Once a year, the Global Shapers Hubs from across Iberia —both Spain and Portugal— come together for one of the most anticipated moments of the year: the Iberian Retreat.
This gathering has become a key tradition to strengthen collaboration between Hubs, share learnings, and build partnerships that transcend borders. Each edition is an opportunity to reconnect, get inspired, and reaffirm the power of a community committed to creating local impact with a global vision.
This year, the host city was Porto (Portugal). Under the theme “Bridging Cities”, the retreat focused on how Iberian cities can collaborate to address shared challenges — from sustainability and mobility to civic engagement, education, and social integration.
🗓 Day 1 – Welcome & Local Connection
Location: Mouco Cowork Space
Unfortunately, I’m sharing this first part after the fact, since I wasn’t able to experience it live.
The first day began with an open coworking space, allowing early arrivals to work and settle in.
In the afternoon, participants joined a volunteering activity with U.Dream, followed by the official welcome session:
Remarks by Suzana Menezes (AMP)
Porto Hub presentation and Port wine toast
Regional overview by Diogo Almeida Alves
Roundtable: “Porto’s Call to Action” with local changemakers from IRIS, UPTEC, Porto Ambiente, and VERDE
Dinner with live music (Tuna), closing the evening with good conversations and warm energy.
This opening set the tone for the retreat: community, purpose, and shared vision.
🤝 Day 2 – Bridging Shapers & Generations
Location: UPTEC Baixa
The second day focused on strengthening collaboration between Hubs and connecting generations of Shapers:
Improv session led by Diogo Almeida Alves to spark creativity and teamwork.
World Café to explore projects, priorities, and opportunities for joint action.
Presentations on the evolution of the Global Shapers Community in the Iberian region.
Intergenerational roundtable: “The Evolution of Porto and Iberia” with representatives from Lisbon, Madrid, Santander, and Porto.
The image captured during this session reflects the collaborative spirit of the retreat: whiteboards filled with ideas, open discussions, and people from across Iberia working toward common goals.
Main topics included:
Education and children’s needs
Fighting misinformation
Migration and integration
Civic engagement and sustainability
In the evening, participants enjoyed free time to explore Porto, followed by a dinner and party at Embaixada Terrace, strengthening bonds in a more informal setting.
🌉 Day 3 – Bridging Impact
Locations: Mercado Ferreira Borges · Palácio da Bolsa · Cálem Wine Cellars
The final day focused on experiencing Porto through its urban solutions and reflecting on shared commitments:
Guided electric tram tour on sustainable mobility with STCP.
Mapping Bridges workshop — exploring ways to connect cities and communities.
Commitment Circle, where Hubs shared pledges and next steps for collaboration.
This last day highlighted what the Iberian Retreat is all about: not just inspiration, but collective action that extends beyond the event itself.
🌟 Final thoughts
Porto 2025 made one thing very clear: Iberian cities share far more than they realize. And when young leaders meet, collaborate, and exchange ideas, they can imagine — and build — shared solutions to common challenges.
Each Iberian Retreat is a chance to:
Learn from diverse experiences,
Inspire and be inspired,
Connect people and projects,
and most importantly, act together.
✨ We return with new ideas, projects, friendships, and renewed energy to keep driving local impact with global reach.
