Jan 28, 2026 | Education, Youth for Youth
Helsinki España has today launched in Madrid a new edition of the Youth for Youth 2026 programme, an educational and volunteer initiative that this year brings together 85 university students committed to building a more just, sustainable, and inclusive society.
The opening session and first training day are being held at the School of Industrial Organization (EOI), with the support of the Ministry of Social Rights, and mark the beginning of a learning pathway focused on key issues for the present and future of our society. The programme addresses topics such as human rights, the environment and sustainability, gender equality, migration and refuge, cybersecurity, the healthy and conscious use of mobile phones, applications and technologies, diversity and inclusion, addiction prevention, and mental health.
The programme combines specialised training with direct social action. Volunteers not only acquire knowledge and practical tools, but later pass them on to children and adolescents in educational centres, creating a multiplier effect that contributes to prevention, values-based education, and the strengthening of community networks.
“Youth for Youth is not just a training programme; it is a transformative experience that turns university students into agents of change within their own communities,” said María Jaén, President of Helsinki España.
This opening session in Madrid represents the first milestone of the 2026 edition of the Youth for Youth programme. Throughout the academic year, the project will be implemented in most of Spain’s autonomous communities, consolidating its nationwide reach and its educational and social impact in universities and educational centres across the country.
With 25 years of experience, Youth for Youth has become one of Helsinki España’s flagship programmes in the field of global citizenship education and youth participation. Over the years, thousands of young people have taken part in the initiative, actively contributing to the defence of human rights and the promotion of a more aware, critical, and engaged society.
Helsinki España would like to thank the supporting institutions, the technical and training team, and all the volunteers whose commitment makes it possible for education, social awareness, and transformative action to continue moving forward hand in hand.
Nov 6, 2025 | Education
On 13 October, the City Council of Alfaz del Pi hosted a training session for students enrolled in the Emergency Management Vocational Education module at the Alfaz del Pi Secondary School. The activity was organized by Helsinki España and funded through the MEDIAPROP 2025 programme, promoted by the Valencian Regional Government.
Under the title “Mediation Tools for a Resilient Community”, the training aimed to provide young people with skills in empathetic communication, peaceful conflict resolution and emotional management in high-tension situations, in order to strengthen positive coexistence and responsible participation within the school and local community.
The session was led by specialist Christian Ricos Sevilla, who worked with the students through participatory dynamics, practical simulations and role-playing exercises. Throughout the activities, students learned to identify early signs of conflict, improve active listening, reduce emotional escalation and promote cooperation within peer groups.
In addition, the training included basic non-confrontational self-protection strategies. The approach focused on helping students avoid feeling defenseless in tense situations, stay calm, and make quick and safe decisions.
In one of the practical exercises, for example, students learned how to use everyday classroom objects, such as a chair, to create space and temporary protection, gaining time to call for help or exit the situation. The goal of these techniques is to prevent harm, not to counter-attack: to protect one’s physical and emotional integrity with prudence, clarity and responsibility.
Main content areas covered:
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- Clear communication and emotional management in tense situations
- Prevention of rumors and improvement of the school climate
- Peaceful conflict resolution and cooperation
- Basic non-confrontational self-protection strategies
- Building support networks and resilient communities.
This initiative is part of the MEDIAPROP 2025 programme of the Valencian Regional Government, which seeks to promote a culture of mediation, peaceful coexistence and the dialogued resolution of conflicts—particularly among young people, who are key agents of social cohesion.
“Training young people in mediation is an investment in a more empathetic and collaborative society. They are the future of our communities and must be equipped with tools to face conflict through dialogue and mutual understanding,” stated the President of Helsinki España.
The training was held with the collaboration of the City Council of Alfaz del Pi, the Alfaz del Pi Secondary School, Helsinki España, and the MEDIAPROP 2025 programme of the Valencian Regional Government.
Oct 28, 2025 | Education, Employment guidance and social collaboration, Human Rights
On 14 October, Helsinki España held the conference “Challenges and Threats to International Security 2025” at the Spanish Centre for National Defence Studies (CESEDEN), thanks to the support of the Spanish Ministry of Defence and in collaboration with CESEDEN. The event served as a space for analysis, dialogue, and reflection on the key challenges facing global and national security in an increasingly complex geopolitical context.
The conference brought together over one hundred participants, including academics, students, and professionals from the fields of security and defence. Its main objective was to engage society—particularly younger generations—in understanding and addressing contemporary security challenges, including disinformation and ethical leadership in times of uncertainty.
These annual conferences, organised by Helsinki España, aim to foster critical thinking and multidisciplinary discussion around the global threats of the 21st century. In a world shaped by geopolitical crises, regional conflicts, cyber threats, and environmental challenges, promoting joint reflection among the academic, military, and civil sectors is essential to building a more informed, resilient, and human approach to international security.
Key Speakers and Presentations
The session opened with remarks from Colonel José Luis Calvo Albero (CESEDEN) and Ms. María Jaén (Helsinki España), who highlighted the human dimension of security and the importance of institutional cooperation to strengthen social resilience.
🔹 Dr. Gracia Abad Quintanal (Universidad Nebrija) provided an insightful overview of international tensions and conflicts, addressing lesser-known crises and the rise of hybrid warfare.
🔹 Colonel Juan C. Castilla (CESEDEN) presented the Spanish perspective on international conflicts, emphasising Spain’s role and responsibility as a member of NATO and the European Union.
🔹 Ms. Carmen Jordá Sanz (Universidad Camilo José Cela) discussed the impact of disinformation on democracies, stressing the need for a critical and ethical approach to information control and dissemination.
🔹 Lieutenant Colonel Fernando Rojas Caja (CESEDEN) explored the theme of leadership in times of uncertainty, underscoring the relevance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills as essential tools for effective leadership in crisis situations.
🔹 Mr. Christian Ricós Sevilla, an expert on radicalisation and terrorism, examined terrorism and extremism, challenging the myth of a “terrorist personality” and analysing the religious symbolism and motivations underpinning radical movements.
🔹 Finally, Mr. José Antonio Álvarez Crespo and Mr. Ricardo González Ruiz, directors of the project Consenso Victoria, underlined the importance of coordination among security forces and the need for public training to respond effectively to emergencies. The event concluded with the screening of the documentary “Consenso Victoria”, which showcased best practices in the management of critical incidents.
Helsinki España extends its sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Defence for its financial support and to CESEDEN for its collaboration and hospitality. Their commitment made this event possible and reinforced our shared mission to promote education, cooperation, and the development of a more secure, informed, and resilient society.
Oct 14, 2025 | Education
The City Council of Alfaz del Pi hosted today, Monday 13 October, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., a training session for members of the Local Police and Civil Protection, organized by Helsinki España within the framework of the MEDIAPROP 2025 programme, promoted by the Regional Government of Valencia (Generalitat Valenciana).
Under the title “Mediation Tools for a Resilient Community”, the training aimed to provide security and emergency personnel with mediation and effective communication tools to strengthen social resilience and public trust in times of crisis such as emergencies, disasters, or violent incidents.
Throughout the session, participants engaged in participatory dynamics, simulation workshops, and role-playing exercises to learn how to manage rumours, prevent collective panic, and promote neighbourhood cooperation during moments of tension.
The main topics addressed included:
- Crisis management and effective communication in emergencies.
- Community mediation and peaceful conflict resolution.
- Post-crisis reconstruction: rebuilding trust and social cohesion.
This initiative is part of the MEDIAPROP 2025 programme of the Generalitat Valenciana, which seeks to promote a culture of mediation and peaceful coexistence across Valencian municipalities through training activities for both citizens and security and emergency professionals.
“Mediation is an essential tool to strengthen cooperation between institutions and citizens. Training local agents in these skills directly contributes to the safety and well-being of the community,” stated María Jaén, President of Helsinki España.
The course took place at the municipal facilities of the Alfaz del Pi City Council and featured Christian Ricos Sevilla as the main trainer, alongside professionals specialized in mediation and emotional management during crises.
This training reflects Helsinki España’s ongoing commitment to offering practical, hands-on learning experiences that go beyond an academic approach, fostering direct collaboration between civilians and security forces. Through this approach, the organization seeks to strengthen capacities in security, mediation, and peaceful coexistence, key pillars for building more resilient and cohesive communities.
Sep 12, 2025 | Education, Heat, Human Rights
Imagine you are traveling in another country and get lost, finding yourself on an unfamiliar street when suddenly someone threatens you with a weapon. Every second feels eternal, and you don’t know the best decision to protect yourself. Or consider being at your workplace when, unexpectedly, an intruder enters attempting to rob you at gunpoint. Everything happens in an instant, and the difference between escaping unharmed or getting injured depends on your preparation.
Now imagine it’s nighttime, and you are walking alone through a poorly lit neighborhood with almost deserted streets. Every sound alerts you, and any shadow seems like a potential threat. The sense of vulnerability is real, and knowing how to react in these circumstances can make the difference between controlling the situation or facing an outcome that may affect your physical and emotional well-being.
Beyond human actions, natural phenomena can strike without warning: a sudden earthquake shaking buildings and streets, creating chaos and confusion, or flash floods that sweep through neighborhoods and cut off escape routes, leaving people trapped and disoriented.
In all these situations, security cannot be improvised. Staying calm, applying emergency protocols, making quick decisions, and protecting both your life and those around you are skills learned through specialized training. Every second counts, and every action can make a difference.
HEAT and Security Courses: Preparation for Any Situation
Helsinki España, through the International University Centre for Peace Missions (IUCPM), offers courses designed to prepare participants to act safely in their daily life, during travel, and in professional environments. Instructors combine civilian and military experience and have worked in crisis contexts, natural disasters, and hostile environments. This ensures that the training is practical, realistic, and applicable to any situation, providing participants with the tools they need to act safely and effectively.
- HEAT Course (Hostile Environment Awareness Training): an intensive five-day training that prepares participants to act with safety, self-control, and responsibility in risk contexts. Includes ambush simulations, hostage scenarios, tactical first aid, and evasive driving. This course teaches how to make quick and safe decisions when it matters most and maintain calm under high-pressure conditions.
- Security and Self-Protection Course: a three-day practical training that teaches personal defense techniques, stress management, evacuation protocols, and emergency first aid. This course helps increase confidence and personal security.
Why YOU Should Train in Security Today
Training in security and HEAT is not just about acquiring techniques: it’s about preparing to protect your own life and that of others, and making the right decisions when it matters most. The benefits are concrete:
- Protection of life: knowing emergency protocols and first aid increases the chances of staying safe and helping others.
- Reduction of impact in risk contexts: trained participants know how to act quickly, avoiding unnecessary harm and material losses.
- Faster and more accurate decision-making: training allows evaluating risks in seconds and choosing the best course of action under pressure.
- Stress management in critical moments: learning to maintain calm and emotional control even in chaotic situations.
- Confidence and personal security: feeling prepared provides peace of mind and strengthens the ability to face difficult situations without fear.
Training in security and self-protection is an investment in the ability to react, protect yourself, and act effectively when it is most needed.
Training That Transforms
As Jiayue Qian, an international alumna, said: “The HEAT training was an immersive experience. I feel more prepared, both mentally and technically, and I apply every protocol learned in any emergency.”
These courses do more than teach techniques: they develop security awareness, automate responses, and strengthen confidence in emergency scenarios. Every second counts, and preparation can make the difference between maintaining control or facing serious consequences.
Don’t Wait for It to Happen
Every day without training is a lost opportunity to act effectively. Security and self-protection are not just skills: they are decisions that can save lives, protect operations, and ensure personal and professional stability. With Helsinki España’s HEAT training and security programs, participants learn from experts with real field experience, ensuring a practical, realistic, and applicable learning experience.
Training in security is not an expense: it is an investment in your life, your peace of mind and your future.
Oct 10, 2024 | Education
For the third consecutive year, Helsinki España, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), has organized the UN OCHA (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) civil-military cooperation course in the municipality of l’Alfàs del Pi. This course is designed to improve coordination between civilian and military actors during humanitarian emergencies, a crucial task to ensure an effective and unified response in crisis situations.
Over the span of a week, 22 professionals from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the Spanish Ministry of Defense, and AECID participated in an intensive training program addressing the key challenges of coordination in humanitarian operations. The course covered essential topics such as communication management during emergencies, planning and executing on-the-ground interventions, and the critical role of maintaining neutrality and independence in humanitarian assistance.
Held in l’Alfàs del Pi, the course received support from local authorities. The closing ceremony was attended by councilwoman Isabel Muñoz and Rocío Guijarro, representing the l’Alfàs del Pi municipality, as well as María Jaén, President of Helsinki España, and Ángela Suárez, Secretary General of the association. They emphasized the importance of these trainings in ensuring that both civilian and military actors can work together effectively during crises, optimizing the delivery of aid and protecting those affected.
Helsinki España would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the City Council of l’Alfàs del Pi for their continued support and collaboration in making this course possible. Each year, this training provides valuable tools to professionals dedicated to humanitarian aid, strengthening their capacity to intervene in emergency situations and improving the international humanitarian response.
