On 13, 14 and 15 January 2017 the Youth Committee of the Italian National Commission for UNESCO (today the Italian Youth Association for UNESCO) organised the Second National Assembly in Naples.
The initiative, under the patronage of the Comune di Napoli and the Ordine degli Ingegneri di Napoli, represented the most important moment of exchange among young Italians on the major UNESCO themes.
More than 300 delegates aged between 20 and 35, representing every region of Italy (among them students, researchers, artists, professionals, managers and entrepreneurs) met some of the highest national and international institutional figures, as well as prominent personalities from the worlds of culture, business and the non-profit sector.
Objective
The main objective of the event was the launch in Italy of the international campaign promoted by UNESCO in Paris: #UNITE4HERITAGE (united for cultural heritage), the motto that gave rise to a global movement committed to safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage and diversity, including through the mindful use of social networks among young people.
It was three intense days of debates, seminars, workshops and happenings addressing culture, education and science with an innovative approach, capable of inspiring and encouraging the new generations to develop a fuller awareness of the value of cultural heritage.
Protagonists
Many nationally and internationally renowned names were among the speakers and guests: Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General (connecting from Paris); Franco Bernabè, President of the Italian National Commission for UNESCO; Ilaria Borletti Buitoni, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism; Luigi De Magistris, Mayor of Naples.
The Assembly took place in exceptional venues: the Sala dei Baroni, Castel Nuovo, Comune di Napoli; the Basilica di S. Giovanni Maggiore, seat of the Ordine degli Ingegneri; and finally Palazzo Caracciolo.
The proceedings were coordinated by the President of the Association, Paolo Petrocelli, who presented the initiative as follows:
Our Youth Committee is rapidly establishing itself as one of the new points of reference for the promotion of UNESCO values, including at international level. In Naples we presented a decidedly positive review of our first year of activity, in which ambitious new goals were set for the future. In collaboration with the main local and national institutions, in 2016 we carried out over 100 initiatives across the country, bringing our Committee into schools, academies, universities, museums and theatres. We met thousands of young Italians and talked with them about heritage, the future and innovation. We engaged with ministers, regional presidents, mayors, councillors, ambassadors, scholars, university professors, scientists, journalists and artists. From Naples, together with over 300 delegates from every region of Italy, we will launch an important annual plan to enhance and promote Italy’s extraordinary cultural heritage among young people. Our Committee looks to the future with a great sense of responsibility and hope. We are ready to do our part, alongside the Italian National Commission for UNESCO.