The COSO Foundation honors the Foundation for Justice in an event that celebrates the value of debate, ethics, and responsible communication.
The auditorium of the Albalat University Residence Hall was filled this Wednesday with institutional representatives, communication professionals and members of the Valencian social fabric on the occasion of the second edition of the José Luis Boronat Award for the Development of Civil Society, an event organized by the COSO Foundation that once again placed at the center of the debate the irreplaceable role of civil society in democratic life.
This year's award was given to the Foundation for Justice, in recognition of its sustained commitment to human rights, the defense of human dignity, and the promotion of accessible and transformative justice. The jury highlighted the organization's "consistency between discourse and action," as well as its ability to generate social impact through rigorous and quiet work.
The evening opened with the lecture “More Than Just a Newspaper,” given by Pablo Salazar, deputy director and head of the Opinion section of Las Provincias, who reflected on the responsibility of the media in a context marked by polarization and disinformation. Salazar advocated for journalism that does not limit itself to narrating the facts, but actively contributes to building a critical and well-informed citizenry, emphasizing the need to preserve spaces for complex thought and the exchange of ideas.
The event was presented by Vicente Climent, who commemorated José Luis Boronat, the first president of the COSO Foundation and a leading figure in Valencian civic thought. A prestigious lawyer and tireless promoter of social dialogue, Boronat was remembered as a man "discreet in his manner and firm in his convictions," convinced that a healthy society needs strong institutions, responsible media, and engaged citizens.
During the award ceremony, the president of the COSO Foundation, Juan Ivars, emphasized that this recognition "does not only reward successful careers, but a way of being in society," and highlighted that the Foundation for Justice embodies the spirit of the award by working "from civil society and for civil society.".
The president of the award-winning organization, José María Tomás, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and reminded everyone that "justice is not just a legal matter, but a profoundly human one," appealing to the shared responsibility of institutions, professionals, and citizens in defending fundamental rights.
The event was attended by various local authorities from Castelló de Rugat, Boronat's hometown, as well as members of the jury and the Valencian cultural and journalistic community, and concluded with a reception that served as a space for meeting and conversation among the attendees.
With this second edition, the José Luis Boronat Prize consolidates itself as a benchmark event for those who believe in the strength of civil society, the value of calm debate and the need for ethical communication as pillars of democratic coexistence.
From left to right: Juan Ivars, president of the COSO Foundation; Amparo Matíes, president of the Manuel Broseta Forum, member of the jury; José María Tomás, president of the Foundation for Justice; Pablo Salazar, assistant to the director of Las Provincias; Julia Brines, delegate of Expansión, member of the jury.