‘Foros de Vanguardia’ is established as an agora for reflection on current affairs

It had been only a few weeks since the war between Ukraine and Russia had broken out, and the editor of La Vanguardia, Javier Godó, was considering the creation of a format that would allow for in-depth reflection on the consequences of the most important armed conflict on European soil since World War II. The idea was to involve the human and technical potential of the group’s media, both La Vanguardia and RAC1, to offer subscribers, readers, and listeners a cross-sectional view of a conflagration that, even in those days, was evident would mark the history of Europe and international relations. With this vocation, Foros de Vanguardia was born on April 7, 2022. The debut was a debate with correspondents from La Vanguardia and RAC1 who had been or were still on the front lines in Ukraine or neighboring borders. The Eyes of the War was the title, and the auditorium of the Círculo Ecuestre was packed to capacity to hear the experiences of María Paz López, Félix Flores, Plàcid Garcia Planas, Jordi Armenteras, and Joaquín Luna. It was a resounding success. So much so that a month later, we repeated with a special guest, the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares. Since then, approaching five years of existence and fifty editions, the Forums have expanded the range of topics and, in the process, have become fully integrated into Barcelona’s agenda, becoming one of the city’s essential events.

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Journalism and Thought

Eclectic in the choice of speakers, open to all thoughts, and committed to journalism and current affairs, the list of guests is impressive. Politicians, businessmen, economists, ambassadors, journalists, athletes, archbishops, chefs, scientists, or astronauts have been scrutinized by the editors of La Vanguardia and RAC1 not only to share their opinions but also to reveal their most personal and intimate side. Basketball player Ricky Rubio never suspected we would ask him to shoot some baskets, but with his eyes blindfolded; Mango’s president Toni Ruiz to discover which piece of clothing was not from his collection; chefs Ferran Adrià and Joan Roca to prepare a tomato bread live; journalist Iñaki Gabilondo to reveal the story of Iñaki’s rose; the governor of the Bank of Spain José Luis Escrivá to take out 50 euros from his wallet to explain how to detect counterfeit bills; or oncologist Josep Tabernero to relive the experience with some of his happily cured patients. But if any guest moved the souls of the attendees, it was Juan Carlos Unzúe. The former Barça goalkeeper and coach affected by a terrible disease, ALS, which is gradually paralyzing his body, accompanied by his friend Bakero, gave us a lesson in pride, hope, and struggle that triggered a huge ovation while many of us shed tears.

Thanks to You

Foros de Vanguardia carries in its genesis the commitment to quality journalism. That is why the choice of guests is as important as that of the interviewers to ask the most appropriate questions and follow-ups, without prior commitments and with no limits other than those dictated by their professionalism. Fortunately, the staff of professionals at Grupo Godó is so extensive, generous, and of such quality that the difficulty is choosing among so many excellent ones.

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But all the efforts of the team that produces and organizes the forums would be in vain without the support of the sponsors: Endesa, Aena, and Indra. And neither if we were not clear about the only and main objective, you. Subscribers of La Vanguardia, members of the Club de Vanguardia, and listeners of RAC1 who, session after session, reaffirm their trust by occupying even the extra seats in the auditorium that hosts the Forums. Thousands of guests who have already attended on some occasion, but many more who patiently wait for the draw to be favorable and secure a place, are the only reason that drives us each month to choose the most suitable character, reflect on current affairs, and, if possible, make them smile.

The Future is Forums

About to double the first five years of life, it is a good time to analyze what we have done and what we can do. Reviewing the list of speakers who have passed through Foros de Vanguardia gives us a certain vertigo and fills us with pride for the work done. But it is only the first step. There is room for improvement, and without breaking the original mold, we will gradually incorporate new elements that facilitate the understanding of the debate and bring the characters closer to the attendees, both live and through the La Vanguardia website, which always offers live sessions. New technologies play in our favor, and we will use them to their full potential. Because we believe that in turbulent times and when disinformation and lies try to corrupt journalism and truth, initiatives like the Forums have more future and meaning than ever. And as long as you accompany us with your loyalty, we will continue.

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