During the lecture, Vera discussed the state of cooperation in Spain, which is currently facing a crisis as a result of successive budget cuts of up to 70%. This is affecting the work of NGOs and foundations in particular, since they often rely on state funding. The speaker highlighted the main challenges created by this climate and the justifications for maintaining levels of funding for development cooperation projects in the state budget during the crisis.

Vera has a degree in industrial chemistry. Following a period of voluntary work in Peru, he began working for Intermón Oxfam and in 1993 was later made director of the Madrid headquarters. Shortly afterwards he became manager of the organization’s Campaigns and Studies Department. He has been the Executive Director of Intermón Oxfam since August 2012. For the last six years he has worked in the Ibero-American General Secretariat coordinating the Ibero-American Summit cooperation programmes. Vera completed Master’s programmes in International Cooperation and Management Development at IESE Business School. He also co-founded Engineers Without Borders in Spain and continues to collaborate as a volunteer with various social organizations.