The University of Deusto pays homage to José Luis Robles, the most famous Bilbao-born citizen

Some of the aims of the Institute of Basque Studies at the University of Deusto include the study, teaching and dissemination of those institutions that make up the history of the Basque Country. A special mention should be made of Bilbao's Port and Consulate, two unique institutions that have spread the name of Bilbao, Bizkaia and the Basque people worldwide. For this reason, a number of monographic Conferences and Symposiums are regularly devoted to this theme.

In 1999, the Conference on 'Bilbao's contribution to mercantile culture: the Ordinances of Bilbao's Consulate' was held and in 2004, on the occasion of the 200^th anniversary of the Zamacolada, a 'Symposium on Bilbao's maritime and port culture' took place. In 2007, the University of Deusto wishes to host a Conference on a strategic reflection upon an essential perspective for Bilbao's history, economy and society: 'Bilbao as a port'. The aim is to examine what the port meant and will mean for the future of a new Bilbao that is open to the world.

Homage to the most famous Bilbao-born citizen

Within the frame of this strategic reflection, the University of Deusto paid a modest, intimate and moving homage tothe memory of a recently deceased Bilbao-born citizen. If he were still with us, he would have also attended this Conference, as he usually did: José Luis Robles Canibe, former Mayor of Bilbao, Counsellor of the Basque Government, Senator... He was a man who sailed the seven oceans as a naval officer, and who knew how to keep a firm hold on the helm of the City in difficult times, laying the grounds for its renovation process, the results of which we are seeing now. As he used to say with his innate modesty and good nature, it is our turn now to reap the fruits of what other started to sow. Therefore, the University of Deusto especially wishes to remember him in this academic ceremony and pay tribute to his memory.

This Conference was held in the Auditorium. Participants included Javier Divar Garteiz-Aurrecoa, Professor of Merchant Law at the University of Deusto, who gave a lecture on Origen y prosperidad de Bilbao como Puerto, José Ángel Corres Abásolo, Chairman of the Port of Bilbao Authority, who gave a talk entitled, Puerto de Bilbao, planificación a corto y largo plazo, and Jon Azua Mendia, Chairman and General Manager of E-Novating.lab, who lectured on Diálogo Puerto Ciudad. Una ventana de oportunidad. At 18:45 pm, a round table was held, which was chaired by Santiago Larrazabal, Director of the Institute of Basque Studies. Other participants included: Rector Jaime Oraá, Bilbao's Mayor, Iñaki Azkuna, the Deputy for Culture of the Regional Council of Bizkaia, Belén Greaves Badillo, the Chairman of Bilbao's Chamber of Commerce, Ignacio Echeberria Monteberria, and the Chairman of the Port of Bilbao Authority, José Ángel Corres Abasolo. This Conference was brought to an end with a 'Laudatio' in homage to José Luis Robles by Santiago Larrazabal.