5 and 6 March

Framework of reflection and analysis for reconsidering new forms of social intervention in the local sphere in the face of situations of vulnerability and risk generated by the current global processes of change. The experts will review how, in this context, local experiences in social economics and solidarity can signify an alternative in community building and in the political agenda with a global validity.

Intervention by Ulrich Beck, Professor of Sociology at the Ludwig-Maximilian University in Munich and visiting professor at the London School of Economics. Considered one of the most prestigious contemporary sociologists, in his analysis for understanding the society of world risk in which we live, he underscores the importance of cosmopolitanisation for facing up to the uncontrollable responsibilities incumbent upon us. Among the works by Ulrich Beck, the following, among other titles, stand out: The Cosmopolitan Vision; Individualization; The Normal Chaos of Love; Democracy Without Enemies; Risk Society and What is Globalization?

Confirmation of attendance is kindly requested: tel. 902 400 973

9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The first part of the series, Borders: Transience and Intercultural Dynamics, dedicated to the analysis of the concept of “border” as a metaphor of a space of identification where what is similar and what is different is decided. Given the increase in the levels of global interdependence, analysis is made of the need to reflect on identity, taking as its point of departure a cosmopolitan view of the world as a factor that demonstrates the possibilities of constructing one’s own life and co-existence in the cultural mixture. This session will be complemented by the seminar, Will of Borders: Interethnic and / or Hybrid, to be held on 11 May 2007.

This marks the beginning of the series, The Foreign Dimension of Immigration Policy, which aims to analyse how immigration policies, traditionally framed within the areas of Justice and Home Affairs, have acquired a framework of foreign action in the past few years. The first workshop, Spain, the European Union and Relations with Third Countries in the Area of Immigration, aims to be an approach to how the issue of immigration has become incorporated into the foreign action of the European Union in general and Spain in particular, as well as in their relations with third countries.

This first workshop will be a working breakfast featuring the intervention of Félix Fernández-Shaw, Deputy Director-General of Justice and Home Affairs of the Secretariat-General for the European Union of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation.

Different polls present the Islamist Justice and Development Party (JDP) as a possible winner in the legislative elections set for 2007 in Morocco. This workshop will consider what this party’s positions are in the area of foreign policy and to what extent its entry into a new administration could alter the country’s foreign policy. It is an occasion for inquiring into the foreign policy of contemporary Morocco, both in terms of its priorities and its decision-making process, and for inquiring about a party which is growing and consolidating.

Interventions by: Irene Fernández Molina, Political Scientist, Universidad Complutense; Reda Benkhaldun, Member of the Foreign Relations Committee of the JDP (pending confirmation); Laura Feliu, Lecturer in International Relations, Autonomous University of Barcelona; Miguel Hernando de Larramendi, Lecturere at the University of Castilla-la Mancha (pending confirmation).

Working language: French.

On the occasion of the presentation of the document, “Asia-Spain-Latin America Triangulation: A View from Business”, in Barcelona (CIDOB Foundation – Casa Asia), it is inviting to reflect on the possibilities offered to Spanish business by the economic internationalisation of Asia, with special attention placed on projection toward Latin America but also considering the advantages offered by Spain’s strategic situation with respect to Europe and Africa.

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Colombia is the origin of the third largest foreign group in Spain, after citizens of Morocco and Ecuador. Although it is a recently migrated group, it has quickly become incorporated into the job market, albeit in habitually disadvantageous conditions. The objective of this workshop is to analyse the labour situation of the Colombian immigrants in three Catalan counties – Baix Llobregat, Vallès Occidental and Barcelonès –, paying special attention to strategies aimed at generating occupational mobility and the comparison of their situation with that of autochthonous workers.

Intervention by Maria Gertrudis Roa Martínez, Sociologist, University of Barcelona.

Debate on the study, La fortaleza institucional de las agencias reguladoras en América Latina [The Institutional Strength of Regulatory Agencies in Latin America], led by Carles Ramió, Permanent Lecturer in Political Science and Administration, Department of Political and Social Sciences, and Vice Rector of Planning and Evaluation at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) in Barcelona; Director of the CIDOB Foundation’s Latin America Programme.

Call for papers on aspects related to the analysis of the sociocultural context (creation of knowledge and its application in the field of science), globalisation, North-South governability, the Mediterranean region and intercultural dialogue. The studies chosen will be presented at the Encounter of Young Researchers on the Mediterranean Congress to be held in Tarragona on May 3-4, 2007. The Mediterranean Programme of the CIDOB Foundation, along with other entities, is collaborating in the organisation of the event.

Call for papers analysing the function of the actors in the management of immigration. The studies chosen will be presented in the seminar, Actors and Networks of Actors: The Managers of the Immigration Process in Spain and Europe, which will take place on June 18 at the CIDOB Foundation.

Working language: spanish