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CONGRESS

Languages shaping the future

From September 23 to 26, 2026, the Basque Country will host the International  Congress of Minority Language Communities Undergoing Revitalization. Under the slogan Languages shaping the future, the congress aims to bring together diverse language communities from around the world to reflect on revitalization discourses and to position them globally in a transformative way.

For four days, global experts, activists and artists wiill gather between Bilbao, Irun and Hendaye. The lessons, discourses and experiences collected in the previous phases (diagnosis and socialization) will be brought to the forefront through a rich program, combining lectures, roundtables, workshops and artistic cultural events.

SEPTEMBER 23 – Euskalduna Palace, Bilbao

Euskalduna Palace, Bilbao

SEPTEMBER 23

September 24

September 25

Ficoba – Irun

September 24,25

September 26

Hendaia

September 26

Eskaintza kulturala

Irailak 24 eta 25

The program will be published later.

For these actions there is no need to enlist

Hendaia

Borderline factory.

Registration

Join us at the congress!

Speakers

Our guests

Practical information for Congress participants

 

Thank you for participating in our conference. This document provides useful information about the venues, travel, accommodation and mobility.

Location

The conference will take place in the Basque Country, located in southwestern Europe, between the western Pyrenees and the Bay of Biscay.

Geographical borders:

  • North: Bay of Biscay
  • East: Pyrenees and Occitania (Béarn)
  • West: Cantabria and Castille
  • South: Ebro River and La Rioja

The Basque Country is made up of seven territories:

  • South: Bizkaia, Gipuzkoa, Araba and Nafarroa
  • North: Lapurdi, Nafarroa Beherea and Zuberoa

The Basque language (Euskara) is the native language of the region and is currently undergoing revitalisation. In the territory, it coexists with Spanish in the southern Basque Country and with French in the northern Basque Country.

NOTICE: If you need assistance with arranging travel between Bilbao–Irun/Hendaye, please contact the organisers so they can help you organise and manage transportation.

23 September – Euskalduna Palace (BILBAO)

Abandoibarra etorbidea, 4, Abando, 48011 Bilbao, Bizkaia

The welcome reception will be held there.
Website: https://www.euskalduna.eus/en/
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6n8vc56xsdV5Ne1V6
How to get there: https://www.euskaldunabilbao.com/en/euskalduna-palace/how-to-get-there/

24–25 September – FICOBA (IRUN)

Iparralde Hiribidea 43, Irun

It will be the main conference venue.
Website: https://www.ficoba.org/en/
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/d8w3ZJhHCejrBJuc6

24–26 September – Borderline Fabrika (HENDAYE)

64 Bd du Général de Gaulle, 64700 Hendaye, France

Cultural activities will be arranged on the evenigs of the 24–25 September, and a closing event on 26 September.
Website: https://borderlinefabrika.weebly.com/borderlinefabrika.html
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KCJdXSyPic9ySeED8

How to get there:

HOW TO GET TO BILBAO, IRUN AND HENDAYE
Public Transport (Getting Around Bilbao, Irun and Hendaye)

We have formed the International Advisory Committee to assist in organizing the Congress. These are the members who make up the committee:

  • Albert Badosa Roldós, Catalan, Grup de Lingüistes per la Diversitat (GLiDi-UB)
  • Alexandra Philbin, Irish, Endangered Languages Project
  • Aliana Parker, First Peoples’ Cultural Council
  • Amanda Holmes, Mohawk language community, Endangered Languages Project
  • Anna Belew, Endangered Languages Project
  • Danika Vickers, Haíɫzaqvḷa language community, Endangered Languages Project
  •  Elvis Bolivar Túquerres Ichau, Ecuadorian Kichwa Karanki, Organización Asociación Kichwakamak Sisariy
  • Ernst Djeride Jean-Baptiste, Haitian Creole, MIT-Haiti Initiative
  • Igor Xoyón Díaz, Kaqchikel, Red de Escuelas Kaqchikeles: Ruk’u’x Qatinamït
  • Ihitz Iriart Casenave, Basque, singer, dancer, and cultural agent
  • Iñaki Sagardoy Leuza, Basque, Public University of Navarre
  • Kekoa Harman, Hawaiian Language, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
  • Mirjam Vellinga, Frysk, Afûk organisation
  • Monica Pereña Perez, Catalan, Associació Linguapax Internacional
  • Mustapha El Adak, Amazigh community, university researcher/University of Oujda
  • Paula Kasares Corrales, Basque, sociolinguist
  • Pius Akumbu, Babanki language community, Endangered Languages Project / CNRS-LLACAN
  • Rahera Cowie, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāpuhi, and Ngāti Kahu Māori tribes, University of Canterbury
  • Miriam Viviana González Garzón, collaborator from the Nasa people, Plan de Vida Proyecto Nasa and Garabide
  • Yasnaya Elena Aguilar, Mixe, Colectivo Mixe
  • Yazmin Novelo, Yucatec Maya, Endangered Languages Project / U péekbal waye’
  • Yulha Lhawa, Khroskyabs language community, Endangered Languages Project