2025 Program

Layla al-Sheik, a Muslim mother from Bethlehem who lost her young son Qusay during the Second Intifada; Elana Kaminka, an Israeli mother of Yannai, a soldier killed on October 7, 2023; Azezet Habtezghi Kidane, an Eritrean Comboni nun, also known as Sister Aziza, who served for many years in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, as well as in Sudan and Eritrea. Moderated by Alessandra Buzzetti, journalist and correspondent for TV2000 from the Holy Land. Opening greeting by Bernhard Scholz, President of the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples ETS Foundation

In a Holy Land torn apart by the longest and most devastating war of its recent history, there are mothers whose eyes are not blinded by vengeance and who are able to transform the pain of losing a child in the conflict into a journey of reconciliation—for the sake of the future of the young generations, both Israeli and Palestinian. Their virtuous witness highlights how crucial the role of mothers and women is in mediating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This is also exemplified by the story of Sister Aziza Kidane, who served in the Holy Land for 12 years, tirelessly building bridges between Israelis and Palestinians through her work among the poorest.

In collaboration with Tracce

Maria Francesca Righi, Cistercian nun and abbess of the Monastery of Valserena (Pisa), in dialogue with Paolo Prosperi, priest of the Fraternity of Saint Charles Borromeo. Introduced by Valentina Frigerio, Head of website and digital channels of CL

Reality "calls"—it contains a promise of goodness that is sometimes hard to grasp in the present moment. What should one do with oneself and one’s desire for the good? What attraction should one follow? Whom should one ask for help? The testimony of two people who have dedicated their lives to God.

In collaboration with Comunità di Connessioni and the Fondazione per la sussidiarietà

Chiara Alvisi, PhD student in political economy; Paolo Bonini, researcher in constitutional and public law; Ciro Cafiero, labor lawyer; Rosalba Famà, researcher in European law; Giovanni Mulazzani, Fondazione per la sussidiarietà; Luca Santoro, researcher in mechanical engineering. Introduced by Francesco Occhetta, Secretary General of the Fratelli tutti Vatican Foundation. Moderated by Francesca Carenzi, communications consultant

“There is a basic and essential recognition that must be made in order to walk toward social friendship and universal fraternity: realizing how much a human being is worth, how much a person is worth, always and in every circumstance.” This is the invitation made by Pope Francis in the encyclical Fratelli tutti. In an era of individualism, where people are increasingly isolated or confined within the limits of their identity groups, it is essential to rediscover the relational component of the human person. The young members of the Comunità di Connessioni association, together with the Foundation for Subsidiarity, will present proposals for social and political reform rooted in the paradigm of fraternity — proposals that place the human person and their original relational dimension at the center of rebuilding the country.

In collaboration with Compagnia delle Opere

Pasquale Frega, President and CEO of Philip Morris Italy; Daniela Fumarola, General Secretary of Cisl; Giovanni Liverani, President of ANIA; Adolfo Urso, Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy; Alessandro Zehentner, President of Snam. Moderated by Alessandro Bracci, Vice President of Compagnia delle Opere and President & CEO of Teddy Group

The Italian economic landscape is undergoing a phase of deep transformation that calls for new responses. At the heart of the discussion lies the need to redefine the relationship between work and development, moving beyond traditional divisions in pursuit of concrete areas of convergence. This meeting is part of the broader reflection on the concept of "Good Work": a positive stimulus to imagine new forms of collaboration capable of linking economic growth with social well-being, laying the groundwork for a shared pact that can respond to the challenges of both the present and the near future.

Organized by Famiglie per l’Accoglienza

Alfredo Caltabiano, Associazione nazionale Famiglie Numerose; Mario della Mercede and Cinzia Ponte, Confederazione italiana dei Centri per la Regolazione Naturale della Fertilità; Alice Manganotti, Associazione Genitori Scuole Cattoliche; Mauro Montesi and Sara Simonetti, Associazione Azione per Famiglie Nuove; Angela Preite, Associazione Fraternità; Cristina Riccardi, delle Associazioni Familiari. Moderated by Luca Sommacal, President of Famiglie per l’Accoglienza

The urgency of generative relationships—both personal and communal—is an essential ingredient to keep the hope of peoples alive and creative. Around the family, it is possible to build alliances for hope, capable of nourishing even the most barren places and making communities and territories flourish.

Promoted by AVSI, SPSE - CEI and Italian Cooperation

Luciano Gualzetti, Director of Caritas Ambrosiana; Ranieri Sabatucci, former Head of the European Union Delegation to Myanmar; Niccolò Tassoni Estense di Castelvecchio, Head of the Italian Mission in Myanmar. Video message from Nang Swe Swe Aye, Country Representative of AVSI in Myanmar. Moderated by Anna Tramonti, Philanthropy and Advocacy Specialist, AVSI

The earthquake that struck Southeast Asia on March 28 of this year brought renewed attention to the fragile situation in Myanmar, where a population already exhausted by years of civil conflict faced yet another catastrophe. Italy, the European Union, and civil society organizations promptly mobilized to support the Burmese people. This event will recount what has taken place in recent months and seek to ensure that the spotlight on this country remains lit.

Anna Iuliano and Giacomo La Gioia, a married couple with experience in adoption. Moderated by Maria Acqua Simi, journalist at Tracce

Stories, struggles, and joys of a family that chooses to welcome. It is through the experience of welcoming that relationships between people become more deeply human.

In collaboration with Sistema Banchi

Stefano Barrese, Head of Intesa Sanpaolo’s Banca dei Territori Division; Sergio Daniotti, President, Fondazione Banco Farmaceutico; Fabio Mazzoleni, President, Banco Informatico; Giorgio Medici, Vice President, Banco delle Cose; Marco Piuri, President, Fondazione Banco Alimentare ETS; Ettore Prandini, President, Coldiretti Davide Rondoni, poet. Moderated by Elisabetta Soglio, journalist, Corriere della Sera, editor of Buone Notizie

According to the latest ISTAT data, nearly one in ten people in Italy lives in absolute poverty: that’s 5.694 million individuals belonging to 2.217 million families unable to maintain a dignified standard of living. To support them, a widespread solidarity network operates daily, engaging volunteers and resources. But it’s time to reflect: what is the difference between poverty and misery? And how can acts of charity preserve human dignity and avoid slipping into pity or paternalism?

Patrick Deneen, Professor of Political Science, University of Notre Dame; Joseph Weiler, University Professor, NYU Law School; Senior Fellow, Center for European Studies at Harvard. Moderated by Mattia Ferraresi, journalist, Domani

A society built on individual rights and market forces is showing clear signs of strain. Post-liberal thinkers have long criticized the atomization and inadequacies of this model in addressing today’s deep social and cultural crises. What remains of the liberal project today? And what are the viable alternatives to the model that has shaped modernity?

Marco Beghi, Professor of Solid-State Physics, Politecnico di Milano; Silvia Gross, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry, Università di Padova; Liberato Manna, Senior Scientist in NanoChemistry, Istituto italiano di Tecnologia. Moderated by Francesco Mambretti, Postdoctoral Researcher in Atomistic Simulations, Istituto italiano di Tecnologia

Historical eras have often been defined by a particular material that marked a revolutionary shift from the past — consider bronze, copper, or iron. With the rapid pace of technological advancement, recent centuries have seen an explosion in the number and variety of materials, both purposefully invented and accidentally discovered. In recent decades, humans have begun to manipulate matter at the atomic level — the so-called nanoscale — offering a revolutionary tool for creating new materials tailored to specific needs (a drug, a catalyst, a superconductor...) and for observing matter at scales invisible to the naked eye. Three researchers will guide us through the details and history of some of today’s most innovative materials.

In collaboration with Compagnia delle Opere

Giacomo Frigerio, founder of Blossom; Paolo Prosperi, priest, Missionary Fraternity of St. Charles Borromeo; Fabio Sala, manager; Francesco Seghezzi, President of ADAPT; Anna Zattoni, President of Jointly. Moderated by Andrea Dellabianca, President of Compagnia delle Opere

This event serves as an introduction to the exhibit Every Man at His Work, promoted by Compagnia delle Opere. What is the meaning of our work today? For whom do we work? With whom? And how? These are the questions that will guide the discussion, drawing on different perspectives and personal experiences. Every Man at His Work is, above all, an invitation to ask questions — together, and in a shared space.

Organized by Famiglie per l’Accoglienza and Cdo Opere Sociali

Carlo Carabelli, Director of ASLAM Cooperative; Cristiana Poggio, Vice President of Fondazione Piazza dei Mestieri ETS; Alessia Toia, Head of Institutional Partnerships, e-Work Spa. Moderated by Rossano Santuari, Vice President of Famiglie per l’Accoglienza. Testimony by a welcomed young person now integrated into the workforce

Work experience marks an important moment in adult life.It is both a verification and an expression of one’s value, as well as an opportunity for socialization and growth. As Saint John Paul II wrote, “work bears the particular mark of man and humanity, the mark of a person operating within a community of persons.” In our country, there are welcoming initiatives that accompany many young people—often with histories of wounds and fragility, suffering and loneliness—into a path of growth and responsibility. Sometimes it is a slow and painful journey, filled with fear and a sense of inadequacy; other times, it is precisely the hardship endured that becomes a source of sensitivity and renewed motivation. The connection between fragility and work, between the experience of lack and the desire for redemption, between the fear of not measuring up and the capacity to share, is often surprising. We wish to tell this story also through the direct testimonies of young people who have experienced it firsthand.

Organized by Intersos

Gianluca Brusco, Head of the Unit for International Humanitarian Emergency Interventions, Directorate General for Development Cooperation, MAECI; Sandro De Luca, President of Link2007. Moderator: Konstantinos Moschochoritis, General Director of INTERSOS

The current global humanitarian context is marked by unprecedented needs and growing complexity. Wars in Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, the Sahel, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Yemen continue to generate millions of displaced people, hunger, and serious risks for civilians, while climate emergencies further aggravate the situation. Today, an estimated 305 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance—the highest number ever recorded—yet available resources are drastically shrinking. This gap forces the system to focus only on the most urgent needs, leaving many without support. At the same time, humanitarian action is increasingly hampered by the politicization of aid, the lack of respect for international humanitarian law, direct attacks on civilians and aid workers, and restrictions on access to affected communities. Disinformation and hostility towards those providing assistance further worsen these challenges. In this scenario, funding cuts are not isolated episodes but part of a global trend that questions the very future of humanitarian response. The panel will offer a concrete perspective on how these challenges affect the daily lives of those impacted and on the work of those striving to support them, while also opening a collective reflection on what the humanitarian community can and must do to face the sector’s crisis and rethink its future.

Daniele Giusti, physician and Secretary General of the Comboni Missionaries; Sara Pasolini, teacher. Moderated by Valentina Frigerio, head of the CL website and digital channels

A hundred years after his birth, the witness of Comboni missionary Father Pietro Tiboni remains as vibrant as ever. He spent most of his life in Sudan and Uganda, where he also died. A missionary whom Fr. Giussani once described as “one of the holiest men we have known.”

Mario Draghi, former Prime Minister of Italy. Introduced by Bernhard Scholz, President of the Meeting for Friendship among Peoples ETS Foundation

The European Union faces unexpected geopolitical shifts with unpredictable conflict dynamics, an accelerated deglobalization of the global economy, and the constant impact of ever-new technologies. Internally, divergences are also growing, challenging the political and economic framework the Union has followed in recent decades.
Mario Draghi, author of the report “The Future of European Competitiveness” commissioned by the European Commission, will share his vision of the new horizons opening up for the EU within the international context.

Eraldo Affinati, writer and teacher, founder of the Penny Wirton School; Paolo Malaguti, writer and teacher. Moderated by Letizia Bardazzi, President of the Italian Association of Cultural Centers

In his two letters of 2024, Pope Francis acknowledges poetry and literature as having an essential role: to explore the depths of the human soul in order to understand ourselves and the world around us. But what does it truly mean to “experience reality” through the pages of a book? How can literature become a training ground for our gaze, helping us learn to see through the eyes of another?
In this encounter between two voices of contemporary literature — Eraldo Affinati, who has turned the encounter with others into a calling through his teaching at the Penny Wirton School, and Paolo Malaguti, a writer who delves into the hidden folds of existence — we explore the transformative power of reading.
Reading is never a neutral act: it is personal engagement, an expansion of perspective, a construction of that “breadth of humanity” that only stories can give. A dialogue on the present state of Italian literature and its ability to help us inhabit the complexity of reality.

Rabih Chattat, Professor of Clinical Psychology, Università di Bologna; Patrizia Mecocci, Director of Geriatrics Department and Professor of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Università degli Studi di Perugia; Marco Predazzi, Founder and President of Fondazione Il Melo Onlus, Medical Director of Hotel Alzheimer and Laboratorio Progettuale per l'Housing gerontologico, Gallarate. Moderated by Marco Maltoni, Medicina e Persona, Director of the Palliative Care Unit of Romagna, President of Sul sentiero di Cicely – Per le Cure Palliative APS

From an epidemiological perspective, the number of people affected by dementia continues to grow in the Western world. This condition leads to progressive cognitive decline and potential behavioral and relational difficulties. Facing such degeneration, the suffering of patients and their families can become truly burdensome. Is the person affected by dementia defined by their condition, or is there more? Should we focus on what is gradually lost, or persist in a constructive focus on that irreducible humanity that remains present? Can the stigma surrounding dementia be overcome? Are there scientific, caregiving, and relational innovations worth noting?

Carmine Di Martino, Professor of Moral Philosophy, Università degli Studi di Milano; Nicolò Terminio, psychoanalyst and essayist. Moderated by Giorgia Pinelli, Professor of General Pedagogy, Università eCampus and member of the RES research group at the Department of the Arts, Università di Bologna

The question is whether, in the face of increasingly evident differences related to cultures and historical situations, to the concrete experiences of communities and individuals, and to the many perspectives within our own culture, there are still recognisable needs and truths that we all share — fundamental dynamics that, though expressed in very different ways, are common to us and can be called “the human.” Answering this question is a difficult and fascinating challenge, one that lies at the root of both a renewed discovery of the self and a more conscious openness to others — to individuals, peoples, and cultures.

Alessandro Giuli, Minister of Culture; Davide Rondoni, poet; Pierluigi Sacco, Professor of Cultural Economics, Università di Chieti-Pescara. Moderated by Irene Elisei, financial journalist, SkyTG24 and Value24

This debate centers on the urgent need to redefine Italy’s model of cultural support, often tied to public funding which, while essential, may not be sufficient to ensure sustainable growth in the sector. Key topics include the role of private patronage, cultural crowdfunding, tax incentives for creative enterprises, and the possibility of greater managerial autonomy for cultural institutions. The discussion takes place at a time of significant transformation for Italy’s cultural system: on one hand, the need for effective and widespread public support; on the other, the opportunity to explore innovative funding models that could make the sector more independent and resilient.

Alfio Bardolla, CEO of Alfio Bardolla Training Group; Enrico Cereda, President of Confidi Systema!; Carlo Alberto Giusti, Rector of Università degli Studi Link Campus. Moderated by Bernhard Scholz, President of the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples ETS Foundation

The Italian labor market stands at a crossroads. Following recent referendum consultations, what new scenarios are emerging for businesses, workers, and institutions? This meeting brings together leading figures from the national economic and academic landscape to outline the challenges and opportunities facing the country. From labor market reforms to development policies, from technological innovation to the role of universities in training new skills—an open dialogue on the future of growth and employment.

Organized by WeWorld

Martina Albini, Head of the WeWorld Research Center; Asmae Dachan, journalist and writer; Marco Rusconi, Director, Italian Agency for Development Cooperation; Rahel Saya, journalist and activist for women's and children's rights. Moderated by Stefania Piccinelli, Director of International Programs WeWorld

The panel aims to focus on three contexts in which WeWorld has been working consistently for years, in close collaboration with Italian Cooperation: Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Syria. Drawing on field experience and the recent report "Her Future at Risk", produced by WeWorld, the event will offer a discussion on the role of women in humanitarian action, highlighting resilience and leadership in crisis situations.

In-depth presentation of the exhibition Prophecies for Peace, created by Gioventù Studentesca

Marco Peronio, Director of the Consortium of Social Cooperatives "Il Mosaico" (Gorizia and Udine); Gebril Mohamed Sallam, guest of the Casa dell’Immacolata in Udine and students of Gioventù Studentesca in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Moderated by Saviana Corso, teacher at liceo “Niccolò Copernico”, Udine

Stories of migrants along the Balkan route.

Maria Pia Alberzoni, former Professor of Medieval History, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Milano; Francesco Piloni, Minister of the Province of the Friars Minor of Umbria; Davide Rondoni, poet and President of the National Committee for the 800th Anniversary of the Death of Saint Francis of Assisi; Marco Villani, Deputy Secretary‑General of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers”. Moderated by Annalisa Teggi, writer and translator

Francis is a saint who sings, walks, and meets others. And with saints, the use of the present tense is not rhetorical, for their relationship with the world remains a living, open story. For 800 years, Saint Francis has accompanied humanity with the bold proposal to remember that the most solid bricks for building our homes are the souls of people. Who is this joyful, poor man whose voice sang such a fraternal relationship with God that he called every creature brother or sister?

Dialogue with Professor Marco Gozzi

This event, dedicated to listening to the musical program of the Spirto Gentil collection—founded by Fr. Luigi Giussani—will focus on Ave Generosa by Hildegard of Bingen. The evening will be led by Pier Paolo Bellini, composer and musicologist, while Professor Marco Gozzi will attend as a guest.

In collaboration with the Spirto Gentil collection.

With Sergio Castellitto, Jared McNeill e ensemble

The opening performance will be “The Rock”, inspired by the work of T.S. Eliot.
A fusion of poetry, music, and theatrical performance, with the extraordinary participation of Sergio Castellitto, accompanied by a musical ensemble directed by American artist Jared McNeill. “The Rock” is also the debut album of McNeill himself—actor and theatre director—created in collaboration with composer Claudio Scarabottini.The music, blending electronic pop, gospel, blues, and world music, merges with the intense voices of the performers, giving new strength to Eliot’s verses, which also inspire the title of the 46th edition of the Meeting.

Actors: Jared McNeill, Alessandra Arcangeli (stage name Hallyx), Maria Irene Minelli.
In collaboration with the young people of the Laboratorio Artistic@mente di Spoleto. Choir: Bisse.
Keyboard: Claudio Scarabottini, Dj: Ashley Martin (stage name Hysope), percussions/shakuhachi: Yukio Tsuji, elettric guitar: Giampaolo Cavalieri, cello: Cecilia Biondini.
Video design: Audiovisual-Multimedia Section of Liceo Artistico L. Leonardi di Spoleto (classes III, IV, V), coordinated by Simona Bonini and Alex Dello Iacono.
Light design: Stefano Bardelli, sound engineer: Paolo Chiari.
Movement design: Arianna De Angelis Marocco, music director: Claudio Scarabottini, director: Jared McNeill.

In collaboration with the Sagra Musicale Malatestiana.
With the support of isybank, Gruppo Maggioli, Reggini Spa and Società Italiana Gas Liquidi Spa - Vulcan

Admission with ticket

By and with Sasà Calabrese, Dario De Luca, Daniele Moraca

In an interview with Corriere della Sera in 2002, Lucio Dalla said: “All the lyrics of my songs are always little stories, screenplay ideas”. From this comes the idea of combining the form of the song with the spoken word, with the art of theatricalizing it—seeking to create a performance where the songs of the Bolognese genius become stories, horizontal narratives, like a film, like tales hand-stitched by music. Songs, therefore, will be sung and acted, accompanied by reflections on music, anecdotes from Lucio’s artistic life, and those of many fellow artists who form the diverse archipelago of Italian singer-songwriters. All this will unfold in a spirit of lightness and irony, with active audience participation. This show was conceived and written during the months of the pandemic—to ward off fear and to feel united, even from afar. Perhaps even the title itself serves as a caption for the message the three artists have sought to convey.

Opening greeting by Bernhard Scholz, President of the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples ETS Foundation; Thomas Georgeon, Abbot of the La Trappe Monastery and postulator of the beatification cause for the Martyrs of Algeria; Nadjia Kebour, Professor at the Pontifical Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies (PISAI); Lourdes Miguélez Matilla, Augustinian Missionary Sister; H.E. Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, Metropolitan Archbishop of Algiers. Moderated by Lorenzo Fazzini, Editorial Director, Libreria Editrice Vaticana

Between 1994 and 1996, nineteen Catholic religious men and women—now Blessed—fell victim to violence in Algeria, where over a span of ten years more than 150,000 people, including many imams, lost their lives. The decision of these Christians to remain alongside a suffering people, in a spirit of selfless friendship and Christian sharing, is a witness to a generous charity that embraces others with complete openness. Their martyrdom still challenges us today; their closeness to Muslims is an inspiration and an example for us all.

Mario Botta, architect, in dialogue with Angelo Rinaldi, Deputy Director at Repubblica

In a secularized society, the demand for spaces dedicated to silence, meditation, and prayer continues to emerge.
Thus, the human need for the sacred takes shape in the projects of those who design contemporary places of worship.

In collaboration with the “Ditelo sui tetti” network and the Movimento per la Vita

Mario Bolzan, senior scholar and former Professor of Social Statistics, Università di Padova; Agostino Carloni, Director of Communication, Press and Associative Projects at Farmindustria; Marina Casini Bandini, President of Movimento per la Vita; Domenico Menorello, coordinator of the “Ditelo sui tetti” network; Matteo Rizzolli, Professor of Economic Policy, Università Lumsa. Moderated by Angelo Picariello, journalist at Avvenire

In light of the persistent demographic decline in Italy and Europe, support for birth rates emerges as a priority that concerns society as a whole. This is not only about structural reforms or economic incentives, but about a profound cultural shift that recognizes the generative value of life and family. The conference aims to address declining birth rates not as an inevitable fate, but as a shared challenge: what cultural, social, economic, and symbolic conditions are needed so that having children is once again seen as a possible and desirable good? How can we overcome the loneliness and insecurity that often accompany the desire to become parents? Starting from concrete experiences in the social, business, and civic worlds, the meeting offers an open discussion on birth rate support policies, collective responsibility, public-private partnerships, and the need for a new narrative of life and hope—capable of motivating and sustaining family choices.

Elena Beccalli, Rector of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Giovanna Iannantuoni, President of CRUI (Conferenza dei Rettori delle Università Italiane). Moderated by Alfredo Marra, Professor of Administrative Law at Università di Milano Bicocca. With contributions from university students.

Italian universities today face a turning point in their history, suspended between new opportunities and the risk of losing their identity. In this phase of deep reconsideration of their mission and organization, it is essential to refocus on the relationship between professors and students — a space to enhance the intelligence, creativity, and desire of the younger generation, and the passion of teachers willing to engage in the educational adventure. Only within an authentic relationship between those who teach and those who learn can the university truly redefine its identity.

In collaboration with Cdo Edilizia

Luigi Benatti, architect; Giuseppe Cappochin, Head of the Department for Urban Reform and the Future of Cities, National Council of Architects, Planners, Landscape Architects, and Conservators; Guido Castelli, Government Extraordinary Commissioner for the Repair and Reconstruction after the 2016 Earthquake; Matteo Colleoni, Professor of Environmental and Territorial Sociology, Università di Milano-Bicocca; Paolo Franco, Regional Minister for Housing and Social Housing, Regione Lombardia; Erica Mazzetti, Member of Parliament, Environment, Land and Public Works Committee, Chamber of Deputies; Valentina Ridolfi, Councilor for Urban Planning, Private Building, European Policies, State Property, and PNRR, Comune di Rimini; Mario Valducci, President of INVIMIT SGR. Moderated by Simona Frigerio, Coordinator of Cdo Edilizia

How can we create relationships of proximity, reduce environmental impact, and promote a human-centered urbanism? How can we build and regenerate spaces that place people at the center? It is essential to respond to the right to housing and to regenerate in order to reduce the impact of construction by upgrading existing assets. Equally important is the need to redesign urban centers following the vision of the 15-minute city and sustainable mobility, to foster more resilient and sustainable territories.

Organized by Intersos

Valerie Guarnieri, Assistant Executive director, Programme Operations, WFP; Michele Morana, Head of the AICS office in Addis Ababa, responsible for Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, and Djibouti; Irene Panozzo, political analyst and consultant; Marco Rusconi, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. Moderated by Alda Cappelletti, Senior Humanitarian Advisor at INTERSOS

It has been two years since Sudan plunged into a devastating civil war on April 15, 2023, triggering the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Twelve million people have fled their homes, and more than half of the population faces alarming levels of food insecurity, with entire regions on the brink of famine. Infrastructure is destroyed, hospitals are non-functional, and the population's sanitary and health conditions are dire. INTERSOS is operating in both the eastern part of the country and in Darfur to support a population on the edge of collapse. The consequences of the Sudanese crisis—and of other protracted and forgotten conflicts—extend beyond national borders. Their effects are felt regionally and globally, contributing to political instability, irregular migration flows, strain on humanitarian systems, and indirect impacts on geopolitical dynamics. Understanding these interconnections is crucial for developing more effective responses, based on integrated analysis and a long-term vision that moves beyond an emergency-based and sectoral approach.

Pino Cantatore, President of Bee4, the first social enterprise operating in the prisons of Bollate and Vigevano; Gianluca Guida, Director of the Juvenile Prison of Nisida; Enzo Zannoni, Chaplain of the Forlì Prison. Moderated by Paola Bergamini, journalist at Tracce

While prison conditions in Italy are deteriorating, stories of renewal are also on the rise. This session shares the voices of a prison chaplain, a former life-sentenced inmate who now hires other prisoners, and the director of one of Italy’s most challenging juvenile institutions. Their experiences testify that even in places of confinement, a path of hope can take shape.

Erik Varden, Bishop of Trondheim, President of the Episcopal Conference of Scandinavia. Introduced by Bernhard Scholz, President of the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples ETS Foundation

The title of Meeting 2025, “In the vacant places we will build with new bricks,” is taken from T.S. Eliot’s Choruses from “The Rock.” It is an invitation to build — in the deserts of individualism, indifference, violence, and meaninglessness — a world of authentic relationships, genuine hospitality, and work directed toward the common good. What, then, can encourage creative and forward-looking construction? What are the sources of a freedom capable of overcoming the many difficulties, obstacles, and contradictions? From what hope can a renewed commitment to the good and a passionate pursuit of truth be born? We posed these questions to Erik Varden, Trappist monk, Bishop of Trondheim (Norway), and President of the Episcopal Conference of Scandinavia, which gathers the bishops of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

In collaboration with Famiglie per l’Accoglienza

Adriano Bordignon, President of the Forum of Family Associations; Martina Brusa, testimony; H.E. Mons. Giampaolo Dianin, Bishop of Chioggia; Fernando Milanés, President of the Congreso Internacional de las Familias (CIFAM), Mexico; Monica Serreli, testimony; Achille Spinelli, Vice President of the Provincia Autonoma di Trento, councillor for Economic Development, Work, Family, University and Research. Moderated by Luca Sommacal, President of Famiglie per l’Accoglienza

All around us, we increasingly see the struggle to live and pass on that trust in the future which defines hope.
This is dramatically evident in declining birth and marriage rates, fewer adoptions and foster placements, loneliness and domestic violence, the challenges of integrating those who have fled their homelands, and the growing withdrawal from communal spaces. Yet there are still those who look to the future and take the risk of working toward a more human world. Can families rekindle hope and build communities with new bricks?

In collaboration with Fondazione per la Sussidiarietà

Zbigniew Derdziuk, President of ZUS Social Insurance Institution (Polish social security agency); Gabriele Fava, President of INPS; Giancarlo Giorgetti, Minister of Economy and Finance; Mikko Kautto, Director of the Finnish Centre for Pensions - Eläketurvakeskus; Yannis Natsis, Director of ESIP - European Social Insurance Platform; Davide Passero, CEO of Alleanza Assicurazioni and Chief Marketing & Product Officer of Generali Italia. Moderated by Giorgio Vittadini, President of Fondazione per la Sussidiarietà

Social protection systems, and pension systems in particular, play a crucial role in ensuring well-being and cohesion, as well as security and stability in development. How can we guarantee their resilience and sustainability over time?

In collaboration with Compagnia delle Opere

Michele De Pascale, President of the Regione Emilia-Romagna; Matteo Piantedosi, Minister of the Interior. With contributions and testimonies from social enterprises: Angelo Candiani, President, ASLAM Social Cooperative; Alessandro Menegatti, President, Work and Belong Social Cooperative (Comacchio); Alberto Sportoletti, CEO of SERNET and President of Retemanager. Moderated by Andrea Dellabianca, President of Compagnia delle Opere

How does hospitality turn into genuine integration? This is the central question of this event, which brings together institutional representatives—namely the Minister of the Interior and the President of Emilia-Romagna—and those who, every day, work on the ground to implement concrete solutions. The dialogue starts from a core belief: true social cohesion is built through education and employment. Good intentions are no longer enough if there are no marketable skills and real job opportunities. Because it is precisely in the “deserted places” — those of exclusion and hardship — that we must learn to build with “new bricks”: those made of dignified work, acquired skills, and truly functioning social networks.

Organized by Centri di Solidarietà

Francesco Botturi, former Professor of Moral Philosophy, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, in dialogue with Carlo Tellarini, Fondazione Enrico Zanotti

Politics, understood as governance for the common good, is today facing an unprecedented crisis because its very foundation is being questioned: the existence of political power capable of governing the force of technological-technocratic systems. To invoke the idea of community in this context is not a nostalgic return to a romantic culture. Identity and community relations constitute something different and irreducible — a place where the human finds a home and produces real effects. Humanity generates its own culture and makes history, capable of surviving even the worst voids and regimes. As MacIntyre affirms, the point is to live in real communities that do not “stand aside,” but rather fully “play their part.”

Promosso da AVSI, SPSE – CEI, Cooperazione Italiana

Gino Barsella, former Country Representative of AVSI in South Sudan; Christian Carlassare, Bishop of Bentiu, South Sudan; Valerie Guarnieri, Assistant Executive director, Programme Operations, WFP; Piero Petrucco, CEO of I.CO.P. SPA, President of the National Council of Specializations, Vice President ANCE and of the European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC), with a mandate on sustainability. Moderated by Maria Laura Conte, Director of Communication and Advocacy at AVSI

South Sudan is facing a severe humanitarian crisis: years of civil war, political instability, interethnic conflicts, and the effects of climate change continue to undermine the foundations of lasting peace. AVSI's projects focus on development and agriculture to provide the population with a source of livelihood, and especially on education.
Thanks to the collaboration with the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), important educational projects have been implemented in a country where 65% of children do not attend school.

Jared McNeill, American stage actor, director, and performer; Claudio Scarabottini, music producer and composer. Moderated by Luca Fiore, journalist and art critic

Who are the protagonists of the opening show of Meeting 2025, how did they encounter the poem Choruses from “The Rock”, and why the questions of the great British writer remain ever alive.

Paolo Carozza, Chair of the Meta Oversight Board; Mauro Magatti, Professor of Sociology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Luciano Violante, President of Associazione Futuri Probabili. Moderated by Andrea Simoncini, Professor of Constitutional and Public Law, Università degli Studi di Firenze and Vice President of the Meeting for Friendship among Peoples ETS Foundation

How is the digital revolution changing politics and democracy? What role does political propaganda play in shaping our understanding of facts and the world? How are major digital platforms replacing organizations and key public functions such as justice, healthcare, labor, and education?

In collaboration with CdO Opere Educative/FOE, Diesse, Di.S.A.L  and Associazione Culturale Il Rischio Educativo

Marco Galdi, Professor of Public Law Institutions, Università di Salerno; Ignasi Grau, General Director, OIDEL; Paolo Maino, President of Di.S.A.L. and School Director, ITE Gadda Rosselli, Gallarate (VA); Maurizio Serafin, National Board Member of ADI – Associazione Docenti e Dirigenti Scolastici Italiani; Massimiliano Tonarini, President, CdO Opere Educative/FOE. Moderated by Tommaso Agasisti, Full Professor, Department of Management Engineering, Politecnico di Milano

Freedom of education from a European perspective, with examples of autonomous school systems. School autonomy and school autonomies as tools for improving the organizational effectiveness of schools, conceived in service of enhancing the quality of education. The event will explore the concepts of school autonomy and educational freedom, analyzing their legal, pedagogical, and social implications in the Italian context, and offering proposals for possible

Federico Freni, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Economy and Finance; Gaetano Manfredi, President, ANCI (National Association of Italian Municipalities); Roberto Occhiuto, President, Regione Calabria; Stefania Proietti, President, Regione Umbria; Francesco Rocca, President, Regione Lazio. Moderated by Lorenza Violini, Professor of Constitutional Law, Università di Milano

This session explores the issues of regional and local autonomy at a time when the central government’s role has expanded—both in regulation and in funding decentralized functions. This trend has been essential in tackling recent national emergencies (e.g., Covid-19, energy crisis) and continues today. Research such as the 2024/25 Report from the Fondazione per la Sussidiarietà on Subsidiarity and Territorial Welfare highlights the need to improve coordination between various levels of government, aiming for more efficient and effective public action. This must be managed in close cooperation with the Third Sector, which brings unique knowledge of local needs and innovative approaches.

Organized by Fondazione Progetto Arca

Giuseppe Frangi, journalist of Vita; Franco Mussida, musician; Costantina Regazzo, Services Director, Fondazione Progetto Arca; Francesca Rizzi, CEO Jointly Alice Stefanizzi, Director of Marketing, Fundraising, and Communication, Fondazione Progetto Arca. Moderated by Luca Fiore, art critic and journalist

There is a right that is often overlooked in today’s society: the right to beauty. It is not an accessory right, but an essential one, touching all areas of social life in their everyday dimension. In reintegration pathways for marginalized individuals, the experience of beauty reveals a light at the end of the tunnel and affirms full human dignity. In the workplace, care for the environment fosters the humanization of spaces and the restoration of social relationships, paving the way for shared well-being.

Elena Beccalli, Rector of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Fabio Petroni, Program Director, E4Impact Foundation; Fabrizio Piccarolo, Director, Fondazione Lombardia per l'Ambiente; Roberto Sancinelli, President and CEO of Montello S.p.A.. Moderated by Giacomo Ciambotti, researcher, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

In a global context shaped by major social, climatic, and economic transformations, the African continent is increasingly a strategic player for the future. With over 60% of its population under the age of 25, Africa is home to immense youth potential, energy, and creativity. However, sustainable and inclusive development in Africa depends on concrete investment in education and skills. Knowledge, learning, and personal development are essential to building more just, resilient societies capable of facing global challenges — from technological innovation to energy transition, from fighting inequality to social inclusion. This session will explore practical steps and “new bricks” for cooperation between Italy and Africa, emphasizing academic and entrepreneurial training and the vision of a young, educated, and empowered Africa as a driver of global progress.

In-depth presentation of the exhibition Prophecies for Peace, created by Gioventù Studentesca

Giorgio Bazzega, son of Sergio Bazzega, marshal in the anti-terrorism security services killed by the Red Brigades, penal mediator and expert in restorative justice; Franco Bonisoli, former member of the Red Brigades, now engaged in restorative justice initiatives and students from Gioventù Studentesca in Milan. Moderated by Claudia Peri, teacher at Liceo Umberto Boccioni, Milan

Starting from the dialogue between victims and former perpetrators of the political violence of the 1970s, the event presents an extraordinary journey in restorative justice—offered as a path toward reconciliation and peace.

Screening of the film Of Gods and Men (original title Des hommes et de dieux), 2010, directed by Xavier Beauvois. This is the film that introduced the world to the testimony of the Trappist monks of Tibhirine, Algeria, who were beatified in 2018 along with 11 other Christians killed during the “black decade” of Islamist terrorism.

Discussion to follow with Etienne Comar, screenwriter and producer of the film; Marie-Dominique Minassian, Project Leader of “The Writings of Tibhirine.” Moderated by Alessandro Banfi, journalist, Communications Coordinator of Fondazione Oasis and curator of the exhibition Twice Callded. The martyrs of Algeria

In a fragmented time, where distance often feels stronger than embrace, the OLOGRAMMA Choral and Instrumental Group presents a concert that is a shared journey. A path made of music, words, and genuine relationships: “Steps Made of Songs” is a sonic and human journey, where each song becomes an opportunity to draw closer, to get to know each other and to recognize one another. From Dylan to the Beatles, from Vecchioni to Mr. Rain, including the voices of those who too often remain on the margins—this concert is a declaration of trust: in peace, in the possibility of building truthful connections, in the strength of welcomed fragility. Voices differing in tone, story, and life come together in a single harmony that does not aim to impress but simply to encounter.
One step at a time, one note at a time, toward a possible world.

In collaboration with Cineteca di Rimini
With the support of Regione Emilia-Romagna

A brief journey into the poetics and vision of Lucio Dalla. Lecture/Event by Cristiano Governa

There is a poem whose title is longer than the poem itself: “Instructions for living a life” by Mary Oliver, which reads: “Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it”. These three words form the soul of Lucio Dalla’s work. How did Lucio observe? What amazed him? What strategies did he use to convey all of this to us? He observed with the eyes of a child, was amazed by how much life radiated from strangers, and he told us through his songs. Se io fossi un angelo (If I Were an Angel) is a short journey—in words and music—into Lucio’s universe and poetics, into his ability to remain childlike while also digging into the grooves of daily life, “so we can laugh about it, so we can keep hoping,” as he confessed in “L’anno che verrà”. We will discover Lucio’s talent for salvation: his ability to save the human beings simply by narrating them and dispelling the suspicion that life is made just to come to an end.
With Andrea Campi on vocals and guitar, and Tiziano Guerzoni on cello.

By and with Giacomo Poretti, director Andrea Chiodi

One of the greatest misfortunes that can befall a human being on planet Earth in 2025 is to stumble upon a seemingly harmless word—just four letters long: soul. A real trap. This journey begins with that very stumble, a terrible collision that took place the moment a new mother and father were faced with an insurmountable challenge: “You’ve made a body, now you must make a soul.” It’s a journey fight — uncomfortable, abrasive, even painful — with a word, with that word. Of course, nowadays, those parents might try to defend themselves with the full arsenal modernity provides: science, common sense, bourgeois ideals, cynicism… But eventually, one always comes to a crossroads: organize a future for their child as an influencer, a chef, an archi-doctor, a star architect, a Ballon d'Or winner, a CEO... or help him embrace the beauty of a reality freely given, so that he may marvel every time he opens his eyes. And rediscover with him the wonder of having a soul.

Produced by Teatro de Gli Incamminati

In collaboration with Traces
With the support of Regione Emilia-Romagna and Gruppo Maggioli

Admission with ticket

“Zapotec” is the title of the debut album by Francesco Picciano, a musical project born from a deep search for self-truth. This personal and artistic journey delves into the most intimate and authentic emotions associated with the memories and experiences that shape who we are. With its original sound and sincere lyrics, “Zapotec” presents itself as an album unafraid to dig deep, seeking to reveal who we truly are beyond appearances and social conventions. Each note is a chapter, and each word a step toward self-discovery. Because “Zapotec” is, above all, an invitation to live one's own truth, to speak openly, and to seek authenticity in a world that often urges us to hide it. The concert will feature a full band: Francesco Picciano (vocals), Max Corona (guitars), Veronica Conti (cello), Michele Tani (keyboards), Tommy Graziani (drums), and Cristian Bonato (sound engineering).

Celebrated by H.E. Card. Matteo Maria Zuppi, President of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), Archbishop of Bologna. Concelebrated by H.E. Msgr. Nicolò Anselmi, Bishop of Rimini; H.E. Msgr. Christian Carlassare, Bishop of Bentiu, South Sudan; H.E. Msgr. Pavlo Honcharuk, Bishop of Kharkiv-Zaporizhzhia of the Latins; H.E. Msgr. Hanna Jallouf, Apostolic Vicar of Aleppo, Syria; H.E. Msgr. Filippo Santoro, Archbishop Emeritus of Taranto; H.E. Msgr. Erik Varden, Bishop of Trondheim, President of the Episcopal Conference of Scandinavia; H.Em. Card. Jean-Paul Vesco, Metropolitan Archbishop of Algiers

 

Javier Cercas, writer; Colum McCann, writer; Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication. Moderated by Linda Stroppa, journalist, Rai

In a world increasingly marked by conflict and polarization, fake news and deceitful oversimplifications, hate speech and resentful silence, communication risks being reduced to polemic, propaganda, and falsification. There is an urgent need for a kind of communication that fosters dialogue and encounters grounded in reality—one that creates relationships, sharing, and communion among people and nations, that rejects conformity and finds enrichment in diversity. Only communication dedicated to truth and goodness can create a network of real relationships, authentic and lasting bonds, a network of truth and freedom.

Due to the bad weather, the conference will be available on demand as soon as possible

Lorenzo Bassani, child neuropsychiatrist; Domenico Fabio Tallarico, religion teacher and rector of Scuole Sacro Cuore, Cesena. Moderated by Valentina Frigerio, Head of website and digital channels of CL

Social media aren’t social, community doesn’t feel communal, and family is no longer a home. The Netflix mini-series is a provocation for both teenagers and adults, each locked in their own solitude. How can we open ourselves to others?

Organized by Cdo Opere Educative/FOE, Diesse, Di.S.A.L., Ass. Culturale Il Rischio Educativo

Luca Botturi, Professor of Media in Education, Scuola universitaria professionale della Svizzera italiana (SUPSI); Pier Cesare Rivoltella, Professor of Didactics and Educational Technologies, Università di Bologna; Elena Viale, head teacher Istituto Superiore Silvio D’Arzo, Montecchio Emilia. Moderated by Paolo Maino, President of Di.S.A.L. and Principal of ITE Gadda Rosselli in Gallarate

An exploration of the current use of AI tools in education—bridging theory and practice. The aim: to place students and teachers back at the center of the learning process, journeying together in the pursuit of knowledge.

Organizzato da UCID Unione Cristiana Imprenditori Dirigenti

Greeting from Lucia Albano, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Economy and Finance; Alfonso Amarante, Rector, Pontifical Lateran University; Nino Apreda, President of UCID Campania; Benedetto Delle Site, President of Movimento Giovani UCID; Aldo Fumagalli, President of UCID Lombardy; Sigrid Marz, President of UNIAPAC; Fabio Storchi, presidente of UCID Reggio Emilia;  Stefano Zamagni, Professor of Political Economy, Università di Bologna. Moderated by Claudia Conte, journalist, TV host, and commentator

Following the 2024 Meeting, which promoted the ideas contained in UCID’s publication “Civil Economy” and in line with the direction outlined in that discussion, UCID now questions how to move beyond ESG logics. This need has already been clearly identified, since the evaluation of the results achieved by companies in environmental, social, and governance areas is, in itself, detached from the motivations and attitudes with which business leaders engage in these areas. Yet it is precisely these motivations and attitudes that ensure such commitment is maintained over time, forming an additional layer of corporate culture that can make the alignment between ESG elements, business value, and stakeholder satisfaction sustainable and enduring.

In collaboration with the Fondazione per la Sussidiarietà

Intervention by Card. Matteo Maria Zuppi, President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference (CEI), Archbishop of Bologna. Testimonies from: Paolo Gobbi, President of the Volunteer Services Center of Regione Marche; Luigino Quarchioni, Forum of the Third Sector, Marche; Chiara Griffini, President of the National Service for the Protection of Minors of the CEI; Maila Quaglia, Cooperativa sociale Nazareno; Genny Guariglia, President of Associazione Icaro, Napoli. Moderated by Giorgio Vittadini, President of Fondazione per la Sussidiarietà

Europe is the only region in the world where every individual has the right to assistance, education, and healthcare regardless of wealth or origin. Yet, the welfare state is not just a collection of services—it also involves the quality of human relationships. What contribution can the nonprofit and volunteer sectors offer to this dimension, and how can they collaborate with public institutions?

Mario De Caro, Professor of Moral Philosophy, Università di Roma Tre; Giorgio Vallortigara, Professor of Neuroscience, Centre for Mind/Brain Sciences, Università degli Studi di Trento. Introduced and moderated by Costantino Esposito, Professor of History of Philosophy, Università Aldo Moro di Bari

The first and fundamental condition for a person to become a builder of the world and assert a hypothesis of meaning with which to live in reality is a free act. But freedom, as a condition for living life’s challenges as protagonists, is itself an unconditional condition. To affirm that the human being is free means that he or she is never just the result of prior biological or cultural processes but carries within the ability to begin something new. But are we truly free? This is the pressing question that is becoming increasingly urgent in today’s increasingly “artificial” world. What do philosophers and neuroscientists have to say?

Mario Abbadessa, Senior Managing Director, Head of Transactions Europe & Country Head at Hines Italy; Lucia Albano, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Economy and Finance; Jacques Moscianese, Executive Director of Institutional Affairs, Intesa Sanpaolo; Marco Osnato, Chair of the Finance Committee (VI) of the Chamber of Deputies; Irene Tinagli, Chair of the EU Special Committee on the Housing Crisis. Moderated by Lorenzo Margiotta, architect

The meeting will discuss the role of private entities and public administrations in redesigning urban areas to make both city centers and suburbs vibrant, dynamic, and attractive spaces. What projects and initiatives can foster environments for encounter, exchange, and interaction, thus improving the quality of life and strengthening social cohesion in urban centers? How can housing policies at both the Italian and European levels expand the range of residential options to include work, education, social life, and community engagement?

In collaboration with Compagnia delle Opere

Natale Brescianini, monk and corporate trainer, ACC ICF coach; Lucia Cenetiempo, creative Technologist, Expert in Gen AI & Prompt Design; Pasquale Viscanti and Giacinto Fiore, founders of AI WEEK and IA spiegata semplice. Moderated by Paolo Casadei, CEO of Zal Telecomunicazioni s.r.l.

In an era dominated by automation and the efficiency of artificial intelligence, rediscovering the unique value of human thought becomes essential. While algorithms replicate, optimize, execute, and predict, only humans can question, intuit, decide amidst uncertainty, and bear the weight of consequences—because the quality of thought is not measured by speed but by depth. This meeting brings together the entrepreneurial and technological vision of the leaders behind Europe’s largest AI event with a deep and conscious reflection on the relationship between man and machine, reaffirming that AI is a tool meant to serve humanity—not replace it—as the wisdom of the Church reminds us in the document “Antiqua et Nova.”

In collaboration with Cdo Opere Sociali 

Riccardo Capecchi, President of Fondazione Lottomatica; Gianluca Chiodo, President of Giotto Cooperativa Sociale; Stefano Granata, President of Confcooperative Federsolidarietà; Emilio Minunzio, Councillor CNEL; Simone Rampin, employee of the Cooperativa Giotto; Francesco Paolo Sisto, Deputy Minister of Justice. Moderated by Maria Elena Magrin, delegate of the Rector of the Università di  Milano Bicocca for the Prison Campus

This event explores the importance of work in the rehabilitation journey of incarcerated individuals, recognizing it not only as a tool for reparation and social reintegration, but also as a powerful means of personal growth and autonomy development. We will examine the intrinsic value of work in rebuilding identity, skills, and dignity — fundamental elements for real personal transformation. The discussion will highlight how work within the prison system can promote the acquisition of new abilities, the enhancement of existing ones, and a stronger sense of responsibility. Particular focus will be placed on integrating work with educational and training paths to maximize the effectiveness of rehabilitation and ensure full social inclusion upon release.

In collaboration with Tracce

Eugenia Carfora, principal of the istituto Morano al Parco Verde di Caivano, Napoli; Paolo Valentini, academic coordinator of the licei della Fondazione Karis, Rimini. In dialogue with Franco Nembrini, educator, essayist and pedagogue

Two school leaders — working in very different contexts — who refuse to turn a blind eye to students’ struggles and who are capable of rekindling their interest in learning and in the life that lies ahead.

H.E. Mons. Hanna Jallouf, Apostolic Vicar of Aleppo, Syria; Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Introduced by Bernhard Scholz, President of the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples ETS Foundation. Greeting by Luca Beccari, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Political Affairs, International Economic Cooperation, and Digital Transition of the Republic of San Marino. Moderated by Andrea Avveduto, journalist, Head of Communications, Pro Terra Sancta

With the collapse of Assad’s regime, Syria emerges from years of conflict facing an uncertain future, with religious freedom taking center stage. In this delicate context, the Apostolic Vicar of Aleppo and the Minister of Foreign Affairs engage in dialogue to envision a future of peace. Much is at stake: security and guarantees for the small Christian community, which aspires to actively contribute—within a rich mosaic of faiths and cultures—to the country's rebirth. The goal is to chart a path toward coexistence in a Syria desperately seeking its future.

In collaboration with the John Templeton Foundation

José Ignacio Latorre, Professor of Theoretical Physics, University of Barcelona; Dan Maoz, George S. Wise Professor, Tel Aviv University, School of Physics and Astronomy; Robert Gilbert, Professor of Biophysics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford; Jennifer J. Wiseman, Senior Astrophysicist, Goddard Space Flight Center. Moderated by Brandon Vaidyanathan, Professor of Sociology and Director of the Institutional Flourishing Lab, The Catholic University of America

Can science awaken the desire for something greater—something beyond what science can measure or explain? In a world increasingly marked by fragmentation and the loss of an ultimate meaning, scientific inquiry proves to be an unexpected yet powerful tool for reopening profound questions about the sense of reality and of our presence within it. In this event, a diverse group of leading international scientists will share their human and scientific experience, engaging with questions that inevitably arise when one finds themselves "face to face" with a universe that never ceases to spark wonder and awe.

Francesco Acquaroli, President of the Regione Marche; Massimiliano Fedriga, President of the Regione Friuli Venezia Giulia; Cosimo Latronico, Regional Minister for Health, Social Policies, and the NRRP, Regione Basilicata; Viviana Matrangola, Regional Minister for Culture, Protection and Development of Cultural Enterprises, Migration Policies, Legality and Social Anti-Mafia, Regione Puglia. Moderated by Emmanuele Forlani, Director of the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples ETS Foundation

The physical and geographical layout of our country has historically given the Adriatic coast a crucial role in connecting peoples. With the rise of new technologies, new migration flows, and dramatic conflicts emerging across various shores of the Mediterranean, how are our policies being challenged and how are our lives changing in light of hospitality and intercultural relations?

In collaboration with Compagnia delle Opere

Claudio Durigon, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies; Lorenzo Malagola, Member of the Italian Parliament; Massimo Monacelli, General Manager, Generali Italia; Fabrizio Ruggiero, CEO of Edenred Italia; Cristiana Scelza, president of Valore D. Moderated by Francesco Seghezzi, President, Adapt

In recent months, the Italian Parliament passed the first law in Italy on workers’ participation in businesses. This marks the implementation of Article 46 of the Italian Constitution, which now requires action within companies, together with employees. This panel will involve institutions and companies to reflect on the value of this tool and what the next steps should be.

Stefano Bonaccini, Member of the European Parliament; Gigi De Palo, General Director, Fondazione Angelini; Carlo Fidanza, Head of the FdI Delegation in the ECR Group Marcello Fiori, General Director, INAIL; Paolo Maggioli, CEO Gruppo Maggioli; Bernardo Giorgio Mattarella, Professor of Administrative Law, LUISS “Guido Carli”. Moderated by Salvatore Taormina, Coordinator of the Department of Institutions and Public Administration, Fondazione per la Sussidiarietà

The current global geopolitical shifts—marked by increasing fragmentation of the economic system and major challenges such as artificial intelligence and environmental issues—are urging the Italian Public Administration to demonstrate significant resilience and innovation. However, this is often hindered by longstanding structural weaknesses. In this context, sectors like security, competitiveness, and welfare are especially exposed and play a decisive role in shaping the country’s present and future. This meeting will bring together highly qualified voices from political and institutional, academic and social fields to identify key vulnerabilities and possible paths for progressive reform.

Daniele Sacco, Human Resources and Organization Director, Mondadori Group and Coordinator of the progetto WIP; Stefano Zoia, Entrepreneur, CEO of Tinext and member of the Advisory Board of WIP. Moderated by Alberto Rivaroli, journalist and Head of Communications for the progetto WIP

Helping a country in difficulty by combining entrepreneurial spirit and solidarity: this is the goal of Work In Progress (WIP), the project launched in 2022 under the patronage of the NGO Pro Terra Sancta to support Lebanon. How? By selecting, training, and funding young entrepreneurs who lack resources and experience. After the aspiring project owners present their ideas in Beirut, a team of Italian and Lebanese experts evaluates their development potential. The dream of WIP is to create a community of new businesses and foster their relationships with Italian and European organizations—all to cultivate ethical and sustainable development and create new jobs

Sergio Belardinelli, former Professor of Sociology of Cultural Processes, Università di Bologna; Paolo Benanti, Expert in Bioethics, Ethics of Technology, and Human Adaptation; Member of the United Nations New Artificial Intelligence Advisory Board; Nello Cristianini, Professor of Artificial Intelligence, University of Bath. Introduced and moderated by Fabio Mercorio, Professor of Computer Science, Università di Milano Bicocca and Fondazione per la Sussidiarietà

Artificial intelligence is no longer a promise: it is already a force that is reshaping decisions, knowledge, and relationships. Yet there is something machines cannot imitate: freedom, responsibility, and the sense of good. Sergio Belardinelli, Paolo Benanti, and Nello Cristianini engage in a dialogue on the boundary between what humans can delegate to technology and what uniquely defines them. A meeting to understand if, and how, the human person can inhabit the future without giving up on themselves. Because even where everything seems surpassed, there remains an irreducible element from which to begin again.

Katerina Gordeeva, journalist, documentarian, and Russian writer, winner of the Anna Politkovskaya Prize 2022, author of Beyond the Threshold of Pain, in dialogue with Davide Perillo, journalist

A dialogue with one of the most courageous voices in contemporary journalism. Katerina Gordeeva has dedicated her career to giving voice to the voiceless, documenting with rigor and compassion some of the most difficult stories of our time, including the suffering endured by both the Ukrainian and Russian peoples. In conversation with journalist Davide Perillo, she will reflect on journalism as a tool of truth and resistance, the courage it takes to tell stories others would prefer to silence, and how narration can transform pain into understanding and silence into collective memory

Stefano Alberto, Professor of Theology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Joseph Weiler, University Professor, NYU Law School and Senior Fellow at the Center for European Studies at Harvard

Why do we need temples, churches, and other buildings in religious life? Is the Lord not present everywhere?
The Bible — especially what is commonly called the Old Testament — contains elaborate and detailed instructions and descriptions of how such buildings should be constructed. This is true both in the Pentateuch and in the writings of the great prophets. How can bricks and mortar be considered so important? Some of the answers may surprise you.

In collaboration with the Intergruppo parlamentare per la Sussidiarietà

Graziano Delrio, Senator of the Republic, Democratic Party; Tommaso Foti, Minister for European Affairs, the NRRP, and Cohesion Policies; Mariastella Gelmini, Senator of the Republic, Noi Moderati; Maurizio Lupi, President, Intergruppo parlamentare per la Sussidiarietà; Stefano Patuanelli, Senator of the Republic, Five Star Movement; Anna Maria Poggi, President, CRT Foundation. Introduced by Giorgio Vittadini, President, Fondazione per la Sussidiarietà. Moderated by Luciano Fontana, Editor-in-Chief, Corriere della Sera

In today’s context, the term “cohesion” takes on a specific meaning. In a time marked by disruptive forces that shape global and European dynamics, cohesion challenges the vitality of communities and the freedom and equality of citizens. The development of peoples is not an abstract project, but the result of dialogue between civil society and parliamentary representation. A key example is the Cohesion Policy, created to reduce disparities between EU regions. The future of cohesion lies in fostering a virtuous dialogue between levels of government and free associations, promoting genuine social and economic development. Only dialogue can overcome the perceived conflict between economic growth and social solidarity, by encouraging innovation in existing models and practices.

Organized by Cdo International

Silvia Caironi, Aventura de Construir, Brazil; Lino Faccin, missionary priest Operazione Mato Grosso, Peru; Juan Emilio Parada, Edudown, Chile; Giordano Pecci, OB Service – Città dei Maestri, Rimini. Moderated by Mauro Battuello, Vice President Cdo Opere Sociali and Piazza dei Mestieri, Turin

Ours is a companionship born without borders. It echoes the prophecy of Saint Paul VI, who spoke of a sui generis people when referring to the Church. Our companionship, too, is a people: a people of works—men and women who, without limits, with creativity and trust, seek to cooperate in building a better world. The purpose of this meeting is to share a few emblematic experiences of social initiatives at work in different parts of the world, which can serve as inspiration for the creation of new enterprises and a better world for everyone.

In-depth presentation of the exhibition Prophecies for Peace, created by Gioventù Studentesca

Matteo Severgnini, Headmaster of Scuola Regina Mundi, Milano; Cristina Zeni, Literature Teacher at Liceo Albert Einstein, Torino and students from Gioventù Studentesca in Bergamo and Bologna

A dialogue inspired by the exhibition “Prophecies for Peace”

Franco Nembrini, writer, teacher and pedagogue; Alessandro Sortino, journalist and writer; . Moderated by Roberto Inciocchi, journalist

A meeting that explores the meaning of spiritual and cultural reconstruction in contemporary times, through the dialogue between two witnesses of our era. The discussion will highlight how journalism and education alike can lead to the search for meaning and faith. The dialogue will seek to identify the "new bricks" needed to build spaces of meaning and hope in today's desert.

A documentary film by Pro Terra Sancta. Edited by Filmati Milanesi and directed by Luca Mondellini
After the screening of the film, a discussion with Antonio Aloi, doctor; Ibrahim Faltas, Custody of the Holy Land. Introduced by Giacomo Pizzi, Pro Terra Sancta. Moderated by Francesco Cassese, Miror Consulting

The project highlights Hamdan's valuable work as an architect and restorer, emphasizing his dedication to preserving Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religious sites. His approach embodies a vision of cultural heritage as an active tool for dialogue and peacebuilding, offering a tangible example of how the conservation of cultural treasures can serve as a bridge between different communities and traditions—a meaningful contribution to peace.

An intense performance in which the band will present their most beloved songs, interspersed with monologues, life stories, and moving testimonies. The Sun is a rock band formed in 1997. Before signing with Sony Music, the band had already released four albums distributed in Europe, Japan, and Brazil. In 2004, they were awarded at M.E.I. as the “Best Italian Punk Rock Band in the World”. In 2008, the band decided to compose in Italian and use music to deliver universal values in service of the common good. This pivotal shift emerged through a journey of faith and approach to Christianity. The band has shared the stage with international legends such as Deep Purple, The Cure, The Offspring, Muse, Misfits, and many others. With over 1,000 concerts in 20 countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, The Sun is one of the most active Italian bands in terms of live performances. In December 2016, frontman Francesco Lorenzi was awarded by Pope Francis for “his contribution to the development of Christian humanism and its artistic expressions throughout the world.” In addition to their musical activity, The Sun also promotes charitable initiatives, pilgrimage experiences, and volunteer programs.

From the text “Giuseppe e ai suoi fratelli” by Ignazio De Francesco. By Alessandro Berti. With Alessandro Berti, Savì Manna, and Francesco Maruccia

In a cell of an Italian prison, three men: an old Sicilian, a former mafia hitman; a young North African, framed for drug trafficking; and a middle-aged man—perhaps Jewish—mysterious and cultured, imprisoned for a moment of madness.
What unites—and what divides—these three men, who come from different shores of the Mediterranean and find themselves sharing a tiny cell to atone for such different crimes?
Written first-hand by Ignazio De Francesco, an expert on prisons and the Middle East, and adapted for the stage by Alessandro Berti, “Joseph & Bros” shuffles the deck of stereotypes, lifting the veil of the present to speak of ancient Middle Eastern brotherhoods, problematic faiths and identities, and the responsibility one must take on—as a subject—toward historical truth. All of this is set against the backdrop of prison as a litmus test of society as a whole, as an accelerator of emotions, ideas, and conflicts—each of which the three must ultimately face.

Directed by Gaia Raffiotta, assistant director Caterina Baldini, technical direction by Massimiliano Ferrari, visuals by Daniela Neri.A Casavuota production. With the support of the Comitato Regionale per le Onoranze ai caduti di Marzabotto, Fondazione del Monte di Bologna e Ravenna, and AVoC. With the patronage of the Comune di Pianoro.

With the support of Regione Emilia-Romagna, Reggini Spa and Società Italiana Gas Liquidi Spa - Vulcan

Admission with ticket

Toshiyuki Mimaki, Nihon Hidankyo Organization, Nobel Peace Prize 2024; Masao Tomonaga, Professor, School of Medicine, Nagasaki University. Moderated by Bernhard Scholz, President of the Meeting for Friendship among Peoples ETS Foundation

The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, the association founded by the Hibakusha, survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. On the 80th anniversary of the atomic bomb, as nuclear threats resurface in the context of wars and conflicts, the Hibakusha continue to bear witness to the effort of building a world free of nuclear weapons and offer us a powerful testimony of peace.

In collaboration with Tracce

Felice Achilli, cardiologist; H.E. Mons. Giuseppe Baturi, Secretary General of the Italian Bishops’ Conference (CEI); Lucetta Scaraffia, historian and columnist. Moderated by Stefano Filippi, Editor-in-Chief of Tracce

"Don Ciccio" was a theologian, philosopher, and teacher who left a profound mark on his hometown of Catania. Ten years after his death, people who were very close to him and continue to carry forward his teachings will remember and honor his legacy.

Luke Bretherton, Canon and Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology at Christ Church, Oxford; Robert E. Cushman Distinguished Research Professor of Moral and Political Theology and Senior Fellow of the Kenan Institute for Ethics, Duke University; Pierpaolo Donati, sociologist and philosopher. Moderated by Francesco Magni, Professor of General and Social Pedagogy, Università di Bergamo

What is the value of the Christian presence in today’s societies? In an age marked by crises of democratic participation, individualism, and political polarization, there is a pressing need for a renewed politics of the common good. It is not a matter of claiming cultural or political privileges, but of inhabiting the public space as builders of relationships.

Andrea Abodi, Minister for Sport and Youth; Vittorio Bosio, President of CSI; Attilio Fontana, President of the Regione Lombardia; Fabio Massimo Saldini, Government Commissioner and CEO of SIMICO; Luca Santandrea, General Manager of Coca-Cola – Olympic and Paralympic Games Milano Cortina 2026; Andrea Varnier, CEO of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation. Moderated by Mario Del Verme, Cdo Sport

The Olympic Games represent an extraordinary opportunity for Italy to highlight the cultural and educational role of sport and Olympic values within society. At the same time, they offer a chance to engage local communities in a collective celebration—both during the Olympic Flame Journey and throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games themselves. The recognition of individual talents, relationships with others, teamwork, and competition instead of conflict are just some of the elements that give this event a crucial role as a chance to establish a new paradigm—built with “new bricks.”

Organized by CdO Opere Sociali and Fondazione Progetto ARCA

Dario Boggio Marzet, President of Banco Alimentare Lombardia; Alessandra Goretti, Corporate Affairs and Communication manager, JTI Italy; Luisa Gamba, Head of Partnership and Public Sector, Amazon Business Italy; Alberto Sinigallia, President of Fondazione Progetto Arca. Moderated by Sergio Luciano, Director of Economy

This panel aims to explore the still largely untapped potential of partnerships between the profit and non-profit sectors as a catalyst for greater effectiveness in social development. In an era of complex challenges—from inequality to the climate crisis—the synergistic collaboration between these seemingly distant worlds can generate truly innovative, high-impact solutions. The discussion will focus on how the skills and resources of the profit sector, when combined with the deep understanding of needs and mobilization capacity of the non-profit sector, can give rise to virtuous models of cooperation. The goal is to outline strategies that not only enhance the effectiveness of interventions but are also intrinsically oriented toward better environmental, social, and governance sustainability—building a fairer, more resilient future for all. At the end of the panel, the four winners of the Social Contest organized by CdO Opere Sociali with the support of JTI Italy will be announced.

Daniela Canclini, Vice President, Italian Council for Religious Freedom; Massimo Carlino, Biblical Scholar; Davide Dionisi, Special Envoy for the Promotion of Religious Freedom and the Protection of Religious Minorities in the World; Mauro Giacomazzi, Education Focal Point, AVSI; Massimiliano Tubani, Aid to the Church in Need; H.Em. Card. Jean-Paul Vesco, Metropolitan Archbishop of Algiers. Closing remarks by Michele Brignone, Oasis, Italian Council for Religious Freedom. Introduced and moderated by Andrea Avveduto, Pro Terra Sancta, Italian Council for Religious Freedom

In a time marked by conflicts and various forms of intolerance, the promotion of interreligious dialogue, religious freedom, and peace represents both an urgent challenge and a valuable opportunity. The Italian Council for Religious or Belief Freedom offers a moment of reflection and testimony within the context of Meeting Rimini 2025, with the aim of highlighting virtuous paths and concrete initiatives that foster the advancement of dialogue, religious freedom, and peace.

Cristina Bolla, President of the Centro Studi Amadeo Peter Giannini in dialogue con Francesco Cassese, Miror Consulting, curator of the exhibition on A.P. Giannini. Video message from Andrea Pontremoli, CEO of Dallara Automobili

What can be born from pain? Amadeo Peter Giannini was six years old when he saw his father die for a dollar denied. There is something profoundly relevant in the story of this man. That phrase—“You cannot die for a dollar”—did not remain a cry from the past, but became the foundation of an economic and human revolution. A life entirely lived in service: trusting others, investing in need, responding to the present without fear. And we, today, do we still have the courage to build starting from the reality that challenges us?

Konstantin Gudauskas, Kazakh citizen; H.E. Mons. Pavlo Honcharuk, Bishop of Kharkiv-Zaporizhzhia of the Latins. Introduced by Bernhard Scholz, President of the Meeting for Friendship among Peoples ETS Foundation

It is hard to imagine the suffering of those living under constant threat and attack, those wounded in body and soul by war, those crying out for peace and justice without perceiving a response. How can one live through such hardship without succumbing to bitterness? What sustains a passion for life when friends and family are dying? From where does the strength to help the hopeless arise? These are the questions we wish to explore with two witnesses who tirelessly build where all is destroyed, who hope “against all hope.”

Mattia Altini, General Director USL Modena (Local Health Authority); Manuela Borella, Vice President Specialized Nutrition Danone Italy and Greece; Maurizio Lupi, President of the political group Noi Moderati; Francesco Moscone, Professor of Public Finance, Università di Venezia; Andrea Giuseppe Tiberti, National President of the Società nazionale di mutuo soccorso Cesare Pozzo – Ets. Moderated by Giorgio Vittadini, President of Fondazione per la Sussidiarietà

This panel addresses the increasingly close relationship between individual lifestyles, public health, and the sustainability of national and regional healthcare systems. An unbalanced diet, sedentary behavior, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking not only undermine individual well-being but also cause a growing economic burden on the State. Estimates suggest that even a minimal reduction in harmful behaviors could lead to savings of over one billion euros per year in direct healthcare costs alone. When including indirect costs, total savings could reach several tens of billions—comparable to the scale of an entire national budget law. Thanks to the input of experts, the discussion will explore effective strategies for prevention and health promotion based on available data. The goal is to foster a new culture of collective responsibility, grounded in scientific evidence and a pragmatic approach to health policy, one that restores the central role of prevention in a long-term vision.

In collaboration with Medicina e Persona

Giovanni Cesana, physician; Debora Donati, Associazione Insieme a te, Faenza; Paolo Gardino, high school teacher. Moderated by Giorgio Bordin, President of Medicina e Persona

Standing as caregivers in the face of suffering and death is a daunting task—especially when done alone, and even more so today as we become increasingly individualistic. Those working in healthcare are experiencing a moment of disorientation and disillusionment, stemming from both a loss of meaning and the growing complexity of healthcare systems, which alter not only how we work but also the very nature of responsibility. Care arises from charity, but charity is directed toward the patient, not the institution: how can gratuity coexist with the pursuit of fairness in work? There is still room to build—indeed, now is the time to build.

Organized by Compagnia delle Opere

Michela Coccia, Fondazione Serena – Centro Nemo; Ilaria Gallucci and Beatrice Pini, Il Faro Coop Sociale; Lucia Migliorelli, VRAI Lab; Marcello Naldini, Il Faro Social Cooperative. Moderated by Stefano Gheno, President of Cdo Opere Sociali

This event explores real-world applications of Artificial Intelligence in personal care services, focusing in particular on the use of multimedia data — images, sounds, biometric signals — to support human health and well-being. Operational experiences will be presented in which AI supports professionals and caregivers in care, assistance, and inclusion paths, showing how collaboration between algorithms and people can enhance the effectiveness and personalization of interventions. Alongside technological aspects, the event will address ethical, regulatory, and compliance issues: from handling sensitive data to ensuring transparency in decision-making processes, all the way to the principle of responsibility in highly vulnerable contexts. The event is part of the Scuola delle Opere program promoted by Cdo Opere Sociali.

Organized by Save the Children

Giulio Bartolini, Director of the International Humanitarian Law Legal Clinic; Angelica Krystle Donati, president of Giovani Imprenditori Edili, ANCE; Stefano Gatti, Director General for Development Cooperation, MAECI; Sonia Khush, Country Director, Save the Children Ukraine. Moderated by Daniela Fatarella, CEO, Save the Children Italy

In 2023, 473 million children were forced to live in conflict zones, and it is estimated that an average of 31 children per day were killed or maimed due to conflicts. These figures paint a bleak picture: the percentage of children living in conflict zones worldwide has nearly doubled in the past 30 years. Silence is not an option. That is why this meeting aims to draw attention to children affected by armed conflict and to the possibilities for them to shape a future they can truly envision. In a world where war and military spending continue to grow, we seek to promote a dialogue that forges a more peaceful path toward a sustainable future for minors. This event highlights the importance of activating synergies among various stakeholders to enable the full and direct participation of children and youth in recovery and reconstruction processes during and after armed conflicts — a challenging goal that must be carefully pursued by institutions, as primary duty-bearers, and that also requires the involvement of the business sector, academia, civil society, and private citizens. Through the voices of those who, in different capacities, share the responsibility of enabling children and youth to be heard in post-conflict recovery, we will share insights and sources of inspiration for the future.

A dialogue between Franca Canini, president of the association Cari Nonni of Rimini; Carmelo Vicari, rector of the Church of Sant'Orsola in Palermo and Giuseppe Zola, president of NONNI2.0. Moderated by Francesco Inguanti, journalist

Is there a meaning that sustains every stage of life? The two associations NONNI2.0 and CARI NONNI engage in a conversation with Father Carmelo Vicari, inspired by the content of Cardinal Angelo Scola’s latest book “In Awaiting a New Beginning”. They will share their experiences aimed at enhancing the cultural and charitable role of grandparents. An encounter open to all, because the Christian experience does not lead us to meet “something”, but rather “Someone”.

Stefano Forte, Professor of Theoretical Physics, Università degli Studi di Milano; Maria Ubiali, Professor of Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge. Moderated by Marco Bersanelli, Professor of Physics and Astrophysics, Università degli Studi di Milano

After a long journey of investigation, experimentation, and reflection, we now know that the infinite variety of natural phenomena stems from a small number of fundamental constituents and forces. We have gradually discovered their properties, which we can now predict and calculate with increasing precision. Yet we have also discovered that the nature of physical laws—and of reality itself — is very different from what the founding fathers of modern science, starting with Einstein, expected. In fact, we have learned that nature follows the bewildering principles of quantum physics. These are universal principles, manifesting clearly in the microscopic world, but only in recent years have we begun to verify them even in the context of everyday life. They are principles opening the way to new technologies—
but above all, they help us realize that the world is made in a very different way than we had imagined.

In collaboration with the Fondazione per la Sussidiarietà

Luca Antonini, Vice President of the Constitutional Court; Antonello Aurigemma, Coordinator of the Conference of Presidents of the Legislative Assemblies of the Regions and Autonomous Provinces; Michele Castelli, Professor of Health Policy, University di Milano Bicocca and Fondazione per la Sussidiarietà; Riccardo Zagaria, CEO of DOC Pharma. Video address by Orazio Schillaci, Minister of Health. Moderated by Conchita Sannino, journalist at Repubblica

What is the conceptual framework of our healthcare system? What are the intervention priorities, the adopted criteria, and the responsibilities at stake? Healthcare is a good for all, yet it risks being overwhelmed by a “perfect storm.” What is the role of public institutions, public action, and the contribution of the private sector, especially the non-profit world?

In collaboration with Compagnia delle Opere

Giovanni Donzelli, Organization Manager, Fratelli d’Italia; Elisabetta Piccolotti, Member of Parliament, Alleanza Verdi Sinistra; Marcos Zerbini, Associação dos Trabalhadores Sem Terra (Brazil). Moderated by Nicola Imberti, Chief Editor, Domani

Is there still room for ideals in political strategy? With Giovanni Donzelli, Elisabetta Piccolotti, and Marcos Zerbini, we will explore this question through their personal experiences: party activism, parliamentary opposition, and the fight for land rights in Brazil. Three different stories that challenge us to reflect on the meaning of politics—not as a quest for power for its own sake, but as a testimony to an ideal. An open discussion with those who live politics from the inside, with all its contradictions and promises.

Organized by Cdo Opere Educative/FOE, Diesse, Di.S.A.L., Ass. Culturale Il Rischio Educativo

Opening greeting by Stefano Bolognini, Special Secretary to the Minister of Education and Merit. Luigi Ballerini, counselor and children's author; Alessia Toia, Head of Institutional Partnerships, eWork Spa; Filomena Zamboli, Principal, Liceo statale "E. Pascal”, Pompei. Moderated by Carlo Di Michele, President of Diesse

School guidance is a key part of the educational process. It goes beyond the transmission of traditional academic content to focus on helping students develop self-awareness and understand the opportunities available in the world of work and education. It is an issue that certainly concerns schools, but it also involves families, the job market, and the broader social context in which young people shape their identities. Guidance has been identified by the Ministry as a priority within the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), and in recent years schools—often in synergy with other local organizations—have launched valuable and significant initiatives. This meeting aims to share some of those experiences, offering new educational and planning perspectives.

In collaboration with AVSI

Fabio Massimo Ballerini, Counsellor of Legation at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Director of the “Piano Mattei” Mission Structure; Laura Frigenti, CEO of the Global Partnership for Education; Stefano Gatti, Director General for Development Cooperation, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). Mariatou Koné, Minister of Education of Côte d'Ivoire and President of CONFEMEN; Francesco Magni, Professor of General and Social Pedagogy, Università degli Studi di Bergamo; Giampaolo Silvestri, Secretary General of AVSI. Moderated by Eva Crosetta, host of Sulla via di Damasco, Rai2

Today, more than 250 million children around the world are not attending school—a fact we cannot remain indifferent to. In over fifty years of working in both development and emergency contexts, AVSI has strived to make education accessible even to children and young people living in the most difficult circumstances. It has consistently witnessed the transformative power of education on both individuals and entire communities. This event, titled “Education is Hope,” seeks to highlight what has already been accomplished and what still needs to be done. Through direct testimonies, it will present the transformative and generative capacity of education when it is understood and promoted as a personal relationship—one that accompanies the individual in discovering their unique value and that of others. To ensure this quality education for all, coordinated action is needed between state institutions, local communities, and civil society organizations, all called to work together as subjects of a unified educational community. At a time when public funding for development cooperation and humanitarian aid is decreasing, this event also aims to show how investing in education contributes to the integral growth of individuals and the sustainable development of all—and how continued collaboration and adequate funding remain essential.

H.E. Mons. Ivan Maffeis, Archbishop of Perugia, President of the Committee for the Promotion of Economic Support to the Catholic Church, and former spokesperson for the Italian Bishops’ Conference (CEI); Alessandro Sortino, host, TV author and writer. Moderated by Paola Bergamini, journalist at Tracce

A dialogue between a “Catholic journalist” (as he defines himself), who recounts the story of the first Christians in Rome in his latest book, and one of the bishops most attentive to the ways of communicating the faith and supporting the Church.

Ron, singer-songwriter. Introduced by Massimo Granieri, priest, music critic and writer

In a concert-interview blending words and melodies, Ron will share how his songs have transformed places of desolation into spaces of hope. An opportunity to discover how the music of one of Italy’s greatest singer-songwriters, much like the “new bricks” of the Meeting, rebuilds what seemed lost, creating connections and awakening hope.

Giuseppe Catalano, Chief of Staff, Regione Puglia; Roberta Frisoni, Regional Councillor for Tourism, Trade and Sports, Regione Emilia-Romagna; Guido Guidesi, Regional Councillor for Economic Development, Regione Lombardia; Pina Picierno, Vice-President of the European Parliament; Massimiliano Salini, Vice-Chair of the EPP Group; Antonella Sberna, Vice-President of the European Parliament. Moderated by Emmanuele Forlani, Director of the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples ETS Foundation

The development of our country depends on the growth and enhancement of individual regions within a unified vision. Collaboration among different institutional levels requires identifying a shared "common good" to strive for and serve. What role do Italian regions and the European Parliament play, and what actions can foster regional development?

In collaboration with the Fondazione per la Sussidiarietà

Maurizio Gardini, President of Conserve Italia and Confcooperative; Luigi Gubitosi, operating partner Advent International; Daria Perrotta, State Accountant General; Roberto Sancinelli, President and CEO of Montello S.p.A.. Moderated by Giorgio Vittadini, President of the Fondazione per la Sussidiarietà

Italy’s high public debt consumes much of the economic resources generated by the work and enterprise of our country. How can we move beyond this situation and build a new kind of development for the good of our people?

In collaboration with Compagnia delle Opere

Paolo Arrigoni, President of GSE; Marco Bernardi, President of Illumia; Giorgio Gori, Member of the European Parliament; Italo Moroni, Executive Director, Energy & Utilities Engineering; Nicola Procaccini, Member of the European Parliament and Head of Energy for Fratelli d’Italia; Francesco Salerni, Director of Strategy, Digital and Sustainability at Terna Group. Moderated by Felice Vai, Vice President of Compagnia delle Opere

The energy transition is one of the most difficult challenges of our time and therefore requires a balance between ambition and realism. On one hand, it is necessary to set goals that rise to the climate and energy challenges we face. On the other, it is crucial to acknowledge the technological, economic, and social constraints that accompany this path. Adopting a realistic approach does not mean giving up on change, but rather choosing strategies that consider the time and resources needed— without pursuing ideological approaches or imposing burdensome solutions on families and businesses. While halting this process could jeopardize long-term goals, managing it with insufficient pragmatism could have serious short- and medium-term consequences, with major economic and social repercussions. The course of this journey largely depends on the determination of governments and policymakers to find solutions that reconcile all competing needs. Realism shapes and guides the hope for a just transition.

Documentary by Save the Children

Introduction by Daniela Fatarella, Director of Save the Children Italy and Giampiero Vietto, Global Head of Kinder “Joy of Moving” Social Responsibility Project

There are many kinds of barriers: physical ones, dividing city centers from their outskirts; cultural ones, obstructing equality; and social and economic ones, often stifling dreams. “Beyond the Margins” is a documentary that tells the stories of Nicole, Alessandro, Samuel, Natasha, and Alim—some of the 55,000 children and adolescents that Save the Children has supported in their growth over the past 10 years. Since 2014, when Save the Children first raised the alarm about educational poverty in Italy, the organization has been working to combat it by creating “Punti Luce” (Points of Light)—educational centers located in disadvantaged areas where children and teenagers can access free learning and developmental opportunities. These are places where young people can learn, experiment, and let their skills and talents flourish—opportunities through which, day by day, they are rewriting the future of their neighborhoods.

In-depth presentation of the exhibition Prophecies for Peace, created by Gioventù Studentesca

Stefania Famlonga and Alexander Espinoza, director and operations coordinator of Fundación Sembrar, together with students from Gioventù Studentesca in Milan. Moderated by Tommaso Sperotto, teacher at Liceo Sacro Cuore, Milan

Stories of peace from Ecuador, Germany, and Uganda.

In collaboration with Fondazione Dino Buzzati

Lorenzo Viganò, journalist at Corriere della Sera. Introduced and moderated by Piero Vietti, journalist at Tempi. Readings by Paolo Valerio, director of the Teatro Stabile of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

What interest would reality hold if it were not imbued with expectation? And expectation of whom, if not of the one who can make us happy? Throughout his life, Dino Buzzati never ceased to question the mystery behind all things. He did so by writing articles, short stories, novels, poems, and by painting. With Lorenzo Viganò, curator of Buzzati’s works, and Paolo Valerio, director and actor who has brought to the stage pieces like The Tartar Steppe and Poema a fumetti, we will encounter a restless author who, over fifty years after his death, still has much to say to contemporary men and women.

Screening of the docufilm by Aldeas Scholas Films on the murals promoted by Scholas Occurrentes, the international educational movement founded by Pope Francis. With an introduction by Mario Del Verme, international coordinator of Scholas Occurrentes Sport; Ezequiel del Corral, director of the docufilm; Mariana dos Santos Barradas, Portuguese educator and protagonist of the film.

Pope Francis celebrates with young people the creation of the largest artwork in the world. On the occasion of the 37th World Youth Day, Pope Francis added the final brushstroke to a mural nearly four kilometers long, painted by young people, the elderly, and children of different faiths and even non-believers, from all over the world. The project culminates in a kind of “Sistine Chapel” that brings together the diversity of generations, origins, and religions—an artistic and human experience that reflects the heart of Scholas: building bridges through beauty and shared creativity.

By Karol Wojtyla. Directed by Andrea Carabelli. With the theater school of Liceo Don Gnocchi in Carate Brianza

On the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II, the students of the Liceo Don C. Gnocchi present a play inspired by the works of Karol Wojtyła.
“The Jeweler’s Shop” is a meditation on the sacrament of marriage, performed as a rhapsodic drama. The protagonists of this work are three couples. Each one reflects on the meaning of love in an intimate confession addressed directly to the audience. There is never a realistic conversation or dialogue. Even when the characters are physically present on stage together, they always speak to us. There is no pretense—every word is meant solely for us who are listening. For this reason, there is no actual set: all the attention must be directed toward the relationship, the bond. There is one place that is mentioned by all the characters in turn: the jeweler’s shop. Here, each couple has made the vital decision to get married. It is a place that reflects who we truly are—an oracle of truth where truth is either discovered or rediscovered.

With the support of Gruppo Maggioli

With Orchestra Enzo Piccinini

The Enzo Piccinini Orchestra will perform the celebrated symphonic masterpiece by A. Dvořák, “Serenade for Strings, Op. 22,” conducted by Maestro Emmanuele Lo Russo.Considered one of the most iconic orchestral compositions by the Bohemian composer, the Serenade will be presented 150 years after its creation, preceded by a brief introduction.The Enzo Piccinini Orchestra was founded in August 2024 with the aim of rediscovering the deep connection between classical music and everyday life. Through its concerts, it seeks to offer a listening experience that highlights the human meaning embedded in music.

In collaboration with Spirto Gentil and the Sagra Musicale Malatestiana

With the support of Tracce

Admission with ticket

I Rotattada is the band of the CLU of Bologna, born from a deep friendship within the movement. For years, they have brought their passion for music to university events, contributing to the organization of meetings and evenings. After their performance at Campus by Night in Bologna, they will take the stage at the Meeting in Rimini for the first time, driven by the desire to share the beauty and passion they experience daily in the university setting. The evening will be a celebration for everyone, animated by a setlist specially designed around the campus theme: “Where does life spark?” The concert will be performed by the entire band formation with: Mattia Casadei (guitars), Francesco Guizzardi (guitars), Bernardo Cortesi (drums), Lorenzo Corna (keyboard), Giuseppe Rosetti (bass), Giovanni Biagi, Anna Goricchi, Agata Burgio, and Stefano d’Errico (vocals).

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament. Introduced by Bernhard Scholz, President of the Meeting for Friendship among Peoples ETS Foundation

In the delicate balance of European Union institutions, the European Parliament brings together the directly elected representatives of the 27 EU member states. Today, the 720 Members of the European Parliament represent not only the shared interests, but also the growing differences among their respective countries. What contribution can the European Parliament offer to the future of the Union in the face of major geopolitical and economic challenges? And how can political contrasts become a source of vitality, rather than an obstacle, for the reforms the Union urgently needs?

In collaborazione CdO Opere Educative/FOE, Diesse, Di.S.A.L, Associazione Culturale Il Rischio Educativo

Luca Bergantini, Business Unit Manager SCM Group S.p.A.; Paolo M. G. Maino, President of Di.S.A.L. and Principal of ITE Gadda Rosselli in Gallarate (VA); Andrea Siciliano, Teacher at the Istituto Alberghiero quadriennale Don Gnocchi di Carate Brianza; Guido Torrielli, President of the ITS Italy Network; Giuseppe Valditara, Minister of Education and Merit. Moderated by Massimiliano Tonarini, President of CdO Opere Educative/FOE

The student at the center, a school that fosters talents, and the reforms shaping the future of education in Italy. The recent “4+2” reform of the technological and vocational education pathway, the new National Guidelines for pre-primary, primary, and lower secondary school, the focus on guidance and personalized learning, the new guidelines on civic education, and the relaunch of the ITS Academies are just some of the significant developments that have impacted the education system in the past year. All these initiatives aim to support the development of each student's unique talents and to help every young person find their path. This includes a renewed school-to-work alliance to combat early school leaving, enhance potential, and improve the employability of the new generations. This session will feature a conversation between the Minister of Education and Merit, Giuseppe Valditara, and key voices from the education and professional world: a teacher, a school principal, an ITS Academy representative, and an entrepreneur.

Francesco Campanella, Director General, ISIN; Lorenzo Fiorillo, Director Technology, R&D & digital, Eni; Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Minister of the Environment and Energy Security; Francesca Mariotti, President, ENEA; Luca Mastrantonio, CEO of Nuclitalia; Elizabeth Rizzotti, COO and Managing Director, Newcleo Italy. Moderated by Giuliano Frosini, Professor of Public Affairs and Regulatory Affairs, Luiss Business School

In recent years, the debate over nuclear energy in Italy has steadily gained new momentum through a range of institutional and industrial initiatives that reflect a shift from the opposition established by the referenda of 1987 and 2011.
This process reached a significant turning point in February 2025, when the Council of Ministers approved a draft framework law on sustainable nuclear energy, aimed at defining a regulatory structure to support the development of the most innovative technologies for nuclear electricity generation. This renewed interest—mirrored at the international level as well—has been driven by several factors: the energy crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine, decarbonization policies, and the increasing energy demands of households and businesses.
In future energy mixes characterized by the elimination of greenhouse gas emissions, nuclear energy could represent an effective solution for supplying continuous, safe, and stable-cost electricity—well integrated with the intermittent and non-programmable output of renewable sources.

Marco Bucci, President of the Regione Liguria; Giacomo Carelli, President of Drivalia and CEO & General Manager, CA Auto Bank; Tullio Del Sette, Special Commissioner, ACI; Pierluigi Di Palma, President, ENAC; Sergio Gianotti, Head of Italy Public Sector, Amazon Web Services (AWS); Edoardo Rixi, Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Transport. Moderated by Emmanuele Forlani, Director of the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples ETS Foundation

Thanks to its strategic position in the Mediterranean, Italy has the potential to become the region’s main logistics and transportation hub. The challenge is to transform this natural geographic vocation into a tangible competitive advantage, overcoming the territorial and regulatory complexities that characterize the country. Liguria is a prime example: some of the most ambitious and delicate infrastructure projects are being developed here, where innovation and sustainability must advance hand in hand with environmental protection. How can we combine economic development and safety? How can we simplify procedures without compromising the quality of infrastructure projects? This discussion brings together institutions, companies, and key players from various sectors – ports, sustainable mobility, and digital innovation – to chart new paths for growing Italy’s economy on the international stage. A concrete dialogue aimed at turning geographic potential into long-term development opportunities.

Organized by Compagnia delle Opere, Fabbrica per l’Eccellenza, Cdo Informatica

Jason Cox, Country Leadership & Competence Leader, IKEA; Enrico Loccioni, President and Founder, Loccioni; Benedetta Giovanola, Professor of Ethics, Università di Macerata. Moderated by Tommaso Minola, Professor of Economic-Managerial Engineering, Università di Bergamo

In times of major transformations, innovation is often invoked as a key word for facing the future. But what does it really mean to innovate? And for what purpose do we innovate? This event explores the deep relationship between innovation and the meaning of work, highlighting the connections between technology, responsibility, uncertainty, and hope. Starting from the most urgent questions and from very different experiences, we will explore how innovation can generate impact, draw strength from tradition, and contribute to building “a future worthy of man,” as the very title of Meeting 2025 invites us to do

In collaboration with Fondazione per la Sussidiarietà

Francesco Billari Rector, Università Bocconi, Milano; Riccardo Ercoli, Executive Director for Italy, Portugal, Greece, Malta, Albania and San Marino at the International Monetary Fund; Andrea Prete, President of Unioncamere; Cristina Scocchia, CEO of Illycaffè. Moderated by Samuele Rosa, Senior Economist IMF (International Monetary Fund) and Fondazione per la Sussidiarietà

Globalization is undergoing a transition from “free” to “fair,” with a new focus on equity, inclusion, and social cohesion. Demographic challenges—such as population aging in advanced economies and migration flows—require new integration policies. Open markets and mobility can foster innovation and help rebalance disparities, but institutional adjustments are needed to prevent growing inequality. Multilateralism must return to the forefront in order to guide this transformation.

Giacomo Gentile, Project Coordinator, Association Pro Terra Sancta; Jean-François Thiry, Project Manager, Association Pro Terra Sancta in Aleppo. Moderated by Paolo Perego, journalist at Tracce

From the dictatorship of Assad to the interim government of Ahmed al-Shara, the Middle Eastern country continues to be denied peace. The testimony of two aid workers engaged in rebuilding coexistence, even as the civil war still rages.

Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement; Davide Prosperi, President of the Fraternity of Communion and Liberation; René Roux, Dean of the Faculty of Theology of Lugano. Moderated by Silvia Guidi, journalist, Osservatore Romano

On the occasion of the release of the book "A Face in History. The Mission of the Church in the World (1969–1970)" by Luigi Giussani (Rizzoli). In the turmoil of 1968, Fr. Giussani perceived the deep thirst for authenticity underlying the protest movements. In a series of meetings with a group of young people, rather than offering spiritual escapism or ideological solutions to the issues of his time, Giussani pointed to the Church as the source of every genuine human attempt to respond to the desire for truth, justice, love, and freedom. Only within a living Christian communion can we experience liberation—that is, the coming of a more human world. A proposal that stands the test of time and proves more necessary than ever in facing today’s challenges.

Organized by the Italian Red Cross

Michele Romeo Jasinski, National Focal Point for the campaign “The Future Has a Long History. Let’s Protect It”, Italian Red Cross; Andrea Marchi, Regional Technical Delegate for Emergency and Rescue Operations; Alessia Strozzi, Technical Secretariat, SBI. Moderated by Lorenzo Massucchielli, Head of the International Emergencies Unit, Italian Red Cross

The protection of cultural heritage during armed conflict is part of the broader context of safeguarding it as historical and cultural patrimony—not only at a local or national level, but as the heritage of all humanity, as recognized in relevant international treaties. At the core of the protective system established by International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is the Hague Convention of May 14, 1954, along with its Implementing Regulation, the additional Protocol of the same date, and a second Protocol adopted in 1999. This legal framework provides that a "cultural property" be marked with a uniform emblem established at the international level—though the absence of such an emblem does not justify violations of the IHL provisions protecting the property. This event aims to highlight the significant institutional activities carried out in recent years—under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture, through a memorandum of understanding with the National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI), and in collaboration with Blue Shield Italy (SBI). These efforts have been made possible thanks to close cooperation with local authorities and administrative bodies, and through the engagement of trained volunteers and staff. The expanding efforts in prevention and protection will strengthen Italy’s ability to fulfill its responsibility—both in times of peace and in the event of armed conflict.

H.H. Bartholomew of Constantinople, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch; H.E. Card. Kurt Koch, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity. Welcome address by Bernhard Scholz, President of the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples ETS Foundation. Moderated by Andrea D’Auria, Director of the International Center of Communion and Liberation

The Council of Nicaea marked a decisive turning point in the history of the Church and the world. After many painful disputes over the figure of Jesus Christ, the bishops convened in 325 in the city of Nicaea (present-day Iznik, Turkey) by Emperor Constantine formulated the Creed that restored unity to the Church and continues to be professed to this day.
It is a profession of faith fundamentally shared by both the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches. For 1700 years, this has been the definition of faith that opens the life of every baptized person to an ever more truthful and profound recognition of the Savior—“true God and true man.”

Egidio Bandini, journalist and President of Gruppo Amici di Giovannino Guareschi; Enrico Beruschi, director and actor; Gianni Govi, actor and director; Eugenio Martani, clarinetist; Corrado Medioli, accordionist; Giancarlo Plessi, parish priest of Besenzone

It may seem strange, but Don Camillo’s crucifix smiles—and does so more often than one might think. It is a disarming smile, an absolute smile. The smile of God that, as Roberto Vecchioni sings, is “… because ideas are like the voices of a mother we thought we had lost, and they are like the smile of God in this spit of a universe.” And as Father Gianni Fanzolato reminds us, “… because ultimately, man is the true smile of God.” Giovannino Guareschi understood this profoundly. The only question that remains is whether we are still able to see it—that smile of God, of Jesus, who from the height of the Cross expresses, with a smile, His infinite mercy.

In collaboration with Fondazione per la Sussidiarietà

Enrico Letta, Dean of IE School of Politics and President of the Jacques Delors Institute; Francesco Maria Chelli, President of ISTAT; Sergio Marullo di Condojanni, CEO of Angelini Industries; Bernardo Mattarella, CEO of Invitalia. Moderated by Giorgio Vittadini, President of Fondazione per la Sussidiarietà

In recent decades, the European Union has followed a neoliberal trajectory that has resulted in growing inequality, undermined the real economy and labor, and slowed down growth. How can we relaunch a development model that is widespread, stable, and equitable across European territories—one that places the human person at the center?

Franco Cotana, CEO of RSE; Silvia Chiassai Martini, President of Fondazione CER Italia; Nicola Gherardi, President of the Energy Community of Confagricoltura; Fabrizio Iaccarino, Head of Institutional Affairs Italy, Enel; Felice Vai, President of the USE Nord Energy Community. Moderated by Sergio Luciano, Editor-in-Chief, Economy

We renew once again this year our in-depth discussion on Renewable Energy Communities (RECs). At the 2023 edition, Monsignor Santoro presented the vision of the Italian Bishops’ Conference (CEI), launching the program that had emerged during the CEI’s Social Week in Taranto. In 2024, we focused on the prospects for RECs following the issuance and definition of all the preliminary regulations required to establish and activate such communities. This year, we aim to take another step forward: to showcase successful examples of RECs after a full year of regulatory stability.

Meeting with Minister Plenipotentiary Nicola Minasi, Head of the Crisis Unit of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). Introduced by Gianluca Brusco, Head of the Emergency Unit, MAECI

Intervening to protect Italians in situations of major international emergencies—ranging from wars to evacuations, from natural disasters to kidnappings and pandemics—requires preparation, but also the courage to admit how little we know about the future. How does the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs organize itself to intervene? What are the secrets and experiences gained by the Crisis Unit? A conversation to understand that, even in the desert of the unknown, it is possible to find traces that point the way out.

Pietro Zancaner and Laura Galli, History students, Università degli Studi di Milano. Moderated by Tommaso Piffer, Professor of Contemporary History, Università di Udine

In the 16th century, the Society of Jesus expanded across the globe to spread the Christian message. The growth of this movement — crucial to the history of the Church — was made possible by the certainty of a deep friendship that united its members. The words of Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, and Matteo Ricci will guide this encounter, revealing how the roots of their missionary zeal lay in a vibrant community animated by the promise of a passionate life wholly devoted to the salvation of the world.

Colum McCann, Irish-born American writer, author of American Mother (Una madre, Feltrinelli), with Diane Foley, President and Founder of the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, mother of James W. Foley, American journalist kidnapped in northern Syria in 2012 and brutally killed by ISIS. Readings by actor Giampiero Bartolini. Moderated by Alessandro Banfi, journalist

The renowned Irish-American writer Colum McCann returns to the Meeting with another deeply human story of suffering and dignity. With him is Diane Foley, an American mother whose son, freelance journalist James Wright Foley, was barbarically killed by ISIS on August 19, eleven years ago, after 24 months of captivity. Together with journalist Alessandro Banfi, they will recount the journey of a woman who chose to meet and speak with her son’s killer. McCann wrote a book, American Mother, which is the diary of this difficult journey through immense suffering and forgiveness.

Keynote by Luigi Zingales, Economist, University of Chicago. With Emilio Colombo, Professor of Economic Policy, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Piergiovanna Natale, Professor of Political Economy, Università di Milano Bicocca. Moderated by Mattia Ferraresi, Journalist, Domani

Large corporations, driven by seemingly sound values and led by respectable individuals, often make decisions that can harm society. The structure of contemporary capitalism tends to shield executive choices: when things go wrong, leaders can always claim they acted in the interest of shareholders—even if those choices conflict with the public good. How can we break free from this vicious cycle? Only conscious “citizen investors” can act as a counterbalance to the disproportionate influence of big business.

In collaboration with the European Commission

Andrea Dellabianca, President, Compagnia delle Opere; Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice President, European Commission; Giorgio Vittadini, President, Fondazione per la Sussidiarietà. Moderated by Agnese Pini, Editor-in-Chief, QN.

Reviving Europe’s development and its global role requires a renewed ideal of deeper integration, aimed at fostering fair and sustainable growth—both socially and environmentally. What steps must be taken to achieve this goal?

Stefano Berni, General Director, Consorzio Grana Padano; Gianmaria Bettoni, President, Impresa Persona Agroalimentare; Giorgia Favaro, CEO, McDonald's Italy; Massimiliano Giansanti, President, Confagricoltura; Francesco Lollobrigida, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests; Bruno Piraccini, President, Orogel. Moderated by Giuseppe Vaira, winemaker, G.D. Vajra – Barolo.

Italy’s agri-food sector gathers to outline shared strategies for growth and for the promotion of national excellence. From farm to table, including processing and distribution, the panel will explore the dynamics of a sector that is a cornerstone of both Italy’s economy and cultural identity. In dialogue with the Minister of Agriculture, the discussion will focus on the policies needed to support international competitiveness, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation across production chains. Special attention will be given to the synergy between tradition and modernity, in the face of global challenges—such as tariffs—that require coordinated responses from both private operators and public institutions. In keeping with the Meeting’s theme of building anew in spaces to be reimagined, the question is: how do we build the future of Italy’s food excellence?

Organized by Cdo Opere Sociali

Bartolomeo Barberis, Head of Casa CEC, Forlì; Maria Teresa Bellucci, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policies; Simone Feder, psychologist and educator, Casa del Giovane; Sergio Ishara, psychiatrist, founder and coordinator of the Community Mental Health Group Program. Moderated by Stefano Gheno, President Cdo Opere Sociali

Being dependent is a structural trait of the human condition — without it, there can be no growth. Why then do we only ever talk about "bad" dependencies? This event seeks to explore the difference between “good” and “bad” dependencies, in order to understand how the former can be used to transform the latter. The discussion will unfold along three axes: an introduction on the scale and dimensions of the issue, real-life testimonies from educational and therapeutic communities, and a concluding reflection on how to make good use of our inherent dependence.

Organized by Cdo Opere Educative FOE, Diesse, Di.S.A.L., Ass. Culturale Il Rischio Educativo

Pinella Crimì, Vice President of the National Forum of Family Associations; Simona Malpezzi, Senator of the Republic, Democratic Party and Vice President of the Joint Committee on Childhood and Adolescence Francesco Manfredi, President of INDIRE; Dario Eugenio Nicoli, Professor of Economic, Labor, and Organizational Sociology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Roberto Nicolucci, Professor of Art History and Board Member at Unimarconi. Moderated by Maurizio Amoroso, Deputy Director of Tgcom24 and contributor to Tuttoscuola

This dialogue aims to explore the challenges and opportunities that characterize today’s youth, identifying the knowledge and skills that schools must promote to prepare them for the future and to shape them as whole persons. In this context, collaboration between schools, families, and other educational bodies must find new spaces for shared reflection and engagement.

In-depth presentation of the exhibition Prophecies for Peace, created by Gioventù Studentesca

Andrea Avveduto, journalist and Head of Communications for Associazione pro Terra Sancta, in dialogue with students from Gioventù Studentesca of the Brianza region.Moderated by Bernardo Cedone, teacher at Liceo Don Gnocchi, Carate Brianza

Stories of peace from the Holy Land.

In collaboration with Tempi

Domenico Airoma, Public Prosecutor at the Court of Avellino and Vice President of the Centro Studi Livatino; Giancarlo Cesana, Professor of General and Applied Hygiene, University of Milano-Bicocca; Maurizio Patriciello, parish priest of Caivano. Moderated by Emanuele Boffi, editor-in-chief of Tempi

To educate and to be educated is life’s great endeavor—an unavoidable task for everyone, even in an era marked by narcissism and the illusion of self-sufficiency. In fact, the more difficult the starting conditions, the more urgent it becomes to offer a clear and meaningful proposal for life, so that life itself may not be in vain but dedicated to an ideal greater than life itself.

Cristiano Godano in dialogue with Giordano Sangiorgi

As part of the Meeting Music Contest, an open event for everyone — emerging musicians, industry professionals, and music lovers — to reflect together on the challenges and opportunities of today’s music scene.
A valuable opportunity to engage with Cristiano Godano, a leading figure in Italian independent music, through shared experiences, visions, and practical insights for those seeking to build their own artistic path.

With the support of Regione Emilia-Romagna
In collaboration with the MEI di Faenza

By Kristian Gianfreda

On the occasion of the centenary of the birth of Don Oreste Benzi, a docu-film will be screened, directed by Kristian Gianfreda, which tells the story of the life and battles of the “priest with the worn-out cassock”, founder of the Comunità Giovanni Paolo XXIII. Don Oreste Benzi was a priest who, starting in the 1970s, chose not to remain confined to his parish but to go out into the streets at night in search of the “least among us”. He devoted himself mainly to women forced into prostitution, often from Africa (but not only), victims of trafficking and reduced to slavery. To them, he offered listening, dignity, and the possibility of a new life.

With the participation of Kristian Gianfreda, director of the film.

With the support of Regione Emilia-Romagna

Following the success of previous editions, the Meeting launches the fifth edition of the Meeting Music Contest, a music competition born from the collaboration with the MEI (Independent Music Meeting) of Faenza. This year too, six young artists will compete for the win: Davide Amati, Diego Casadei, Lorenzo Lepore, Elena Piro, Trilussa, and Unadasola. The honorary jury will be chaired by Cristiano Godano, lead singer and frontman of Marlene Kuntz, and Casadilego, winner of X Factor 2020. Alongside music industry experts and the contest coordinators Giordano Sangiorgi (MEI) and Otello Cenci (Meeting), the jury will evaluate the performances of the 5 finalists and announce the winner.

In collaboration with MEI of Faenza
With the support of Regione Emilia-Romagna

With Alessandro Preziosi

Alessandro Preziosi gives body and voice to an Augustine immersed in his most intimate thoughts, offering a performance that combines rigor with spontaneity. The adaptation traces the key moments of the Confessions, culminating in the poignant epiphany of conversion, in a rhythmic flow that holds the audience suspended between word and silence, between faith and feeling.
The original electronic score by Paky De Maio accompanies and intertwines with the voice, creating an immersive sound environment that mirrors the protagonist's inner world. The staging is essential yet dynamic: light, sound, and speech construct a space that vibrates with thought, giving life to a theatrical language which, thanks to the new translation by Tommaso Mattei, speaks to today’s audience while preserving the poetic depth and spirituality of the original text.

Original electronic music by Paky De Maio, translation and adaptation by Tommaso Mattei.

With the support of isybank, Reggini Spa and Società Italiana Gas Liquidi Spa - Vulcan

Admission with ticket

Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy. Introduced by Bernhard Scholz, President of the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples ETS Foundation

Alessandra Locatelli, Minister for Disabilities; Laura Lucchin and Amerigo Basso, parents of Sammy Basso. Moderated by Mattia Ferraresi, journalist, Domani

Disability is not a limit to overcome, but a foundation on which to build authentic communities. To recognize this, however, a radical shift in perspective is needed: seeing potential rather than just limits, moving from mere assistance to truly valuing the individual, and investing in the talents and skills of each person to foster growth for all. The Basso family’s story shows that even in the most fragile conditions, spaces of meaning can emerge—spaces that generate beauty, culture, and social participation. As Sammy used to say, “Life is not measured by the number of days you live, but by how you live them.”

Mario Alvisi, Chief Growth Officer, Royal Enfield; Vas Shenoy, Chief Representative for Italy, Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC); Marco Scurria, Vice President of the FDI Group in the Italian Senate, Secretary of the EU Policies Standing Committee. Moderated by Gianluca Giansante, Partner at Comin & Partners and Lecturer at Luiss Guido Carli

From emerging power to global player, India is today navigating a strategic game across economic, industrial, and diplomatic fronts. With a rapidly expanding market and a growing presence in international forums, the country is aiming to strengthen its cooperation with Italy and Europe. In a discussion bringing together institutions, diplomats, and businesses, this panel explores the opportunities, challenges, and future prospects of a relationship bound to deepen.

Benedetta Centovalli, expert in contemporary fiction, in dialogue with Paola Bergamini, journalist at Tracce

The life and works of Flannery O’Connor, the American writer uniquely capable of delving into the depths of the human condition and exploring themes such as sin, grace, and redemption.

Cesare Maria Cornaggia, psychiatrist and professor, Università di Milano Bicocca; Marco Gui, professor, Department of Sociology and Social Research, Università di Milano Bicocca; Luigina Mortari, professor of General and Social Pedagogy, Università di Verona. Moderated by Mario Ballantini, psychiatrist, former director of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction in Sondrio

The phenomenon of the "anxious generation," described by psychologist Jonathan Haidt in his recent bestseller, raises crucial questions about the relationship between young people and the adult world. Over the past fifteen years, we have witnessed a paradoxical "reconfiguration of childhood": children who are hyperprotected and prevented from exploring the world on their own, yet simultaneously left alone in front of screens and social media — mistakenly considered “safe.” This educational contradiction has contributed to a generation increasingly burdened by psychological and behavioral distress. But perhaps behind the label "anxious" lies something deeper: a thirst for meaning, for authentic relationships, for truly being seen and heard. This panel will explore a different perspective: what if the compulsive use of digital devices is not just a dependency, but the symptom of an unheard need for communication and recognition? What if youth anxiety is in fact a legitimate response to a lack of relational care? Starting from this shift in perspective, the speakers will address the responsibility of adults — parents, educators, institutions — in accompanying young people. It is not just a matter of limiting screen time or inventing new rules, but of cultivating deeper educational skills: the art of listening, the ability to be truly present, and the courage to place educational relationships back at the center.

Organized by Calcio Seduto – A.S.D. FatimaTraccia

Alberto Capetti, teacher at Istituto Maria Consolatrice, Milan; Pietro Sempio, student of Modern Literature, Università degli studi di Milano;  Aly Shankarè, recent graduate in Banking Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

A sports project created to include those who are often left on the margins. “Calcio Seduto” (Seated Football) is now a space for relationships, belonging, and personal growth, where disability and fragility are not obstacles but resources. This experience shows how sport can break down stereotypes, engage communities, and help each person find their place in the world.

Lord John Bird, Member of the House of Lords and founder of The Big Issue; Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder of Mary’s Meals. Moderated by Marco Piuri, President of Banco Alimentare Foundation ETS

Two extraordinary stories of social change meet on the stage of the 2025 Rimini Meeting. On one side, Lord John Bird, the former homeless man who became a member of the British House of Lords and the visionary founder of The Big Issue, the magazine that has transformed thousands of lives by offering dignity and opportunity to those living on the streets. On the other, Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, the Scottish entrepreneur who gave up everything to dedicate himself to the world’s poorest children, creating Mary’s Meals, the organization that now feeds over 2.4 million children in schools across 18 countries. Two different yet complementary approaches to the fight against poverty and social exclusion: Bird with his philosophy of “a hand up, not a handout,” and MacFarlane-Barrow with his conviction that a simple meal can change the destiny of a child. Both testify that authentic charity goes beyond justice, building bridges of hope where none seem possible. Leading the dialogue is Marco Piuri, president of Banco Alimentare Foundation, which for over thirty years in Italy has been transforming food waste into a resource for those in need—an everyday expression of the active charity that lies at the heart of the 2025 Meeting's reflection.

In collaboration with the magazine ZETESIS

Readings from poets and prose writers of the first centuries of the Christian era, a time of crisis in which both pagans and Christians drew from the old and the new to rebuild the human.

The connecting passages will be read by Giulia Regoliosi, editor-in-chief of the journal, and Mariapina Dragonetti, managing editor. Texts will be read by Stefano Biasoni and Stefano Chierici. Coordinated by Lorenzo Chierici.

Alfredo Maria Becchetti, President of Infratel; Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, Gruppo FS Italiane; Geronimo La Russa, President-elect of ACI; Enrico Resmini, Chief Non-Regulated Business Officer, ACEA and CEO of a.Quantum; Matteo Salvini, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport. Moderated by Emmanuele Forlani, Director of the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples ETS Foundation

Infrastructure and mobility are intrinsically linked by a common focus: the person. A “place” is not deserted when it is connected—when it is not isolated, even from a structural and infrastructural standpoint. The movement of people and goods has undergone profound changes over the past two decades, compelling a reassessment of planning strategies and investment priorities. At the same time, the need to ensure safe and efficient connections and networks remains a top priority.

Organized by Compagnia delle Opere e Gruppo AI Fondazione per la Sussidiarietà

Antonino Rotolo, Professor of Legal Informatics at the Università di Bologna, head of EURAIR; Giovanni Ziccardi, Professor of Legal Informatics at the Università di Milano, expert in cybercrime; Federico Bonomi, co-founder of Asimov AI. Moderated by Erik Longo, Professor of Constitutional Law at the Università di Firenze, expert in AI regulation.

The European regulation on artificial intelligence (AI Act) represents one of the first systematic attempts to regulate the use of AI, introducing a risk-based classification system, transparency obligations, and trustworthiness requirements. For the legal field and professionals, this raises complex challenges: from redefining liability to safeguarding fundamental rights, from managing the increasing complexity of regulations to adapting professional skills. This session aims to offer a structured reflection on the key issues and future prospects currently at the heart of the debate among scholars, practitioners, and institutions.

Paolo Asolan, Professor of Fundamental Pastoral Theology and Dean of the Pontifical Institute Redemptor Hominis, Pontifical Lateran University; Marco Cesare Giorgio, President of the Centro Culturale Pier Giorgio Frassati; Antonia Salzano, mother of Carlo Acutis; H.E. Mons. Domenico Sorrentino, Archbishop and Bishop of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino.  Moderated by Bernhard Scholz, President of the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples ETS Foundation


For Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, to love was the only real way to fully live life and reach true happiness.
What did they see? What filled their hearts? What urged them to desire originality instead of being mere copies, to choose not just to drift through life, but to truly live?

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the birth of Claudio Chieffo, his sons Martino and Benedetto, joined by Paolo Forlani on guitars, Stefano Valli on percussion, Michele Paolizzi on winds, Giovanni Ravaioli on keyboards, and Riccardo Ricci on bass, gather at the Meeting to celebrate with the most cheerful and ironic songs from the singer-songwriter’s repertoire, reinterpreted with new arrangements. A concert for everyone: families, restless young people, and the elderly. To sing together, to laugh and be grateful, to be moved and to build.