Abstract:

Current generations face, among other challenges, the task of seeking alternative models of sustainable development, since the current system is based on economic growth. In order to face this challenge, it is essential to train and raise awareness among professionals, students and citizens in general. That is why the inclusion of training content of a social nature is considered necessary in all educational areas, including technical studies.

The concept of International Cooperation has evolved from its beginnings after World War II to the present day. It has gone from being understood as a relationship of dominance to being conceived as a collaborative work between donors and recipients in the resolution of complex problems that concern all citizens worldwide: climate change, poverty, hunger, terrorism, gender equality, etc.

This need to bring the Human Rights-based approach (HRBA) closer to the academic spectrum, converged in the creation in the UPM of the Sistemas de Agua y Saneamiento para el Desarrollo Cooperation Group, whose mission is to study supply and sanitation technologies suitable for developing contexts. This also led to the creation in 2006 of the subject of Hidráulica Aplicada a Proyectos de Desarrollo, at the School of Industrial Design and Engineering (Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería y Diseño Industrial) of Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, coordinated by Professor José Antonio Mancebo, with the aim of training students in the specific area of water and sanitation from a double perspective: technological and social.

On the other hand, the notorious gap that exists between what is taught in the academic sphere and the subsequent practical applications, led to the idea of creating Martes Solidarios. The objective of this initiative was to generate gathering and dissemination spaces that would bring cooperation closer to the academic environment. In line with the 2030 Agenda, the greatest contribution of Martes Solidarios to it would be SDG 4 Quality Education, but their content would encompass all of the objectives, with a greater weight of SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation.

Originally, Martes Solidarios were part of the aforementioned subject, and consisted of a weekly space where professionals and experts within the field of Cooperation shared their experiences and projects. Subsequently, and given the success of the initiative, it was proposed to open the activity beyond the students and faculty of Universidad Politécnica Madrid, to reach all audiences. With this, the agenda of Martes Solidarios grew to establish itself as a fixed cycle of events every Tuesday throughout the second academic term.

The most significant results are, on the one hand, the numerous final degree projects related to Cooperation that are presented each year. On the other hand, Martes Solidarios serve as inspiration to those who find their vocation in the world of Cooperation.

What began as an initiative to bring Cooperation closer to students, is today a reference cycle of conferences, beyond academics, nationally and internationally, since it has had the participation of numerous organizations from all over the world.

Keywords:

Water, Sanitation, International Cooperation, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Sustainable Development Goals.