The director general of Agenda 2030, Juan Ponte, emphasized the role of photojournalism and culture as vital tools to "combat hate speech, violence, and organize hope" during a session in Gijón. This event was part of the International Photojournalism Meeting in Asturias (EIFA) and featured filmmakers Miguel Romero, known for his work Vicente Romero. Testigo de la historia, and Anna Huix, director of Girls Move Mountains.
Ponte expressed gratitude to Open Arms for their humanitarian efforts and highlighted Agenda 2030's commitment to educational initiatives that promote human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He stated, "Here we are, those who defend international rights, women's rights, the rights of the LGTBI community, and the rights of migrants, ensuring that no one is discriminated against based on their skin color."
He also called for the eradication of structural inequalities based on social class, gender, race, or religion. Ponte framed these issues within the context of defending "democracy," "multilateralism," and "international law," and conveyed a political message relevant to the current climate: "We will win because we are more and because we are the social majority."
In this regard, he expressed confidence that far-right movements would be exposed for their inhumanity, asserting, "We have won the narrative. The narrative that being fascist will once again be a source of shame is already a reality. We have won the streets and the institutions because there is a dignified people pushing forward and progressive governments that respond to them."
Ponte also underscored the institutional support from Agenda 2030 for the meeting, particularly through film screenings, workshops, and discussions on human rights and sustainable development goals in educational settings. This year's EIFA educational program included screenings of Girls Move Mountains and Vicente Romero. Testigo de la historia, along with opportunities for students to engage with the filmmakers.
The event continues until October 3, featuring exhibitions, training in photojournalism, and panels on human rights, conflicts, feminism, and mental health, as well as a day dedicated to photojournalism and humanist cinema.
