As part of the 5th National Nightlife Congress and the 10th International Nightlife Congress, the Night Commissioner at Barcelona City Council, Carmen Zapata, took part in a round table on sustainability and nightlife transformation strategies. Zapata emphasised the importance of collaboration between the public administration, the private sector and citizens to move towards a “safer, more inclusive and vibrant” night.

The Night Commissioner noted that when the Night Office was set up a year ago, it already had a clear goal of “understanding the challenges of the night as an opportunity and not a problem”, and that this is only possible through dialogue and putting people at the centre. “The night is a space that needs care, management and listening”, added Zapata, underlining how Barcelona has its own night identity with enormous potential. “Our challenge is to ensue that this vitality coexists with everybody’s rest, security and well-being”.

The award was handed over by the chair of the International Nightlife Association and secretary general for Spain Nightlife, Joaquim Boadas, at the congresses held in Valencia. These congresses bring together the best global initiatives in this sector, including innovative projects, clubs, festivals and events.

This award comes in addition to the Aúpa! award (Bilbao, BIME Festival) and the Recicla la Noche award (Federación Nacional de Empresarios de Ocio y Espectáculo) and consolidates the Night Office as a role model in the responsible management of nightlife.