquarters of the Spanish Space Agency,” said Okpalefe.
For his part, Pimentel emphasised that “under José Luis Sanz’s administration, we view World Space Week as a powerful tool for transformation. We are not content merely to host a celebration; rather, as coordinators, we are driving forward the Space Forum and, in parallel, we are building a robust industrial ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurship, creates jobs and consolidates our leadership in the aerospace sector. In this regard, the programme of activities includes the launch of the third edition of New Space & Solutions and the ‘ESA BIC Andalucía Info Day’, the European Space Agency’s incubator based in Seville. Furthermore, technology centres such as CATEC and the Official Association of Telecommunications Engineers will open their doors to showcase their industrial capabilities. At the same time, the event will have a direct impact on Seville’s families. Organisations such as the Cajasol Foundation, the Casa de la Ciencia, CaixaForum, the University of Seville and the IBiS will organise interactive workshops, planetarium shows and talks to inspire a new generation of young people to pursue careers in science.
