"Barcelona has to take its own path"

The New Barcelona Post converses this month with Daniel Senserrich Guitart, one of the young executives participating in Barcelona 2040, the leadership and city program taught by Barcelona Global. The objective of this series of interviews is for this new generation of leaders to share their vision for the Barcelona of the future they aspire to, as well as their impact proposals for the improvement of the city.

--- What do you expect from Barcelona in 2040?

--- I would like to be able to contribute to finding a city where work and personal life are even more compatible and a better ecosystem between the different sectors that make up the city's current society and those that are yet to come. We must make improvements in areas such as: circulation both in streets, airport or port, housing, family reconciliation, public transport and activities in the city. To do this, we must ensure that public and private entities understand each other more and work more hand in hand instead of putting obstacles and barriers between them. The opportunity lies with the change of generations, where we must find that balance to make Barcelona an even better city, with opportunities for both families and businesses. I hope to live in a city where people want to come and put aside all that false information about discomfort. We will only achieve this vision of the city if we all do our part and believe in it.

--- What city would you compare Barcelona to? 

--- For me, Barcelona cannot be compared to other cities. We have to take our own path and do it in the best way. We can look at different aspects that are successful in other cities to apply them to Barcelona, but always taking into account our conditions. When I talk about Barcelona with people from all over the world, you always see a surprised and curious face. This is due to our history and successes of so many years that have placed Barcelona in a privileged position on the map. 

--- What city model do you think Barcelona should resemble? 

--- Barcelona must rediscover its course in this sea we have lived in recent years. So many changes and thoughts from people who, more than making Barcelona great, have wanted to make themselves great, and for me, that is not Barcelona. We have to think about what strengths we have and take advantage of them. Some of them can be: our geolocation, our gastronomy, our climate, and our resources to attract world-class talent to work in Barcelona, but also to retain it so that they feel as if they have lived here all their lives. We should not understand borders, but rather well-managed globalization.