Kerry Kennedy visits Bilbao for the first time with the foundation's president in Spain, Ms. María Díaz de la Cebosa

As part of the scheduled agenda, we had the opportunity to be officially received at the Palace of the Provincial Council of Biscay by Ms. Elixabete Etxanove, the Provincial Chief Executive (Diputada General).

A Gala Dinner was later held, attended by a large gathering of prominent figures from the political, business and cultural spheres of the Basque Country, such as Ms. Ana Otadui, President of the Regional Assembly (Juntas Generales) of Biscay, and Mr. Juan José Etxebarria, Rector of the University of Deusto.

The following day, the President of RFK delivered a lecture in the Assembly Hall (Paraninfo) of the University of Deusto, titled "Human Rights: achievements and challenges in a polarized world." To a full house, Ms. Kerry Kennedy offered an overview of the systematic violations of human rights in different parts of the world, focusing on the victims of the wars and genocides taking place today. She emphasized that "The world is constantly changing and cannot be stopped, but our actions can determine where we want to head," urging the many students present to take an active role against the injustices of the world.

After the lecture, President Kennedy, accompanied by the president, Ms. María Díaz de la Cebosa, were received, within the University's premises, by the Mayor of Bilbao, Mr. Juan Maria Aburto, with the aim of highlighting Bilbao's role as a city committed to human rights. In the presence of the Rector, Mr. Juan José Etxebarria, a collaboration agreement was then signed between the University of Deusto and the RFK Human Rights Foundation of Spain.

Ms. Kerry Kennedy, continuing the tradition begun by her uncle, United States Senator Edward Kennedy, donated several signed books to the University Library. This shared history was revived in June 2023, when the University received a visit from the Spanish Delegation of the RFK Foundation and its President, María Díaz de la Cebosa, to present its mission in defense of Human Rights in the social and educational spheres.

The visit ended with an institutional gathering at the Historic Assembly House of Gernika, where its president, Ms. Ana Otadui, received the entire Foundation delegation, and the book of honor was signed by Ms. María Díaz de la Cebosa and Ms. Kerry Kennedy.

The most important media outlets covered the visit and highlighted the importance of this gathering in promoting the educational initiatives and social support activities carried out by the RFK Human Rights Foundation in Spain.