The Rector of the Universitat Politècnica de València, Pepe Capilla, attended the Fórum Europa Tribuna Mediterránea today, an event that brought together political, business, and academic representatives to discuss the challenges and strategies for recovery following the DANA on October 29.
During the event, the Second Vice President and Regional Minister for Economic and Social Recovery of the Valencian Community highlighted that, although significant progress has been made in reconstruction, the process must continue with medium- and long-term planning. In this regard, he emphasized the importance of fluid and effective collaboration between different levels of government –local, regional, and national– to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated response. “It is essential that all institutions work in the same direction, aligning strategies and pooling capacities,” he stated.
The Role of Universities in Recovery and Emergency Management
In this context, the Fórum highlighted the contribution of universities to reconstruction and the prevention of future disasters. As centers for knowledge generation and transfer, universities play a key role in three fundamental areas:
1. Analysis and diagnosis: Combining quantitative data with qualitative insights allows for a better understanding of the impact of the DANA and the development of more effective strategies to mitigate its effects in the future.
2. Innovation in infrastructure and territorial planning: From engineering to urban planning, university research provides solutions to enhance infrastructure resilience and optimize the management of water and other critical resources.
3. Education and advisory services: Universities not only train future professionals who will lead these processes but also provide specialized guidance to governments, businesses, and affected communities, ensuring that knowledge translates into concrete actions.
The speaker emphasized that reconstruction should not be limited to restoring what was lost but should strengthen the Valencian Community against future climate challenges. In this regard, he underscored the need to invest in more resilient infrastructure, improve response protocols, and ensure that all stakeholders –including academia– work together to build a more sustainable and secure development model.
The Fórum Europa Tribuna Mediterránea thus served as a platform for dialogue, reaffirming universities’ commitment to territorial recovery and consolidating their role as essential agents in the reconstruction and transformation of the Valencian Community.
