In 2021 all societies are struggling with the adverse social and economic effects of climate change, the pandemic, inequality and unemployment. These may seem like dark times to many, but there is at least one very good reason to hope that the world might still change for the better: the next generation. There are many characteristics of youth everywhere that make them good catalysts for societal transformation. Young people have an acute sense of justice and an ability to look at society with a fresh perspective, as well as the energy required to get things done. Given that this generation of young people (age 10-24) is both more numerous and more connected than ever, they might well be poised to change the world. 

How we can support our young people and harness their creative and economic potential will be a central focus of the February 23rd webinar “Italian and African geopolitical perspectives”. The webinar is part of an ongoing series of talks hosted by Luiss in collaboration with the Diaspora Association Le Réseau, dedicated to discussing the important role of diaspora communities in building social, economic, and cultural bridges between home and host societies and enacting positive change. The upcoming webinar will focus on the common goals and paths for partnership between Italy and Africa, with their young people at the center. 

During the webinar, members of African diaspora communities in Italy, as well as experts working and researching in the field of geopolitics, will address topics related to Italy-Africa relations in the ambit of today’s globalized world as they relate to education, employment, knowledge sharing and sustainable development. 

On the subject of Italy and Africa’s young people, Giuseppe Mistretta (Central Director of Sub-Saharan Africa MAECI)  will speak about “Youth in the framework of the partnership with Africa”. We will also hear from Simohamed Kaabour (President of CoNNGi) on “Education and Globalization: the role of the new Italian generations”. 

With the aim of giving voice to issues and perspectives which are important and yet often underrepresented, the role of women will be discussed by Mehret Tewolde (CEO Italy Africa Business Week) in her talk on “Women, University Cooperation and Development”.

With an eye towards navigating the complex political, economic and regulatory dynamics of relations between Italy and Africa, Gianpiero Succi (BonelliErede Partner) will give a talk on “Partnership with Africa, regulatory frameworks”.  Roberto Ridolfi, (link2007 President) will give a talk entitled “Italian civil society as an innovation engine to finance sustainable development in Africa: RELEASE G20” and finally Alfonso Giordano, (Professor of Political Geography at Luiss University) will speak about “Demographic dynamics and migratory flows in the Euro-Mediterranean area: the role of human capital.” 

The webinar will be followed by a debate about how young Italians view Africa and vice-versa. This debate will highlight the unique challenges and opportunities faced by young people in our age marked by interconnection and uncertainty, especially as they consider the prospect of studying and training abroad. The debate will be moderated by Marco Francesco Mazzù (Recruiting Leader and Professor of Marketing & Digital at Luiss University) and Susanna Owusu Twumwah, communications expert and former organizer of the National Summit of Diasporas.

All are welcome to attend this free webinar. To register your participation, click here. 

“Italian and African geopolitical perspectives”

February 23rd, 2:00pm CET (GMT +1)

A G E N D A

13.30 - 14.00 - Reception of participants

14.00 - 14.10 - Greeting address and moderation

Raffaele Marchetti, Deputy Rector for Internationalization Luiss University

14.10 - 15.00 - Italian and African geopolitical perspectives

Giuseppe Mistretta, Central Director of Sub-Saharan Africa MAECI (Youth in the framework of the partnership with Africa)

Mehret Tewolde, CEO Italy Africa Business Week (Women, University Cooperation and Development)

Gianpiero Succi, BonelliErede Partner (Partnership with Africa, regulatory frameworks)

Simohamed Kaabour, President of CoNNGi (Education and Globalization: the role of the new Italian generations)

Roberto Ridolfi, President link2007 (Italian civil society as an innovation engine to finance sustainable development in Africa: RELEASE G20)

Alfonso Giordano, Professor of Political Geography Luiss University (Demographic dynamics and migratory flows in the Euro-Mediterranean area: the role of human capital)

Debate Session

15.00-15.30 - How young Italians look towards Africa and How young Africans look towards Italy

Marco Francesco Mazzù, Recruiting Leader and Professor of Marketing & Digital Luiss University

Susanna Owusu Twumwah, Communication Specialist