Barcelona City Council

Dear Javier,

You are a decisive, committed person with drive. 

For us, the inclusive Barcelona and the Barcelona of opportunities are two sides of the same coin. We will not progress collectively if we are not able to ensure the progress of all groups in the city. For this reason, you have a portfolio that focuses on protecting people, so that they can develop fully and freely.

This protection must be present from the first moments of people’s lives. Childhood is a fundamental stage for countering inequalities and it is therefore a strategic priority. We are also aware of the need for increasing inter-generational solidarity, so that our young people have good jobs and affordable housing, able to form the families when they want to. And lastly, you should strive to make Barcelona the most LGBTI-friendly city in the world.

For this reason, as Commissioner for Children, Adolescents, Youth and LGBTI Policies, you should focus on the following priorities:

• Turning Barcelona into a real child-friendly city. Working to eliminate child poverty. Expanding the network of child facilities and services. Improving the system of grants and financial aid for families. Promoting free-education programmes in all areas and working on a new government measure in this sector. Fostering an increase in completely accessible children’s play areas. Launching a plan to counter school bullying. Implementing the framework act for the comprehensive protection of children and adolescents from violence.
• Promoting a range of measures to facilitate the emancipation of young people in collaboration with other areas of the City Council. Working to respond to all the various realities of young people. Participating in the design of an Access to Housing Plan for young people, together with the creation of a Youth Housing Office as an information service. Providing support for improving professional training, especially in regard to emerging sectors. Studying ways to reduce the cost of access to mobility, culture and sport.
• Promoting an emphasis on mental health in adolescents. Working to increase and bring together emotional well-being services with a division focusing on young people, as well as increasing the number of psychology and social-education professionals.
• Leading our commitment to defending the rights of the LGBTI community. Working to produce a cross-cutting plan aimed at this group, dealing with all elements of municipal policy and, through consensus, for the updating of the Municipal Plan for sexual and gender diversity. Fostering Barcelona’s LGBTI Centre and supporting the group’s associations. Promoting the implementation of the Act for the real and effective equality of trans people and for ensuring the rights of the LGBTI community.

Barcelona is created by all the people who share it; a conviction I am sure you will turn into deeds and initiatives.

Kind regards,