Valencia Conference Centre Recognises AVAPACE as Winner of the Espacios Solidarios Project

This morning, Valencia Conference Centre celebrated the recognition of AVAPACE (Valencian Association of Aid to Cerebral Palsy) as the winner of the very first edition of the Espacios Solidarios (Solidarity Spaces) project.

Launched as an annual initiative by the Conference Centre’s Sustainability Advisory Committee, the project aims to shine a spotlight on non-profit organisations driving social causes in Valencia. Through this initiative, the Conference Centre opens its doors, offering its facilities as a loudspeaker and meeting point for initiatives that make a positive impact on the community.

Eight high-quality proposals entered the inaugural competition, with the jury highlighting the exceptional standard of all entries. Among them, the winning project stood out and will bring together AVAPACE users, families, professionals, and volunteers over the coming months, featuring cultural activities, artistic performances, and a variety of community events. The goal is clear: to promote social inclusion, raise awareness of people living with cerebral palsy, and create welcoming spaces for connection and cohesion.

Paula Llobet, who is both Chair of the Board of Directors of the Conference Centre and Valencia City Councillor for Tourism, Innovation, and Investment Promotion, was honoured to present the award to the association. The ceremony also welcomed José Marquina and Amaia Zuazua, President and Vice-President of AVAPACE, along with Sylvia Andrés, Managing Director of the Conference Centre.

The Conference Centre’s Challenge: Connecting Valencian Society

During her speech, Paula Llobet underlined: “Today we open a symbolic door, but also a very real one. A door to collaboration, to inclusion, to the social commitment that defines the city we want to be. We open our spaces to serve those who work every day for a fairer and more inclusive city. This action symbolises the Conference Centre’s dedication to the social fabric of Valencia,” she remarked.

José Marquina, President of AVAPACE, added: “For us, this gesture carries enormous value. The Conference Centre is an emblematic space in the city, and having the opportunity to be here allows us to raise visibility for our cause in an accessible and committed environment. We share the values of social sustainability that this initiative represents.”

The project seeks to highlight how the Conference Centre builds lasting connections with its social surroundings, linking the city with its people and reinforcing its role as an active agent of change.

In line with this, Sylvia Andrés, Managing Director of the Valencia Conference Centre, pointed out: “We understand that sustainability is not only measured by energy efficiency or emissions reduction, but also by the impact we have on people – how we include, listen, and share.”

About AVAPACE

For over fifty years, AVAPACE has been by the side of people with cerebral palsy and their families, advocating for their rights and bringing their circumstances into the public eye. With more than 1,300 individuals assisted and over 800 professionals and volunteers involved, AVAPACE stands as a cornerstone of Valencia’s civil community.

About Valencia Conference Centre

Among its strategic goals, the Valencia Conference Centre is dedicated to promoting community wellbeing, equity, social inclusion, and justice. This commitment is reflected in initiatives such as integrating people with disabilities into catering teams and room staff. Building on this social sustainability pledge, the Espacios Solidarios competition was launched in 2024, an annual contest designed exclusively for non-profit organisations.