The opening ceremony of Càtedra Jordi Arbonès was held on May 21, 2003, at the Faculty of Translation and Interpreting of Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. The session was opened by the Vice-Rector for Research, Josep Santaló, and the Dean of the Faculty of Translation, Joan Fontcuberta. This was followed by writer Joaquim Carbó, who presented a biographical profile of Jordi Arbonès, and poet and translator Francesc Parcerisas, who spoke about the translation work of the honoree.
To close the event, actress Rosa Novell read several excerpts from works translated by Jordi Arbonès, and musicians Marcel Casellas and Mohamed Soulimane gave a brief performance.
Glòria Arbonès and Xavier Arbonès also participated in the event, delivering words of thanks to the audience. Finally, a commemorative plaque was unveiled in the Faculty of Translation and Interpreting’s Board Room, which has since been renamed the Jordi Arbonès Room.
