Twinning News: Jerez & Gozo
6th october 2025
5th october 2025
https://www.diariodejerez.es/jerez/nuevo-paso-hermanamiento-jerez-ciudad_0_2004954580.html
3rd october 2025
https://jerezsinfronteras.es/195979-hermanamiento-jerez-y-gozo/
11th july 2025
https://jerezsinfronteras.es/209237-hermanamiento-jerez-victoria-capital-europea-cultura/
26th june 2025
https://jerezsinfronteras.es/208375-hermanamiento-cultural-jerez-victoria/
24th june 2025
23rd june 2025
15th june 2025
21st september 2024
https://jerezsinfronteras.es/el-ateneo-de-jerez-presenta-hermanamiento-jerez-y-gozo-cultura-2031/
20th september 2024
26th september 2025
https://jerezsinfronteras.es/tag/hermanamiento-jerez-victoria/
Steering Committee and Executive Committees Report of the Culture PIE Project
Coordination of Preparatory Activities for Cultural Events
First Event: 14–15 November 2025, Gozo
1. Introduction
Following the Inclusion Seminar, held on 5–6 October 2025 at the Monumental Complex of the Alcázar of Jerez, the Steering Committee and the Executive Committees of the participating organizations met to define the planning and development of the upcoming Cultural Events of the Culture PIE Project (Promotion of Inclusion and Equity through Culture), co-financed by the European Union through the CERV-2024-CITIZENS-TOWN-T program.
These meetings allowed for the joint coordination of logistics, cultural activities, and evaluation mechanisms, ensuring that the objectives of inclusion, equity, and interculturality identified during the seminar are fully integrated into the events. The first event will take place on 14–15 November 2025 in Gozo.
2. Functions of the Steering Committee
The Steering Committee, composed of three representatives from each organization, is responsible for the overall coordination of the project and for ensuring the quality of activities. Its functions, defined following the meeting in Jerez and aligned with the project plan, are:
a) Promote collaborative work between both institutions, fostering future professional relationships among them and with the spaces and activities they represent.
b) Coordinate the project through effective and timely communication, including agendas, materials, and all information necessary for the Cultural Events.
c) Supervise seminars, workshops, and cultural events, ensuring that each activity meets the inclusion and equity objectives of the project.
d) Define agendas and infrastructure, with the host organization responsible for logistical aspects according to location (schedules, meeting rooms, attendance control, accommodation, meals, transport, etc.).
e) Design and implement evaluation surveys to measure the impact and satisfaction of participants.
f) Prepare a conclusions/guidelines document, based on the information provided by the Executive Committees, aimed at European cultural organizations to promote the inclusion of vulnerable populations (migrants, Roma community, women, etc.) and its dissemination.
g) Coordinate the cultural twinning ceremony at the conclusion of each Cultural Event, inviting representatives from the municipalities of Jerez de la Frontera and Rabat Cittá Victoria, capital of Gozo.
Decisions: Decisions will be made through a collaborative process within the Steering Committee, in coordination with the Executive Committees, following the objectives and activities of the project.
3. Functions of the Executive Committees
Following the meeting in Jerez, each Executive Committee defined concrete actions for implementing cultural activities in their organization. Their functions are:
a) Design inclusive cultural activities, in collaboration with local associations and social groups, ensuring that they promote equality and inclusion in both planning and execution.
b) Carry out cultural activities, meeting the project’s objectives, especially during Cultural Events in their location.
c) Evaluate participation surveys completed by attendees.
d) Contribute to the draft conclusions/guidelines document, providing information and results from the activities carried out.
4. Coordination with Institutional Entities
The Municipalities of Jerez de la Frontera and Rabat Cittá Victoria will act as advisors and provide institutional support for the dissemination of the project and its activities, implemented by the Ateneo de Jerez and the Gozo Regional Council.
This institutional support will help consolidate future cultural exchanges between both cities, candidates for European Capital of Culture 2031, reinforcing inclusion, equity, and cultural cooperation.
Official twinning ceremonies will be organized by the municipalities of both cities, with the support of the Ateneo de Jerez and the Gozo Regional Council.
5. Relation to Seminar Conclusions and the Culture PIE Project
Following the meeting in Jerez, the committees committed to ensuring that:
1. All cultural activities and events are developed in line with the principles of inclusion, equity, and interculturality identified in the Inclusion Seminar.
2. A participatory, gender-sensitive, and socially inclusive approach is implemented, integrating diversity as a positive value.
3. Seminar conclusions are used to design cultural strategies and document results that serve as guidance for future European initiatives.
4. Cooperation between institutions, researchers, civil society, and local associations is promoted to generate a sustainable impact on social and cultural cohesion.
6. First Cultural Event: 14–15 November 2025, Gozo
For this first event, the committees will:
- Define the complete agenda and logistics, including schedules, transport, accommodation, and activity spaces.
- Coordinate the participation of local associations and the delegation from Jerez de la Frontera.
- Organize the twinning ceremony following the protocols established by the municipalities of Victoria and Jerez, with the support of the Steering Committee.
- Prepare a conclusions report, which will feed into the final guidelines document of the Culture PIE project.
7. Conclusion
The meeting of the Steering Committee and the Executive Committees in Jerez allowed for the joint and effective planning of the project’s Cultural Events and the twinning activities between the two cities, both in Victoria and Jerez, ensuring the integration of inclusion, equity, and interculturality principles.
This reinforces the collaboration between both cities and contributes to Victoria and Jerez’s candidacy as European Capitals of Culture 2031, strengthening the social and cultural impact of the Culture PIE project, especially in highlighting culture as a tool to promote inclusion and social equity.
Jerez, 6 October 2025
INCLUSION SEMINAR CONCLUSIONS Culture PIE Project
Town Twinning Project Jerez de la Frontera (Spain) – Victoria, Gozo (Malta)
Monumental Complex of the Alcázar of Jerez
October 5–6, 2025
Jerez de la Frontera (Spain)
1. Introduction
The Inclusion Seminar held on October 5–6, 2025, at the Monumental Complex of the Alcázar of Jerez is part of the Culture PIE Project (Promotion of Inclusion and Equity through Culture), co-financed by the European Union through the CERV-2024-CITIZENS-TOWN-T program, and promoted by the Ateneo de Jerez and the Gozo Regional Council. This meeting is part of the twinning process between the cities of Jerez de la Frontera (Spain) and Victoria (capital of Gozo, Malta), both candidates for the European Capital of Culture 2031, and it is designed to make inclusion and equity central elements in the selection of these cities.
The seminar brought together institutional representatives, academics, and members of civil society from both regions, aiming to strengthen mutual understanding, promote social inclusion, and develop shared cultural strategies that reflect the values of equality, diversity, and European cooperation. Approximately 120 participants from both cities attended the seminar.
2. Objectives
The seminar was designed with the following main objectives:
1. To promote mutual understanding and cooperation between the communities of Jerez and Gozo regarding Roma inclusion and migrant populations.
2. To create a space for reflection and co-creation of future joint initiatives on inclusion and diversity under EU and frameworks.
3. Seminar Development
The program was carried out over two days, combining academic presentations, institutional testimonies, and practical experiences, along with cultural activities aimed at fostering interaction between the delegations from both countries.
3.1 First Day – Sunday, October 5
The opening session was presided over by:
- María José García Pelayo, Mayor of Jerez de la Frontera
- Brian Azzopardi, Mayor of Victoria
- Gustavo Cordero Bueso, President of the Ateneo de Jerez
- Fabian Galea, Head of European and Local Funds at the Gozo Regional Council
Following this, Patricio Pérez Pacheco, General Coordinator of the project, presented the Culture PIE Project, highlighting the importance of culture as a tool for social cohesion and inclusion, principles considered essential in selecting cities as European Capitals of Culture.
Subsequent presentations by Javier J. Jiménez Royo (PhD in Social Anthropology, University of Seville, currently faculty at the University of Valladolid) and Francisco Agarrado (President of the Fundación Secretariado Gitano de Jerez) provided a theoretical and practical framework on the situation of the Roma community in Jerez, identifying progress in awareness, education, and social integration, as well as the need to continue strengthening equal opportunities, especially for Roma women.
The day concluded with a debate and cultural exchange activities between the delegations from Jerez and Gozo.
3.2 Second Day – Monday, October 6
The second day focused on migrant populations, their achievements, challenges, and integration experiences.
A joint presentation by Marcela Iglesias Onofre (Sociology Professor and Vice-Rector of Internationalization) and Siham Zebda (Professor of Public International Law and Coordinator of the Master's in Culture of Peace, Conflicts, Education, and Human Rights), both faculty at the University of Cádiz, analysed migration from a multi-level and multidisciplinary perspective, highlighting three main work areas:
- Multi-level governance (European Union, State, Autonomous Communities, and municipalities)
- Bidirectionality and involvement of the host society
- Importance of civil society organizations in effective integration
The Immigrant Reception Center (CEAIN) was represented by Gema Lozano Prieto (Head of International Protection) and Macarena García Martínez (Head of Social Intervention), who shared over three decades of experience providing comprehensive support to migrants and vulnerable populations in Jerez. Their work includes programs for reception, employment, housing, education, training, legal assistance, and awareness, achieving significant results in labor and social integration.
The seminar ended with the reading of conclusions by Patricio Pérez Pacheco and a joint final declaration reaffirming the commitment of both cities to inclusion, equity, and cultural cooperation.
4. Main Conclusions
From the presentations, debates, and contributions, the following conclusions were drawn:
4.1 Institutional Commitment
Local administrations of Jerez and Gozo have demonstrated their willingness to work together on social and cultural inclusion projects.
There is a highlighted need for multi-level coordination between the EU, States, regions, and municipalities to avoid fragmented integration policies. Cultural policies should be conceived as tools for social transformation, not merely recreational activities.
4.2 Role of Civil Society
Civil society organizations and NGOs play a fundamental role in implementing inclusive policies, acting as a bridge between administration and citizens.
The work of organizations such as CEAIN and the Fundación Secretariado Gitano is recognized for complementing public action and creating community support networks, alongside numerous participating associations from Spain and Malta (Ateneo, cultural associations, theater groups, scouts, sports clubs, dance and folk groups, etc.).
4.3 Intercultural Perspective and Gender Equality
Interculturality is considered the most effective model for integration, based on bidirectionality, mutual respect, and positive interaction between cultures. Gender inclusion is essential, especially in vulnerable communities such as Roma and migrants.
It is necessary to strengthen the participation of women in cultural and social decision-making spaces.
4.4 Identified Challenges
Lack of financial and human resources at the local level to implement effective inclusive policies.
Need to evaluate and update existing strategies to ensure measurable results. Strengthening intercultural education, access to housing, and decent employment as pillars of inclusion
4.5 Culture as a Driver of Inclusion
Culture should be understood as a driver of cohesion and community empowerment, facilitating dialogue between different identities and backgrounds.
Town twinning cultural activities between Jerez and Gozo should be designed with an inclusive, participatory, and gender-sensitive approach, integrating diversity as a positive value.
5. Expected Results and Next Steps
Joint design of inclusive cultural activities between the twinned cities, based on seminar learnings.
Creation of a Steering Committee and an Executive Committee to coordinate preparatory actions for cultural events
Publication of event descriptions and this conclusions document on the project’s website
Consolidation of a permanent cooperation space between the Ateneo de Jerez and the Gozo Regional Council on inclusion and culture
6. Final Conclusion
The Jerez–Gozo Inclusion Seminar allowed for a deep and constructive dialogue among institutions, researchers, and civil society. It reaffirmed that culture, understood through interculturality, equity, and citizen participation, is an essential tool to build fairer and more cohesive communities. It also emphasized that inclusion and equity principles must be central in selecting European Capital of Culture cities.
The Ateneo de Jerez and the Gozo Regional Council committed to continuing collaboration on joint projects that promote social inclusion and cultural diversity within the European framework, reinforcing the importance of promoting inclusion and equity through culture and supporting Jerez and Victoria’s candidacy for European Capital of Culture 2031.
Jerez de la Frontera, October 6, 2025