Diplocat advisors to continue work despite dissolution

Some 20 Diplocat advisory council members are determined to continue their work, despite Spain’s dissolution of the institution. Diplocat, a public-private partnership aimed at fostering dialogue and building relationships between Catalonia and the rest of the world, was forced to close last week by the Spanish government using its direct rule in Catalonia. Dignitaries such as economist Andreu Mas-Colell, former US ambassador Ambler Moss, and diplomat Arturo Sarukhan signed a manifesto committing to continue “promoting the knowledge and internationalization of the Catalan nation and culture.”

Honorary body

Other world-class Diplocat representatives supporting this initiative include professors Carles Boix and Xavier Sala-i-Martín, and doctor Xavier Estivill. In 2016, the institution launched its advisory council with some 40 members. It was created to be a honorary body made up of dignitaries spread around the world who would commit to help Catalonia go international. On October 27, 2017, only few hours after Catalonia declared its independence, the Spanish government announced the removal of all Catalan government members, but also of Diplocat and all the Catalan delegations abroad except for the one in Brussels.