The initiative, promoted by the City Council, featured the participation of specialists in international law and geopolitics, as well as representatives from the Ukrainian community in Castellón. The objective was to highlight the local reception model and the city's commitment to the 'Mayors for Peace' network, emphasizing the importance of historical memory and solidarity.
“"The life of human beings has unfortunately been marked by conflict and difficulties. Silence also kills."
During the conference, Vila-real's role as a solidarity city was underscored, recalling the collective response to the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022. At that time, a humanitarian aid coordination office was created, and municipal resources and social entities were mobilized to assist refugees.
The specialists highlighted the role of municipalities in managing the consequences of conflicts, from receiving displaced persons to promoting social cohesion. It was stressed that it is at the local level where war ceases to be a distant reality and becomes a concrete responsibility, and the Spanish model of temporary protection to guarantee basic rights to thousands of displaced persons was emphasized.
The conference included experts such as Fernando Herrera, a specialist in humanitarian missions, and Diego de Ojeda, an expert in European foreign policy. Representatives from the Ukrainian Association of Castellón also participated, sharing experiences of reception and integration, and highlighting the importance of combating disinformation and maintaining support for the affected population.
This initiative is part of Vila-real's commitment to the culture of peace, reinforced by its adherence to the international Mayors for Peace network. The city calls on citizens to generate memory and reflection, with the aim of building a more just and peaceful future.
