Ship for World Youth · 37th edition · 2026
SWY37
In 2026, Spain returned to the Ship for World Youth. The 37th edition brought together thirteen countries on a journey through Asia and added a new Spanish delegation to the programme's history.
The voyage
Three ports, thirteen countries, nine participants.
- Dates
- 15 February – 12 March 2026
- Route
- Bangkok Thailand
- Okinawa Japan
- Aichi Japan
- Participating countries
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- Japan
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Chile
- Dominican Republic
- Greece
- India
- Jamaica
- Mongolia
- Mozambique
- New Zealand
- Palau
- Spain
- Spanish delegation
- 8 participants and 1 National Leader
Members of the delegation
The Spanish delegation to the 37th edition of the Ship for World Youth programme was made up of one National Leader (NL) and eight participants (Participating Youth – PY).
(Click on each image for more information about each participant)
National Leader
Eduardo Alonso Arechaga
Navarra
Read introduction
Kaixo! Thrilled to be back on board, this time as National Leader.
I’m Edu, from Navarra. I’m a psychologist and mediator working coordinating a refugee program for an international organization. I previously served as Head of International Affairs for the National Youth Council of Spain (CJE) among other random facts (feel free to ask).
SWY holds a special place in my heart as I was part of SWY 30, so I know firsthand the amazing chemical reaction that happens when diverse cultures connect and work together, plus is specially crucial right now as we strive for peace.
When I’m not focused on global affairs, you'll find me enjoying nature, drawing, practicing Euskal Dantza (Basque folk dance), or simply loving a good lemon ice cream.
Our delegation goal is simple: to be a team that contributes meaningfully to global dialogue, human rights, and leaves a lasting impact on this journey. We are ready to learn, share, and connect with all of you!
Let the voyage begin!
Participating Youth
Xian Faro
Galicia
Read introduction
Hi! Xian here, environmental scientist, science communicator and nature guide.
I am a passionate human being who strongly believes in the power of nature and international cooperation to face global challenges.
I have guided expeditions for people from all over the globe, helping them connect with a deep sense of belonging to our world through science, curiosity, and emotion. I always try to turn ideas into action, and to SWY37 I bring commitment, experience, and loads of positive energy.
Life can be free and beautiful, so let's keep our spirits alive!
Participating Youth
Paula Nadal
Balearic Islands
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Hi! I’m a curious, compassionate, and creative person. Being around people and the arts recharges my energy. I love relaxing beneath the sea or venturing into the forests.
Participating Youth
Dolça Collado
Lleida
Read introduction
Hi, I'm Dolça Collado (22), from Lleida, and I've just graduated in Global Public Health.
My two greatest passions are traveling and connecting with people, which is why I'm truly grateful to be a participant in SWY 37
Participating Youth
Brian Bujalance
Córdoba
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My name is Brian Bujalance, I’m 26 years old, a journalist and economist, and I’ve just landed in Madrid after a year and a half in Thailand. I’m from Nueva Carteya, a village in rural Andalusia surrounded by a sea of olive trees. I’m a proactive, positive, and energetic person. I love nature, exploring the world, and sharing life while learning from one another.
Participating Youth
Asensio Sabater
Murcia
Read introduction
Hey, I’m a curious soul with an entrepreneurial mindset and a deep passion for international relations. I thrive in an active lifestyle - tennis, calisthenics, yoga, and dancing - and I’m always ready to embrace adventures, build meaningful connections, and turn dreams into reality.
Participating Youth
Sol Vázquez
Madrid
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Hi! I am Sol, a 19 year old Mathematics and Computer Science student from Madrid, Spain. I am passionate about science and technology and love reading, musicals and any strategy or board game I can get in my hands.
Participating Youth
Claudia Lera
Asturias
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Claudia, 26 years old, from the mining region of Asturias. She is a social educator, involved in participatory processes since childhood thanks to the Children's Council of her hometown. Professionally, she specializes in working with children and adolescents in at-risk situations.
She is an activist defending human rights and social justice. In her free time, she is passionate about culture, nature, and sports, especially karate and basketball (both as a player and as a coach of young girls).
Participating Youth
Adrián Morcillo
Barcelona
Read introduction
Hello everyone!
I’m Adrián, a policy professional passionate about international cooperation, inclusive governance, and building bridges across regions. I’m from Barcelona, but I’ve had the opportunity to live in Sweden, the United States, Germany, and France. My journey has been driven by the belief that global challenges demand collective action and that public policies can be both fair and human-centred.
What I enjoy most is connecting with people, listening to their stories, and exchanging perspectives. I always try to bring good energy, curiosity, and a spirit of cooperation wherever I go. I believe every step counts, and even brief moments or temporary experiences can grow into something meaningful, which is why I am so excited to meet everyone in the SWY 2026 edition and to create long lasting friendships as we share this unique journey together.
Gallery
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Map drawn by SWYAA Spain from the programme itinerary, with Natural Earth outlines. SWYAA Spain -
The sea through a porthole of the Nippon Maru. SWYAA Spain Archive -
2026 · Reception of the 37th delegation with the new Ambassador, Mr Hiroshi Yamauchi. SWYAA Spain Archive -
The Spanish delegation on deck. Spanish SWY37 delegation -
The Spanish delegation with participants from Japan. Spanish SWY37 delegation