Imanol Pradales: “Euskadi is a strong model that offers refuge for those seeking stability in an unstable world”
The President of the Basque Government (Lehendakari) concludes his participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos by defending the Basque model at an event co-organised with the United Nations. Imanol Pradales expressed his satisfaction with the level achieved during Euskadi’s first-ever participation in this prestigious leading global political and economic forum.
The Lehendakari, Imanol Pradales, today brought his participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos to a close with an event jointly organised by the Basque Government and the United Nations. Addressing their representatives, the Lehendakari underlined in his closing message that Euskadi is a country that offers certainty in a context of global uncertainty, thanks to a development model that has become an international benchmark by combining economic progress, social cohesion and sustainability.
“Our model has drawn attention, as has the need for it to be known beyond our immediate environment. That is why attending forums such as Davos is so important: in addition to building alliances, finding networks and listening, Euskadi needs to be present and explain its model. It is a model that is beginning to be admired. We are living in an increasingly harsh and turbulent world, where people seek refuges of hope for the future. And Euskadi is a good model for those looking for a certain degree of stability in an unstable world,” the Lehendakari stressed.
Imanol Pradales today concluded his participation in the world’s most important international economic forum, which brings together top-level political leaders and business representatives, and in which a Lehendakari has participated for the first time. As Pradales pointed out, this opportunity has served to learn, to build new networks and to begin showcasing Euskadi on the most relevant international economic and political stage.
“What happens in the world affects us directly. Being in Davos has been very positive because it has given us the opportunity to listen and understand where the new world may be heading. We need to be present in order to know, to anticipate and, above all, to have allies — and we do have them — who defend a model of well-being, prosperity, freedoms and global justice. We must return to Davos, because many conversations that shape the future take place here, and Euskadi needs to be part of them to prepare for its future and that of the next generations,” the Lehendakari insisted.
The Basque model
These reflections were shared by the Lehendakari following the event organised in Davos together with the United Nations, where he was accompanied by the Secretary General for External Action and Euskadi Global, Ander Caballero, as well as the Regional Ministers for Economy and Finance, Noel D’Anjou, and for Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability, Mikel Jauregi.
In his address, the Lehendakari highlighted Euskadi’s current strengths, including an advanced, innovative and socially balanced industrial economy, aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and firmly committed to the sustainable reindustrialisation of Europe.
In this context, he underscored public–private collaboration as one of the pillars of the Basque model, key to mobilising investment, driving innovation and ensuring stability and confidence, presenting Euskadi as a reliable and attractive territory in a global scenario marked by uncertainty.
He also referred to the dialogue held with international stakeholders, business leaders, policymakers and investors on Euskadi’s role in European reindustrialisation and the strengthening of the European project, based on a Basque welfare model that combines two main pillars: competitiveness and sustainability on the one hand, and growth and social cohesion on the other. This model, Imanol Pradales emphasised, is built and driven by highly valuable foundations such as institutional stability, economic self-government, public–private collaboration, a strong innovation-oriented industrial fabric, a robust science and technology ecosystem, a deep-rooted manufacturing culture and a firm commitment to emerging sectors, among others.
“Euskadi offers stability, seriousness and clear rules. Telling this story within Euskadi is important, but it is equally important to tell it beyond our borders. We return satisfied,” the Lehendakari concluded.
