The video of the award ceremony which concluded the fourth edition of the IAI Award “Young talents for Italy, Europe and the World“, the initiative of the Istituto Affari Internazionali, is available online on the La Stampa website. which every year aims to involve female students and students of universities and high schools in issues that affect Europe and the international community.
Iai the post covid world and europe and me
“The post-Covid world, Europe and I” is the theme that this year saw the hundreds of girls and boys who participated in the call engaged. Nine the finalists awarded, to which is added the Special Prize for communication “Antonio Megalizzi”. During the event, moderated by Alessandra Sardoni de La7, the young people had a dialogue with numerous experts and prominent personalities from the political-institutional, economic, cultural and sports world.
The ceremony opened with an introduction by Nathalie Tocci, Director of the IAI, followed by the President of the IAI Ferdinando Nelli Feroci who read the message from the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella. “During the most acute phase of the crisis we have witnessed and been responsible for significant developments in the process of European integration. In the dramatic circumstances that the spread of the virus has determined, in fact, we have found an opportunity to renew the bonds of unity and solidarity between the Member States and between the peoples of the European Union “, said Mattarella, who concluded his message by inviting young people to “an ever more dynamic and vibrant participation in the public life of our country and of our Europe”.
Alessandra Sardoni, on the other hand, gave voice to the words of Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio who invited young people to renew the commitment shown by participating in the IAI Award “also taking an active part in the consultations of the Conference on the future of Europe. The Conference is a unique opportunity to reflect on the challenges and priorities that await Europe. Doing it together with you, that you will have to face those challenges, I think is the real added value ».
Following this, the head of the European Commission’s Representation in Italy, Antonio Parenti, recalled the responsibilities of the institutions towards the new generations, while the Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers with responsibility for Sport, Valentina Vezzali, sent a video message of greeting and encouragement to the children. Massimo Giannini, director of La Stampa, also addressed young people, urging them to get involved and take risks: «You are our future, as well as yours, of course. It takes all the effort you are capable of and that you are showing that you are able to express. Your freedom is all you know. “
Numerous issues were addressed during the event: from the impact of the pandemic on the new generations together with the virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco, to the situation in the United States with the writer Arianna Farinelli. Duilio Giammaria, director of the Rai Documentaries Department, analyzed how the Italian media have reported on this global phenomenon, while Fiorenza Sarzanini, deputy director of Corriere della Sera, recalled the challenges that await us in the immediate future. Finally, the Paralympic and military athlete Monica Graziana Contrafatto recounted her experience in Afghanistan, where she was tragically injured losing her leg. Among others, Bernard Dika, advisor to the president of the Tuscany Region with responsibility for innovation, youth policies and GiovaniSì, Giuliana Mattiazzo, Vice Rector for Technology Transfer, marathon runner Giorgio Calcaterra and street artist Alice Pasquini also spoke.
The event was organized by the Istituto Affari Internazionali with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation and the European Commission Representation in Italy.
Iai 2021 Award Winners – University and recent graduates category
Roberto Baccarini – First place
Irene Paviotti – Second classified
Sonia Bianconi – Third classified
Nicolò Miotto – Fourth place
Irene Alacqua – Fifth classified
Sen Cicalò Ikeda – Sixth place
High Schools Category
Chiara Andreazza – First classified
Filippo Capraro – Second place
Lorenzo Pastorelli – Third place
Special award for communication ‘Antonio Megalizzi’
Aurora Di Campli – winner