Today we took part in the General Assembly of Bilbao Metropoli-30, a particularly meaningful occasion coinciding with the 35th anniversary of an initiative that has played a decisive role in imagining, driving and projecting the contemporary metropolitan Bilbao.
In a global context shaped by profound economic, technological, energy and social transformations, the presentation of a new metropolitan strategy before the Lehendakari and the full body of member organisations represented far more than a planning exercise: it was a collective invitation to rethink the territory’s future with ambition, cooperation and long-term vision.
Bilbao and its metropolitan area face the challenge of establishing themselves as one of the leading hubs of the European Atlantic Arc: a dynamic and competitive economic space capable of attracting talent, activity and investment; an innovative territory connected to international value chains; and, at the same time, a benchmark for ecological transition, social cohesion and quality of life.
The competitiveness of the future cannot be separated from sustainability or social justice. A metropolis’s strength will increasingly be measured by its ability to combine economic development, environmental regeneration and collective wellbeing. And it is precisely here that one of metropolitan Bilbao’s greatest opportunities lies: building a distinctive value proposition grounded in advanced industry, knowledge, culture, the energy transition and collaborative governance between institutions, businesses and civil society.
At NAIDER, we fully share this vision and are proud to have contributed, alongside so many committed actors, to this new strategic cycle. Because the great metropolitan challenges can only be addressed through collective intelligence, territorial cooperation and an open outlook on the world.
Zorionak to Bilbao Metropoli-30 for these 35 years and for continuing to drive a more competitive, attractive, sustainable and socially just metropolitan future.
A special tribute is also due to José Antonio Garrido, president of the Association since its foundation, who has now handed over to Tomás Olano. His leadership and ability to sustain, over decades, a space for strategic reflection, collaboration and shared vision-building have been fundamental to Bilbao’s metropolitan development.
And, finally, an equally deserved recognition to the association’s technical team, led today by Idoia Postigo, Director General of Bilbao Metropoli-30.
