Spain Launches Youth Network to Drive Social Economy and Local Plans in Baiona Focus on Equity
Spain advances youth engagement and local social economy strategies with the launch of a national Youth Network and Baiona's roadmap for an equitable economy.
- • The Youth Network for Social Economy was launched to engage youth in creating a fair and sustainable economic model.
- • Ministers Yolanda Díaz and Sira Rego attended the launch along with numerous social economy organizations.
- • A manifesto signed by nearly 30 groups calls for youth-driven social and economic change prioritizing people over capital.
- • Baiona's local government is developing a social economy roadmap with community input and technical support.
- • These initiatives highlight Spain's focus on generational renewal and inclusive, resilient local economies.
Key details
On February 10, 2026, Spain marked significant progress toward advancing a fair, inclusive, and sustainable social economy with two major initiatives, one national and one local. The Youth Network for Social Economy was officially launched to empower young people as key drivers in transforming Spain's economic landscape. The event gathered government ministers Yolanda Díaz and Sira Rego alongside representatives from social economy organizations such as Cepes and Youth Business Spain. A manifesto signed by nearly 30 organizations underscores youth as the "engine of social and economic change" vital to addressing 21st-century challenges, emphasizing prioritizing people and social goals over capital.
Minister Yolanda Díaz highlighted the network’s role in infusing young talent to renew Spain’s economic reality, while Pedro Pedreño stressed its importance in ensuring generational renewal and fostering youth innovation critical to confronting current economic and social issues.
Concurrently, the local government of Baiona in Galicia is advancing a complementary initiative to develop a roadmap for a resilient and equitable economic model centered on people. Supported by the Xunta's Consellería de Emprego, Comercio e Migración, this plan involves a participatory process facilitated by Larega using territorial analysis and civic engagement. An event scheduled for February 11 invites community members to contribute ideas focusing on local economic strengths such as maritime activities, sustainable tourism, and cultural heritage.
Together, these efforts illustrate Spain's commitment to embedding youth participation and local empowerment into its social economy strategies, fostering an economic model that values solidarity, equity, and sustainability.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
