A total of 192 workers from the Barcelona City Council have volunteered to participate in the Districte 11 project, an initiative aimed at strengthening ties with Palestinian cities and supporting the refugee population. This mobilisation, which includes time recognition for participants, seeks to promote technical cooperation and solidarity in a global context marked by humanitarian challenges.
Pioneering initiative in the City Council
The call was launched in May 2026 and has received a remarkable response, with 66% of the registrations made by women, many of whom come from the social areas of the council. Mayor Jaume Collboni expressed his gratitude to the employees for their commitment, highlighting that this action reflects a Barcelonian tradition of mobilising for just causes.
“Following the inspiration of Sarajevo,” Collboni stated, “we want to contribute the knowledge and talent that our city has to this cause.” Participation will be channelled through two avenues: a technical pool for specific activities of Districte 11 and a volunteer network for cultural and awareness actions outside working hours.
Volunteers will be able to engage in working sessions, exchanges with Palestinian cities, and other tasks related to areas such as economy, urban planning, or feminism. Of those registered, 106 have joined the technical pool, while 15 are part of the volunteer network. Additionally, 71 have opted for both modalities.
Each action will have a detailed plan that includes clear objectives and specific tasks. The activation of volunteers will depend on their profiles and availability, ensuring that each collaboration is effective. The first activities are expected to begin one to two months after the programme starts.
Districte 11 is more than just an initiative; it is a framework designed to coordinate efforts between the City Council, social organisations, and other relevant actors. The projects are structured around three fundamental axes: technical cooperation with Palestinian cities, humanitarian action for Palestinian refugees, and the promotion of civic solidarity.
Through this collective effort, Barcelona aims not only to help Palestinian communities but also to foster a broader sense of social responsibility among its citizens. Communication among volunteers will be managed through informative emails, shared spaces with relevant documentation, and digital platforms such as Teams.
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