UmbriaSostenibile podcast

Umbria Sustainable – Episode 1

ITALO CARMIGNANI

We live in a time when words such as development, future, environment, and participation are at the forefront of public debate. But how often do we actually stop to ask ourselves what these words mean today? And, most importantly, who are they addressed to?

This podcast was created within the Rete Umbra per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile, a project promoted by the Region of Umbria to encourage more coherent and sustainable public policies.

Together with ARPA Umbria, the University of Perugia, the University for Foreigners with the WARREDOC center, ANCI Umbria, FELCOS Umbria, Sviluppumbria, and the Technological Park of Umbria. This initiative aims to build more effective and integrated governance, able to connect and bring together regional institutions, municipalities, local areas, and stakeholders around a common goal: sustainable development.

But that's not all. This process also seeks to give real value to the active participation of new generations, entrusting young people with the creation of innovative and inclusive communication tools, with the ability above all to speak to the present. Supporting this vision is the University for Foreigners of Perugia, which contributed to the creation of this podcast by offering a meeting space between memory and experience, between the present and future vision.

My name is Italo Carmignani, and I have been a journalist all my life. I have seen cities grow and forests disappear. I have written about progress, but also about its costs.

And today, more than ever, I reflect on a word I hear everywhere, sometimes overused: sustainability. But what does sustainable development really mean? Is it just a trend or a genuine direction for the future?

And above all, how do young people imagine it, how do the new generations see it? And, to really understand how the new generations imagine it, I won’t be alone on this journey. By my side is Sofia, a university student, the voice of a generation that wants to be heard and wants to take the lead.

Because they have a lot to say—indeed, they have much to say.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Hello Italo. My name is Sofia Abategiovanni, and I am completing my degree in International Studies for Sustainability and Social Security at the University for Foreigners of Perugia.

Today I am speaking as a student but also on behalf of many young people who, like me, find themselves having to live and build their own future in a time full of uncertainty: anxiety over climate change, worsening inequality, and wars that seem never to end. For us, sustainability is not just a passing trend.

Nor is it a slogan: it is a hope and thus a necessity—a responsibility, I would say. We are not satisfied with half measures: we ask for coherence, inclusion, transparency, and above all, we ask to be present, to participate and to contribute.

Often, in the midst of all this, we feel overwhelmed—the problems seem too big, too complex, too fast-moving.

And, above all, out of control. However, it is precisely this awareness that gives rise to new determination, a drive that comes from anger, from the will to change direction.

Personally, I dream of a future radically different from today: a future where decisions regenerate rather than harm, include rather than exclude—where the three dimensions of sustainability are not separate spheres, but where environment, social justice, and economic balance are interconnected under a single vision—that of sustainability.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

This is a major challenge for us from another generation as well. But let’s start from the past and give a definition, a sort of fixed reference point—a cornerstone, so to speak. And let's go back as far as 1987, when a United Nations document, the well-known Brundtland Report, provided a very clear and positive definition of sustainable development.

It meant the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising those of future generations. So in a way, it’s a twofold commitment: protecting the environment now, but also safeguarding it for the future.

Of course, back then it was an almost radical idea, coming at the height of industrial development and the rise of new energies. Now, however, we need to reclaim this noble and compelling notion. But do you think it’s still relevant today?

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Absolutely. If we are here talking about it, it’s because we need to ensure that this idea—which unfortunately still remains just a definition—is actually put into practice. Nearly forty years have passed since that document, and meanwhile the world has changed dramatically: the climate has become less sustainable, resources scarcer, and inequalities more evident. And we have found ourselves living with the consequences of choices made by others in the past, often without being able to participate in those decision-making processes.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

In that sense, you make us feel a bit responsible.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Well, clearly the present generation feels the impact more. We carry heavy responsibilities: nowadays it almost seems as if the world depends on our generation. And as I said before, this also causes a certain amount of anxiety. So yes, we continue to believe in development that does not undermine the future, but we also question what the word “needs” means today, from that report up to the present.

And above all: needs for whom? We still see people living in excess and others still struggling for access to clean water, decent employment, or clean air. I have also been thinking about what it means not to compromise the future, because in some ways, that future has already been damaged—and it is my generation that is paying the price.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

I understand that, especially for your generation. Of course, we have come through a hundred years of economic and industrial development, creating delicate balances in terms of economy, employment, and energy sources. It’s complicated to shut it all down from one day to the next; interrupting the industrial process abruptly is not easy. There are many things that are difficult to accept, even on an emotional level.

Let’s take, for example, the current challenges faced by electric transport compared to combustion engines: there’s a resistance to changing this way of life, this system, and so we have to find a different solution.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Clearly, solutions do exist, and in my opinion the real issue is not so much the complexity of implementing these new technologies—which in many ways break with everything that has come before—but rather the lack of will to do so. And, perhaps more importantly, a lack of trust in the new generations, who think differently, who think outside the usual frameworks that have been used until now.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

You are absolutely right, because we have to change the frameworks, the mentality, and that is central. But do you know what worries me most? That we keep talking about it.

We keep discussing, negotiating, even in politics arguing about solutions, but time keeps passing. The climate changes, the situation on the ground as well, and so this passing time forces us to make decisions as quickly as possible.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Obviously, there is a need to talk about these issues, but above all, as you said, to act. So, above all, we need to listen to each other across generations—not just me talking to my generation and you to yours, but finding a way to connect and to find solutions that are truly workable for both our generations. We also have to innovate, regenerate, involve communities, and above all, educate and train those who will be working tomorrow. I believe that now more than ever, collaboration between us is necessary to make concrete a word that, unfortunately in my view, is still too abstract—sustainability.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

Well, we have laid some fairly solid foundations, both technically and regarding the questions we must pose to those already on the path of environmental protection and future planning. In the next episode, we will give a voice to those actively engaged in this path, those making decisions: experts, administrators, academics, and representatives of institutions. We will try, somehow, to challenge those who make decisions for today and tomorrow.

Because sustainability must not remain an abstract concept, as you said, but instead become a tangible challenge: it is not only for those in public office, but concerns all citizens—young people, seniors, families. We are all waiting for truly decisive answers.

STEFANIA PROIETTI

I am Stefania Proietti, President of the Region of Umbria. Umbria is the green heart of Italy, and for us sustainability is much more than a word, more than just a concept: in Umbria, sustainability is a way of life and of relating to the environment and others. For Umbria, sustainability means fraternity, social justice, and environmental justice.

For Umbria, sustainability is about building the future by looking today at what tomorrow will bring, putting the new generations at the heart of our daily and political action. For the Umbrian community, sustainability means starting from our identity—welcoming, solidarity, peace, values of fraternity—to build together a fairer society, ready to share, committed to ensuring the full dignity of those living today, while laying the foundations for a better life for those who come after us. Sustainability and Umbria are one and the same: sustainability in the green heart of Italy as a lifestyle, as a cultural model, as a core identity that we want to uphold beyond our beautiful region. Umbria is sustainability, sustainability is Umbria.

FRANCESCO ASDRUBALI

I am Francesco Asdrubali, Vice-Rector of the University for Foreigners of Perugia and director of the master's in Urban Regeneration. Sustainability meets one of its greatest challenges in cities: integrating socioeconomic and environmental aspects reveals just how much our approach to city growth and management must change. And this change has to happen now.

MAURA MARCHEGIANI

I am Maura Marchegiani, Rector's delegate for sustainability policies at the University for Foreigners of Perugia. Our goal is to offer the opportunity to learn about, understand, and analyze the complex challenges of our times through an innovative educational model, combining cutting-edge research on the different dimensions of sustainability with interdisciplinary teaching that integrates diverse and complementary perspectives and generates an ever-evolving learning environment, through the cross-pollination of knowledge, disciplines, and expertise.

LORENZO LUCARELLI

I am Lorenzo Lucarelli, President of FELCOS Umbria, and I believe that our region needs to increase its dialogue with the wider world in order to tackle sustainability challenges together with other countries—through international cooperation—while at the same time working locally to implement the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, with concrete policies and initiatives at the local level.

GIOVANNI ROCCATELLI

I am Giovanni Roccatelli, Technical Coordinator of the Rete Umbra per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile project for the Region of Umbria. For me, the challenge is to define and implement regional policies focused on sustainable development and to support local areas in building and practicing sustainability.

SILVIO RANIERI

I am Silvio Ranieri, Secretary General of ANCI Umbria. Thanks to their proximity to citizens and the region, municipalities play a crucial role in translating regional strategies into practical actions: it is at the local level that the future is built—a fair, resilient, and sustainable future for our communities.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

The perspectives we have just heard are important—rich in vision and a sense of responsibility. But the real challenge is now to turn these visions into tangible change, and crucially, to ask how we can overcome real obstacles—from bureaucracy to fragmentation—to make our cities, our policies, and our way of life truly sustainable.

Of course, we don’t have all the answers, but we want to be sure we’re asking the right questions.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

And we’ll ask those right questions in the next episode, addressed to the President of the Region of Umbria, Stefania Proietti. We will discuss public policy and obstacles, opportunities, and that daily challenge of moving from the words—spoken not only by many, but by ourselves until now—to concrete action: the projects and commitments that administrators will need to undertake.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Because the future doesn’t wait—it’s built. And it starts now. Stay connected with us.

Umbria Sostenibile – Episode 2: Interview with Stefania Proietti

ITALO CARMIGNANI

There is a thread that links all generations: the fear of not being heard. Parents think their children are too impatient, children think their parents are too slow.

And so, time passes, while problems persist. But there is one that will not tolerate delays: environmental sustainability. I am Italo Carmignani, journalist and podcast host, and today I am not alone: with me is Sofia Abategiovanni, a student at the Università per Stranieri di Perugia, bringing the perspective of those who will not only imagine the future but will have to live it firsthand.

Together we will meet the President of the Umbria Region, Stefania Proietti, to understand how politics can take responsibility not only for the needs of today, but above all for the questions of tomorrow. Because the truth is simple.

Young people demand to be heard, and so does the planet. But this time, we cannot pretend not to hear. President Proietti, there is widespread discussion of the ecological transition, to be completed by 2030: what real changes do you hope to see in our region?

STEFANIA PROIETTI

The changes Umbria will experience between now and 2030 will go hand in hand with our programmatic guidelines for Umbria up to 2029. Each guideline, including those found in the economic and financial document we are currently approving in the legislative assembly, is characterized by one or more of the objectives of the 2030 Agenda. This shows the significance of sustainability for us, which is implemented within each mission— as they are technically called—that the Umbria Region must carry out. Regions are responsible for the territory, urban planning, urban regeneration.

They are responsible for protected areas, including those protected at European level: think of our natural parks, but also Natura 2000 areas. They are responsible for lakes, for river basins; they are responsible for people. And if I could define the first change we will see, it is that sustainability will be included in the document planning the health of the citizens of Umbria, in a One Health perspective, whereby our health is intrinsically linked to the health of the environment, the health of other living beings, in a vision of health where everything is connected.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Madam President, we young people are often accused of being an idle generation. In your view, what should we really take to the streets for today? That is, what do you consider the most urgent environmental and social causes for Umbria, the ones truly worth mobilizing for?

STEFANIA PROIETTI

Far from being idle: young people are our energy, our source of vitality. And the key battle is that against climate change, as it is a paradigmatic struggle: climate change is caused by the rich, but it impacts and kills the poor—whether countries, individuals, or innocent children. There is little talk about this now, because there’s a kind of acceleration of crises, wars.

But unfortunately, we see that many wars—a “piecemeal world war,” as Pope Francis called it—often correspond to places where fossil fuels are found, where pipelines pass or are planned, up to the latest events in the Middle East, where energy from fossil sources is not a minor factor but unfortunately a leading actor in the crises expressed through wars. Why fight climate change?

For energy independence that comes from renewables, precisely to gain more peace and more democracy. This is a battle that young people now deeply feel: they have green hearts, a bit like the symbol of our Umbria, and your generation carries this, dear Sofia. In my time, when I began my research path precisely on sustainability and sustainable energy—twenty-five years ago now—there was strong denialism.

Today, there is a tendency to hush it up, not to talk about climate change; and yet, the environmental issue is often at the root of many social tragedies and social injustice.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

Umbria has always been described as the green heart of Italy, but how green is it really today? Could you give us real figures about land consumption?

STEFANIA PROIETTI

The Umbrian territory has a great deal of fragility, and this is directly linked to land consumption and the lack of management, in recent years, of the hydrographic network: these factors are closely interrelated. Land consumption triggers problems that, together with extreme weather events caused by global climate change, can become dangerous even for people's lives. Too often now, we see heavy downpours turning into floods or overflowing rivers in our region.

So Umbria is the green heart in many respects: for example, consider our forest heritage and the fact that our towns are truly, visually, pearls set within this beautiful environment. But there is this fragility. How can we address it? Through climate adaptation works and always keeping in mind the mitigation of climate change: making Umbria carbon neutral, with a net zero carbon footprint.

It is not a distant dream, if you consider ecosystem services as well—our forests, which grow and are properly managed, can offer CO2 storage. We can truly achieve this vision: becoming the first region to calculate its carbon footprint and then neutralize it.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

In Umbria, unfortunately, many young people choose to leave because they see no future here. We’d like to ask you what the Region is doing to create new job opportunities, particularly in the sustainability and innovation sectors, that are truly capable of reversing this trend and convincing us to stay.

STEFANIA PROIETTI

I’ll answer with one word: networking. Umbria is creating networks. Among whom? Among productive enterprises—in which our region excels in several sectors, from fashion to precision mechanics to aerospace, where Umbria is highly advanced with its clusters and networking approach, up to the food sector, which is increasingly working to trigger a virtuous process within its supply chain. So, production, circular economy, zero-kilometer products, including for food businesses.

All this needs you; it needs the advanced skills that I would like to see developed in a super-disciplinary way, thanks also to the digital revolution, which cannot be ignored: you can’t pretend artificial intelligence or digitalization don’t exist. Let’s focus on the positive aspects. This multitasking approach—having a super-disciplinary as well as multidisciplinary education—enables you to be ready to respond to the current needs of companies.

What are we doing for you? We are building networks: with universities, but not only—beginning from secondary school, which should introduce you to a job market that not only awaits you but is full of success stories, many of which started when our entrepreneurs were very young. So, we aim to instill hope and confidence, using the tools we have: with European structural funds, we are not only supporting job stabilization and combating precarious employment, but we are also working to attract young talent

and give them the right to stay. We are also funding start-ups, because you can also consider becoming entrepreneurs yourselves and employers for others: I did it twenty-five years ago, motivated by these same concerns, because my start was focused on sustainability.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

Renewable energy plants are strategic for clean energy production, but if not properly designed and integrated, they can have significant impacts on the landscape—a very important environmental resource for Umbria. So where does the Region currently stand on identifying suitable areas for installing renewable energy plants?

STEFANIA PROIETTI

We are ahead, among the leading regions, as Umbria has already passed the law on suitable areas, even receiving praise from the European Commission—the energy directorate—where we presented our law: in the Commission, these areas are called “acceleration areas.” The goal of identifying suitable areas is precisely to speed up renewable energy production without impacting the environment and landscape. So, the Region is responsible for identifying suitable sites for renewable plants as opposed to those that are unsuitable. This also serves another key function: administrative simplification.

For those wishing to build a renewable energy plant, or invest in one, knowing where it can and cannot be done—through a map—is an element of excellence.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Madam President, you are a true source of inspiration: you come from a scientific background and lead the Region. In your opinion, what is needed to encourage more girls to choose STEM careers, including attaining leadership roles? Do you think gender stereotypes still create barriers for women?

STEFANIA PROIETTI

We need to tell our story. Until I took on this position, this mission of political service, I used to visit schools to share with students the joy of being a researcher, a university professor, an engineer heading an engineering firm that, since the early 2000s, saw sustainability not only as a research focus but also as an ethical response—a professional path experienced as an ethical response to global environmental crises. When I spoke with students, I would always see a line of boys and girls telling me: “We’d also like to have a job like yours,” a job where your talent, even in scientific fields, becomes a way to do good for others. By telling it with enthusiasm, we can inspire dreams—generate dreams—in our youth. And as a mechanical and energy engineer, I can confirm that our skill, our charisma, is needed in this sector.

And indeed, as we always recall, as President Draghi said in a very famous speech: our talent in this field also contributes to our country’s GDP, because we can truly make a huge difference. Sharing life experience as a researcher or a professional in a STEM subject with students can open this door for them, and for girls, it can help overcome prejudice.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

President, the final question. If you could choose only one radical and unpopular measure in favor of the environment in Umbria, what would you do immediately?

STEFANIA PROIETTI

I would cover all the roofs in industrial zones with photovoltaics, with a regional renewable energy community.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

That was President of the Umbria Region, Stefania Proietti. All that remains for me is to say goodbye and to bid Sofia farewell.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Bye everyone.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

And to invite you to the next episode of the podcast dedicated to Sustainable Umbria, where we will have Professor Francesco Asdrubali, Vice-Rector of the Università per Stranieri. So, stay tuned for a new episode soon.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Because the future doesn’t wait, it is built. And it starts now. Stay connected with us.

Umbria Sostenibile – Episode 3: Interview with Francesco Asdrubali

ITALO CARMIGNANI

There is a common thread that somehow connects all generations: the fear of not being listened to. Parents think their children are too impatient, children think their parents are too slow. And so time passes while problems remain, but there is one issue that cannot tolerate delays: environmental sustainability. I am Italo Carmignani, journalist and podcast host, and today I’m not alone: with me, as usual, is Sofia Abategiovanni, a student at the Università per Stranieri di Perugia, who brings her perspective—the perspective of young people.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Good morning.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

In the last episode we met with the President of the Umbria Region, Stefania Proietti, to better understand how politics addresses sustainability challenges. Today, however, we want to turn our attention to the world of research and science, because without a solid foundation, without data and a scientific vision, the ecological transition risks being nothing more than a title.

With us is Professor Francesco Asdrubali, Vice-Rector of the Università per Stranieri, Full Professor of Environmental Technical Physics, and expert in energy transition, renewable energy, urban regeneration, and carbon footprint.

Together, we will try to understand how ready we really are to face change and how much still needs to be done. Professor, the term "energy transition" is now used in every context, but concretely, what does it mean and what tangible changes can we expect to see by the famous 2030?

FRANCESCO ASDRUBALI

The scientific community has long been unanimous in attributing climate change and global warming to human activity. Therefore, we must shift towards an economy and production systems based on greater sustainability, through the so-called energy transition, sometimes also referred to as the ecological transition.

All experts identify three main courses of action to reverse the trend and keep the increase in global average temperature within 1.5-2 degrees. First, to abandon fossil fuels—coal, oil, and gas—in favor of renewable energy and next-generation nuclear power.

Second, to electrify all human activities that are possible to electrify and all production sectors: first and foremost transportation, then the heating and cooling of buildings, and production processes that can easily be electrified. For those processes that are difficult to electrify—known in English as "hard to abate"—we should use biomass or, even better, hydrogen, provided it is produced with green electricity.

These include air and maritime transport, as well as those industrial processes that require high temperatures, which cannot be powered by electricity from renewables. What should we expect by 2030?

The UN would hope to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals listed in the UN’s 2030 Agenda. Unfortunately, the pandemic and now the numerous ongoing conflicts in the world have delayed the achievement of these goals over time, diverting substantial funding towards the health emergency and arms production. Nevertheless, all industrialized countries, and also developing ones, must make every possible effort and incentivize the energy transition as much as possible to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

You often talk about carbon footprint, Professor, but it always seems like an abstract concept, almost theoretical. Does my choice to take the train instead of a car really make a difference? Or are we just giving an excuse to decision-makers not to act?

FRANCESCO ASDRUBALI

The carbon footprint is a very important concept which, fortunately, is now becoming common knowledge even among ordinary people, not just experts. The basic idea is that, if I need to reduce something, I first have to measure it. And the way to measure greenhouse gas emissions, which cause the planet to warm, is precisely the carbon footprint.

It is an indicator expressed in kilograms or tonnes of CO2 equivalent, which takes into account all greenhouse gases regulated by international agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement for reducing climate-altering gases. These are not only carbon dioxide (CO2), but also methane, nitrogen oxides, and other compounds, fortunately emitted in smaller quantities. But the first three—CO2, CH4, and NOx—are released in significant amounts from human activities. And not only from burning fossil fuels, but also, for example, from livestock farming. The calculation of the carbon footprint is now reliable, codified by international standards and highly trusted calculation codes, and it’s important that it is increasingly associated with the products, goods, and services we all use daily. Because, to answer Sofia’s question, everyone really can make a difference in our lifestyles: in what we choose to eat, how we heat our homes, which transport we use, how we travel, how we dress, and so on. And yes, taking the train instead of the car really does matter, because for every kilometer traveled per passenger, a medium-sized car emits about 200 grams of CO2, while taking an Eurostar train means emitting only 20 grams—a tenth as much. So it really does make a difference.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

We must admit, however, that the energy transition—both in Italy and in Umbria—is still progressing slowly. From your perspective, what is the main obstacle: bureaucracy, politics, or citizens’ mindset?

FRANCESCO ASDRUBALI

There are definitely both positive and negative aspects regarding the energy transition in Italy. Over the past two decades, national incentives have enabled significant growth, especially in solar photovoltaic technologies. This has resulted in an ever-increasing share of green electricity—therefore produced from renewables—in Italy's national grid. But there are also several negative aspects: on one hand, the opposition of local communities to the construction of such plants, due to the well-known NIMBY syndrome—Not In My Backyard—meaning “build the plants, but not behind my house”; then there are the heritage authorities; bureaucracy, which has discouraged many international investors from coming to our country. For a renewable energy plant, investors need predictable approval times, and in this respect, bureaucracy is indeed a major obstacle. On the bright side, we are seeing some recent progress in certain sectors, such as agrivoltaics and renewable energy communities, where public and private sectors finally come together. From the public side, decrees have been issued that guarantee certainty for establishing and authorizing renewable energy communities; on the private side, more and more citizens, associations, and companies are joining forces to produce renewable electricity together.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

We young people are often told we must do our part, but in reality, many believe it’s pointless if large industries keep polluting. Professor, my question is: in your view, who should take the first step? Should young people, for example, avoid taking low-cost flights because they don’t meet carbon footprint requirements, or should companies stop producing as if nothing has changed?

FRANCESCO ASDRUBALI

I don’t think the issue should be framed in these terms, because if we do, we instantly find an excuse not to act. Like those who say Europe, whose emissions are negligible compared to China and the United States, should stop pursuing the Green Deal, because obviously, if China and the US keep polluting, it’s not worth making such an effort. I believe everyone has to do their part, so Europe must also continue investing in the energy transition, because Europe is a highly virtuous model, which can be replicated elsewhere. In addition to the NIMBY syndrome mentioned earlier, there’s also the NIMTO syndrome—Not In My Term of Office—which is the excuse of saying, “this is not something I will address during my mandate.” The truth is that we all must care for the planet: large companies—for whom sustainability reporting is already mandatory and will gradually be extended to small and medium-sized enterprises—and every single family and community.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

Let’s now focus specifically on Umbria. What are the current figures on energy production and consumption? In particular, how significant is the contribution of renewable energy in the region?

FRANCESCO ASDRUBALI

Objectively, the Umbria Region is somewhat behind compared to the national average. Data from GSE for 2023 show that renewable electricity accounted for 44% of national electricity production, with hydro in first place, followed by solar, wind, biomass, and finally, with a rather small contribution, geothermal. In 2023 alone, there was a 23% increase in photovoltaic capacity installed at the national level. For Umbria, data for the same year show that renewables contributed only 22.6% of electricity generation—half the national average—and that between 2012 and 2020, the increase was just 8.5%, compared to a much higher growth rate nationally. And indeed, apart from hydro, which has historically been present in our region—especially in the Terni area—there has been a reasonable spread of solar power, while wind has not found suitable sites in Umbria due to the region’s landscape characteristics.

There is, therefore, a clear delay in the Umbria Region, which we hope will be bridged as soon as possible.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Cities are changing, but often too slowly. We experience them every day, and they feel ever more hostile: traffic, smog, abandoned spaces. Professor, let’s talk about urban regeneration: if you could redesign our cities from scratch—thinking, for example, of Perugia or Terni—what would be your first step?

FRANCESCO ASDRUBALI

The issue of urban regeneration is very important, very topical, and clearly also very complex. It is clear that the UN’s sustainable development goals cannot be achieved without an active role for cities, because cities now concentrate the majority of the world’s population, greenhouse gas emissions, and income generation.

Therefore, it’s also in cities that the major problems of health, water, and air pollution are concentrated. So it is certainly important to conceive and design more liveable cities, with more sustainable mobility, together with regeneration of the cities' natural capital and green spaces. What would I do to redesign cities? Well, no one has a magic wand.

Certainly in Italy, as in Umbria, land consumption is very significant: data published by ISPRA for 2024 show that, in that year, another 4,000 square meters of land were lost every day in Umbria—163 square meters every hour.

This is certainly something that should be stopped: we need to reverse this trend. We have many abandoned areas that should be reclaimed, many derelict and empty buildings that should be put to use. Local administrations should have the courage to stop granting permits for shopping centers and new developments, and instead encourage the reuse of what already exists and the greening of urban and vacant areas, to improve not only air quality, beauty, and landscape, but also to help absorb CO2.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

Many say that technology will save us, will save the world. I’m thinking of new-generation nuclear power. Given your scientific knowledge of the subject, do you think innovation alone is enough, or is something else also needed?

FRANCESCO ASDRUBALI

There is certainly a renewed interest in nuclear energy—both for fission, which is already an established industrial technology, and for fusion, for which there are many experimental projects underway worldwide. Why this renewed interest in nuclear? Because Europe has included it among the sources allowed by the sustainable finance taxonomy.

Nuclear energy emits, over its entire life cycle, around 10-20 grams of CO2 per kilowatt hour of electricity produced, comparable to wind and hydro. For comparison, this is two orders of magnitude lower than the 1,000 grams per kilowatt hour for coal. So it is clear that nuclear can give a big boost to decarbonization.

And how can it be delivered? It can be delivered with new technologies: for example, small modular reactors, the Small Modular Reactors, which are the latest generation of reactors, very small and nothing like, in terms of size, Chernobyl or Fukushima. They are equipped with inherently safe systems, because they use passive safety systems, require low initial capital investment, are small in scale, and therefore can be deployed and implemented quite extensively. There is great interest in nuclear energy from many countries: currently, 24 countries are building nuclear power plants worldwide.

Among these, some have never had nuclear energy before, such as Egypt, Turkey, and Bangladesh; other African countries, like Rwanda and Nigeria, are now entering the field. Even in Europe, some countries, such as Belgium, are reconsidering nuclear power. So it is certainly a technology that can support us in the decarbonization process—not as the sole solution for the energy transition, but as an important part of a complex and varied energy mix, which also provides increased energy security for those countries adopting it.

Of course, research on nuclear fusion must continue—and indeed is underway in Italy as well—which could provide humanity with virtually infinite and unlimited energy.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Professor, if in twenty years I will be in my forties, what kind of city and what kind of world will I live in? Above all, will it still be habitable, or should I start looking for a house on Mars?

FRANCESCO ASDRUBALI

The hope is that, in twenty years, there will have truly been a reversal of course and that the pathway to a global energy transition will be well underway. Here too, there are both positives and negatives: on the one hand, Trump abandoning the Paris Agreement; on the other, China, which—if not out of ideological commitment to the principles of sustainable development, then at least for economic advantage—is making a great push toward renewable energy sources.

So the hope is that in twenty years, you and all the young people of your generation will be able to live in a better world, above all where the current conflicts no longer exist. Right now, the COP30, the Conference of the Parties, is taking place in the Amazon: I hope that, in twenty years, the international agreements being made at this moment, to update the commitment made by all states in Paris ten years ago, will finally be well on their way to full implementation.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

Thank you, Professor Asdrubali. All that’s left for me is to say goodbye—and also to greet my colleague Sofia.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Goodbye, everyone.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

And we look forward to the next episode, when we will have another professor from the University for Foreigners, Maura Marchegiani, with whom we will discuss issues of international law, in a new episode of Umbria Sostenibile.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Because the future doesn’t wait—it is built. And it starts now. Stay connected with us.

Umbria Sostenibile – Episode 4: Interview with Maura Marchegiani

ITALO CARMIGNANI

It may seem strange, but there is a common thread linking all generations: the search for a viable future. In previous episodes we listened to the voices of politics and science.

We understood that without vision and research there can be no successful transition. But there is another fundamental pillar for building a sustainable future: education.

Who is preparing the new generations to face the complexity of the world to come? Are universities truly ready to support this change, or are they still anchored to past models? And what are today’s sustainability careers? This transition is of great interest to many young people, especially in terms of employment.

Today we try to answer these questions through an intergenerational dialogue. Joining me, as always, is Sofia Abategiovanni, a student at the University for Foreigners of Perugia, giving voice to the questions and doubts of her generation. And today our guest is Maura Marchegiani, Professor of International Law at the University for Foreigners of Perugia, Rector’s Delegate for Sustainability Policies, and President of the Degree Course in Social Sciences for Sustainability and International Cooperation. Professor, we will try to understand how university education is changing, which new skills our country will need, and how sustainability is increasingly a matter of rights and global justice.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Good morning.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

Good morning, Professor, welcome to the Umbria Sostenibile podcast, and thank you for accepting our invitation. You have a unique perspective on sustainability: you are the Rector’s Delegate for these policies and you coordinate a degree course dedicated precisely to these topics. Everyone is talking about it, but often in a rather generic way. From your academic and institutional perspective, what does “education for sustainability” really mean? And why does it sometimes risk becoming just a label?

MAURA MARCHEGIANI

Thank you for the invitation. Education for sustainability is above all a great responsibility: it means educating people to understand the complexity of the world, and the interdependence between environment, economy, rights, and cultures. Sustainability requires a paradigm shift: if we treat it as nothing more than a label, we fail in our duty as scholars and educators.

Sustainability is not—and cannot be—simply about learning to do sustainable things, but rather about understanding why certain choices are right and what their consequences are on the individual, local, and global levels. Educating for sustainability therefore requires a political vision: we have to look at reality as a whole. It is not enough to learn how to measure carbon emissions or know the rules underpinning the circular economy, important as those are. Education for sustainability means providing the tools to interpret complexity, fostering interconnections between disciplines, and developing a critical mindset and applying it to reality. At our university, sustainability is first and foremost a cultural project and pathway before it is technical: our aim is to train citizens and professionals capable of critical thinking, of connecting knowledge, and of acting responsibly.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Good morning from me as well, Professor. I am living proof that young people believe in education linked to sustainability—not just technical fields, but also the social sciences. When I enrolled in this degree course, many did not understand my choice, viewing it as risky, of little use, or even as something for activists.

I would therefore like to ask: what future awaits those who choose this path, and why, in your opinion, is it worth pursuing despite the prejudices and pessimistic opinions we often encounter in our daily lives?

MAURA MARCHEGIANI

Sofia, thank you for your question, which touches a crucial point and indeed reflects the breadth of horizons toward which your generation is heading. I don’t think your choice was risky: those like you who choose, and continue to choose every day, social sciences for sustainability are making a forward-looking investment both in their own future and that of society as a whole. Sustainability is not a niche sector: it is about transforming the way we build our society and our future. And to do this, new types of professionals are needed—future experts with cross-cutting skills in social analysis, conflict mediation, international cooperation, and cultural and scientific diplomacy. Sustainability professions include urban planning, circular economy, international cooperation, resource governance, and the protection of environmental rights. These are precisely the competencies most in demand by new business models, local institutions, European bodies, and international organizations.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

Let’s talk in more depth now about the degree course you coordinate: Social Sciences for Sustainability and International Cooperation. It is an innovative programme, but also a very challenging one.

Why was it established in Umbria in particular? And, what skills does it aim to provide for the young people who choose it?

MAURA MARCHEGIANI

This programme was created in Umbria for a strategic reason, combining the predominantly humanistic tradition of the University for Foreigners with the unique features of this region. Umbria is an ideal laboratory for widespread sustainability: the connection between landscape, community, small businesses, and the third sector is very strong here, as is the ability to attract international students—perhaps also thanks to the longstanding role of the University for Foreigners.

The programme aims to provide practical tools for those who want to take an active role in the ongoing transitions and transformations. Its focus is on developing legal and constitutional skills—namely, the ability to understand and apply regulations at national, European, and international levels—as well as project design and management skills: learning to plan cooperation and development interventions, managing resources and partnerships. Importantly, it aims to provide a global and intercultural perspective: a distinctive skill, supported by the University for Foreigners’ context, and essential for international cooperation. We train professionals able to combine analysis, mediation, responsibility, and global vision—enabling them to design and lead a fair and effective transition.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

We young people often feel that the world is changing at a staggering, almost overwhelming pace: artificial intelligence is advancing, there’s a climate crisis, and global instability. Yet study programmes often seem to stay still, slow to adapt. In your opinion, what is the right balance between innovation and tradition in university education?

MAURA MARCHEGIANI

You’ve touched on a key issue, Sofia. The university has a heritage of methodological rigour and critical depth that we must not lose: it is a valuable tradition, but one that must also be updated and reinvented. Perhaps, then, the balance lies not so much in what we teach, but in how we teach.

It might be time to innovate methodologies. Classical disciplines such as history, law, philosophy, and sociology remain fundamental, but they can be taught in new ways—connecting them to real-world challenges such as climate change, inequality, artificial intelligence, and international cooperation.

So, innovation is not about replacing culture, but about making it alive and relevant for the future.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

Professor, I think it’s a strategic and, in a sense, forward-looking decision that at the University for Foreigners the role of sustainability delegate has been entrusted to a professor of international law. Not only for the content, but for the global perspective this discipline brings: we’re talking about fundamental rights, cooperation between countries, but also about the gap that often exists between theoretical principles and their concrete application. So let me ask: how important is it today to bring together sustainability and international law?

And above all, how can we bridge the gap between what’s written in treaties and what actually happens on the ground? Is this the same gap seen in academia, that is, between merely training skills and actively engaging in transition policies?

MAURA MARCHEGIANI

Of course, my view may be a little biased, but I believe sustainability and international law are not only essential today, but also inseparable. International law was created to build balance between states, but it is now also the language of global justice and the legal framework that defines every possible future: international law addresses the protection of fundamental rights, climate, biodiversity, water, food security, and peace.

The gap between principles and reality is certainly apparent, but it is not an inevitable fate: it can be bridged through education and institutional responsibility. When we train jurists, economists, mediators, or communicators who understand global interconnections, we are laying the groundwork for a legal system that can truly impact people’s lives. And it is precisely here that academia must take on a crucial role, looking beyond its own walls to become an active part of the transition, closing the gap between theory and practice, and becoming an instrument for social, political, and institutional transformation.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Unfortunately, in today’s world, half the population still does not have access to fundamental rights: clean water, education, freedom, health. I, like many of my peers, feel the need to make a concrete contribution, but in a way, we wish we could help everyone and yet we feel like we may not actually be able to help anyone at all. I’m wondering, then: is it utopian to think that sustainability professionals can really change people’s lives, even in the most vulnerable contexts?

MAURA MARCHEGIANI

It’s not utopian, Sofia—it is a clear responsibility, a duty for each of us. Sustainability is not just environmental protection, it’s also social justice, the right to dignity, access to resources. Of course, the complexity is enormous, but we must not be discouraged.

Every time a project fosters inclusion, reduces inequality, guarantees education or healthcare, sustainability is transformed into tangible action. That is precisely the field in which the sustainability professionals we aim to train at our university will operate: professionals who may not be able to solve global poverty alone, but who will certainly begin laying the groundwork for the construction of fairer systems, for resilient planning, and for conflict mediation.

This is the approach to sustainability that we intend to promote at our university.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

Let’s now talk about Umbria and the global landscape. Can a region like ours, small but rich in expertise and vision, make a contribution with its sustainability policies—however small—to international cooperation and fair development?

MAURA MARCHEGIANI

I would say absolutely yes. Small communities have extraordinary strength: they can act as laboratories for best practices. Umbria is a region with strong cultural roots and excellent capacity for dialogue among institutions, research, and communities. Moreover, our university, with its humanistic and profoundly international vocation, acts as an ambassador not only for languages and cultures, but also for sustainability and for sharing Umbria’s cultural excellence with the world.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Professor, in your view, is climate change also a matter of violated rights? Should we expect future wars for resources and new climate migration?

MAURA MARCHEGIANI

Absolutely, yes. Climate change is no longer merely a technical and environmental issue, but increasingly one of justice and fundamental rights. There are both rapid and slow-onset phenomena linked to climate change that affect the right to life, health, housing, water, and food, and these issues disproportionately impact the poorest and most vulnerable communities—those who have contributed least to the climate crisis. All of this leads to significant social imbalances, fueling tensions and even forcing entire populations to abandon their lands, with all the loss of customs, traditions, and identities that entails. It is therefore essential to develop appropriate tools to manage a future in which climate migration, resource conflicts, and safeguarding common goods will be central topics in law and cooperation.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

This is certainly interesting, because climate migration is in many ways at the root of our modern civilization. But let’s return to another pressing topic—young people and work. If you had to give one piece of direct advice to a young person seeking a career in sustainability, which skill—and we’ll allow you to choose only one—should they absolutely start developing today?

MAURA MARCHEGIANI

I would perhaps choose the ability to envision things in an interconnected way. This seems to me the most relevant aspect—being able to combine technical expertise with humanistic sensibility, seeing problems not as isolated issues but through their connections.

Sustainability requires minds capable of imagining scenarios, building interdisciplinary pathways, and translating values into tangible actions. Vision—the capacity for vision—is certainly a key competence.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

It is truly fascinating to listen to you, but unfortunately, we have to conclude. I would like to end with a personal question. Are you optimistic about the future? And most importantly, can we young people still afford to be optimistic?

MAURA MARCHEGIANI

I am definitely optimistic. However, what is needed is a conscious optimism—not a naïve optimism, but one grounded in responsibility and collaboration.

You, the younger generation, have shown an incredible amount of creativity and courage. You are aware of the complexity of the challenges, but also of your own potential. Our role as academics is therefore to provide you with solid knowledge and multidisciplinary skills to face the future—a future that is clearly not something that just happens to us, but something we build together, day by day, transforming our hopes into concrete projects through knowledge, cooperation, mutual trust, creativity, and ingenuity. And if we continue to believe that sustainability is a project rooted in justice, then yes: we can and must allow ourselves optimism.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

Thank you, Professor Marchegiani, for sharing with us not only your expertise but also your clear vision. Sustainability is not just a slogan; it is a cultural project that involves education, institutions, and individuals.

Today, we have once again realized that the future will not be built solely by engineers and energy specialists, but also by new professionals capable of understanding society, mediating conflicts, defending rights, and building cooperation.

In short, sustainability is not just about the environment and green energy; it is responsibility, justice, and above all, knowledge. Now it's also time for a brief review.

Sofia, what are you taking away from this episode?

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Thank you, Italo. Honestly, the professor's words have given me new hope, even if tinged with a bit of bitterness, born from the awareness that we all need to collaborate concretely and truly take action. This is thanks in no small part to the education and learning that come from these wonderful—actually, extraordinary—new courses.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

And thank you all for being with us again today. If you enjoyed this podcast, this episode, please share it and maybe send us your questions. We will continue this journey to discover an Umbria that wants to grow without leaving anyone behind.

Umbria Sostenibile – Episode 5: Interview with Luca Ferrucci

ITALO CARMIGNANI

There is a thread that connects all generations: the pursuit of a possible future. In previous episodes, we have heard from politicians, scientists, and educators.

We have understood that without vision and research, no transition is possible. But there is another key pillar for building a sustainable future: economic development.

Who truly supports companies through this transformation? Are regional industrial policies equipped to meet the sustainability challenge? And how can we build growth that does not consume our future? Today we try to answer these questions through a dialogue between generations.

I am Italo Carmignani and, as always, I am joined by Sofia Abategiovanni, a student at the Università per Stranieri di Perugia, who gives voice to the questions and concerns of her generation. Today, our guest is Luca Ferrucci, Sole Director of Sviluppumbria, the regional agency for economic development in Umbria: a regional agency that for 50 years has supported the competitiveness and economic growth of the region, assisting businesses, innovation, and investments. With him, we will try to understand if and how it is possible to combine development, sustainability, and Umbrian identity. Good morning, Professor Ferrucci, welcome to the Umbria Sostenibile podcast and thank you for accepting our invitation.

Your responsibility is a strategic one: leading an agency that has been supporting the economic growth of Umbria for half a century. Everyone talks about sustainable enterprises, but often more as a slogan than as concrete practice. From your perspective, what does sustainable development truly mean in a territory like ours?

And what risks do you see when sustainability becomes just a label attached to projects?

LUCA FERRUCCI

First of all, thank you for the invitation. It is truly a great opportunity to share some of my thoughts on this highly important topic for the future of humanity, and not just our region. In Italy, for several decades now, we have had a claim: Umbria, the green heart of Italy.

Do we truly consider ourselves the green heart of Italy? Are we really? This is the first provocative question we need to ask ourselves. When we created this claim, it had extraordinary appeal, not only for tourism, but for the image and reputation of our region. But today, can we really and truly identify with that claim?

So let’s begin by carrying out some basic analyses comparing certain environmental sustainability indicators: how does our region rank compared to other Italian regions? I mention this because we've made a big bet in this region.

We are the green heart of Italy, but if things are not quite as they seem, it could undermine the credibility and reputation of our region. So, the facts, the numbers, the indicators tell us that, when compared to the 20 Italian regions, unfortunately, Umbria now faces some problems from the standpoint of sustainability. I refer to a recently published report that analyzed a host of environmental indicators.

Consider per capita greenhouse gas emissions: out of 20 regions, we are the ninth worst. Consider final per capita energy consumption: we are the fourth worst.

Consider the number of energy communities activated in our region: we are second to last. Consider industry, in terms of energy consumption per added value: again, the fourth worst. And I could go on with issues related to public and private mobility, and the emissions generated by transport, and so on. So there is a major risk in our region: of calling ourselves the green heart of Italy but, unfortunately, remaining a region which still has a long way to go on sustainability topics.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Good morning, Professor. I often talk to young people who would like to stay in Umbria but are afraid there are too few opportunities; and yet organizations like Sviluppumbria work precisely to create the conditions for businesses to grow. So, I want to ask you directly: what future do you see for young professionals who want to work in innovation, sustainable tourism, and the green economy? And above all, can Umbria truly become a place to stay, and not just a place to leave?

LUCA FERRUCCI

Umbria needs to become a land of opportunity for young people, not for the elderly. We do not need to build a silver economy in our region—an economy based on older people. Of course, the elderly have their rights and their legitimate expectations for public and private services, but a silver economy would only worsen the economic, social, and cultural decline of our region. So, how can we explore opportunities for young people?

Today, in the Western world, one thing is clear: young people, especially those with high educational attainment, are often called upon to start their own enterprises. In existing companies, they often do not find enough space to make the most of their abilities, skills, ambitions, or freedom of decision-making. Indeed, we see young people leaving—in the West, it is now millions—leaving their employers after just a few years to go into business for themselves and pursue their own entrepreneurial adventure. What’s more, we are discovering that this generation of young people is truly attentive to sustainability issues: if we look at new businesses launched by young people, they are not based on the idea of "I want to become a billionaire."

No one will become a billionaire anymore. But: "I want to have a decent job, one that is fulfilling and matches my skills." And these new businesses are attentive to sustainability, the reuse of materials, recycling, and the reintegration of natural resources.

These new enterprises started by young people are, indeed, the first to be strongly focused on sustainability. This is where we need to have faith and provide the opportunities that our region can offer, starting with all the tools and resources that regional governance can provide.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

Professor, let’s get into the details of Sviluppumbria’s work, which over the years has changed: it's more digital, closer to businesses, more focused on sustainability. In your opinion, why was this transformation necessary? And in which sectors is Umbria currently demonstrating the most dynamism: innovation, manufacturing, tourism, culture? What are the real driving forces?

LUCA FERRUCCI

First of all, the topic of sustainability. Two and a half years ago, a regional call for proposals managed by Sviluppumbria was launched, specifically on the topic of sustainability. I was not at Sviluppumbria at the time, but there was undoubtedly an expectation of success. Well, of this call, which allocated 2 million euros, only about 800,000 euros were actually used by firms—just 88 companies in total, each getting about 10,000 euros.

So, that was certainly a poorly designed call, because thinking that a company can become sustainable with only 10,000 euros is simply absurd. But we also need to be concerned about another aspect: for that call, we only used 800,000 euros, though 2 million had been allocated. So the first thing to do is to ensure that calls for proposals on the topic of sustainability actually meet the needs of Umbrian businesses, to help them seize new opportunities.

Today, there is an entrepreneurial fabric that, unfortunately, either has to go it alone or failed to find answers in that single call two and a half years ago by the then-regional government. The inability to respond to business needs is evident.

So, where should we focus? Everybody knows that the world’s geopolitical and economic context has changed, and not in a reassuring way: the automotive sector is a concern for our exports both to the United States and to Germany. On the other hand, our agri-food sector has been radically transformed over the last thirty years, with significant qualitative improvements, and is now able to compete on international markets—even if Trump’s tariffs, this rise of protectionism in the West, unfortunately, add to the burden on our agri-food companies.

But let’s not forget the remarkable capabilities and excellence we possess in mechanics, micromechatronics, electronics, and logistics: these are high-quality supply chains that, with the right industrial policies, can transition from the automotive sector to aerospace, naval, and other fields. I believe that these sectoral diversification processes are essential.

Alongside this, we must also diversify our internationalization strategies because, unfortunately, protectionism in the West—starting with Trump—and wars have severed ties between peoples and states. It is now necessary to recreate and reconnect these ties so we can explore new geographic markets.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

We young people live in a world that is changing at lightning speed: with artificial intelligence, the climate crisis, and new work models, we often feel that companies struggle to keep up the pace. In your opinion, are Umbrian companies truly innovating or do we risk falling behind? And what should a region do, for example, to help them accelerate?

LUCA FERRUCCI

Innovation is the result of new capacities, and new capacities are found above all in the new sectors of the economy. The sectors offering the greatest opportunities are those related to ICT, information and communication technologies, sustainability, and digitalization: these are the worlds that young people are embracing, and so these are some of the best areas to make the most of their skills. There are also companies that seem to be in traditional sectors—such as agri-food, or micromechatronics, as I mentioned earlier—but in reality, they incorporate significant research, with many engineers, physicists, and chemists working on new materials, which can create new opportunities. Today, even the bolt that goes into an airplane is made from highly innovative materials, which are the result of extensive research and many patents. It is interesting to note, for example, that there are currently about 90 patents registered in Umbria at the European Patent Office, with many more "dormant" patents—patented, but not yet converted into innovative applications, new companies, and so on.

This is an area that I believe could bear fruit in the coming months and years: new enterprises may be created by making use of these dormant patents lying in the drawers of our Umbrian inventors.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

There is an aspect that really fascinates me: Umbria is small, yet has a diverse productive system, made up of districts, supply chains, and many small businesses. This also makes the role of a public agency complex: it must provide support, but also direction.

So I’d like to ask: how do you balance the need to be competitive with the obligation to also become sustainable? Are businesses ready to take on this responsibility?

LUCA FERRUCCI

The market alone cannot act as the catalyst for a transition to sustainability. This is clearly demonstrated by the global automobile industry—especially in the West—which is reluctant to embrace new technological innovations that would bring changes to the way cars are used. Thus, there are sectors that are conservative and resistant to change.

So, what is the role of innovation policies and industrial policies for innovation? Two things: first, the definition of regulatory standards, which cannot be set by Umbria or even by Italy, but rather by Europe—or even better, by the West as a whole. What is the standard that determines the scope of competition? For example, even today, such standards are still lacking in the global automotive industry in the West, as would be desirable. The second point is that in these sectors, we must accompany the transition using appropriate incentives and not penalties: in other words, between carrot and stick, incentives make for a better-managed transition. And incentives should not be given to industry across the board, but to two main recipients: either to industry for research, development and innovation, or to consumers—the market—which chooses to purchase sustainable goods, rewarding those businesses with these characteristics. In essence, industrial innovation policies work either on R&D or on the consumer level, rather than providing generic subsidies to companies that may lack credibility regarding sustainability.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Now I would like to address a topic that is truly close to my heart: the vulnerabilities of our territories—inner areas, mountain communities, villages that are becoming depopulated. Do you think sustainable development can become a lever to revive these places, or is that really just a romantic vision?

LUCA FERRUCCI

Umbria is not made up of large cities or metropolitan areas, as we know—in some respects, fortunately—but rather of medium-sized cities: think of Perugia, Terni, Foligno; or it is sometimes made up of small towns scattered throughout the region, of inland areas such as those in the Apennine belt. Now, these inland areas and small towns are suffering from a structural decline that goes well beyond the reasons caused by the earthquake, in the parts affected by it.

This decline was already present and was characterized by the exodus of young people from these territories, an aging population, the closing of businesses, and the reduction of both public and private services: schools, transport, healthcare, and so on. So, the issue is obviously complex and multifaceted. However, I believe that the revival of small towns is indispensable for the overall sustainability of this region. There are cases, and these are the ones we must start from, both in our country and beyond Umbria, that show us that a small town is not irreversibly destined to die. There are small towns—let's look at some models—that have been revitalized thanks to immigrants, thanks to a social capital forged by immigrants. There are towns that have discovered water as a resource and an attraction for tourism. There are towns in Tuscany that have revived through the management of thermal parks.

And here, I won't mention any names. In these small towns, we have properties owned by the Region, land assets made up of farmhouses and thousands and thousands of hectares, which could become sources for new jobs and new homes for young people capable of imagining innovative crops in the agri-food sector. Let me give some seemingly simple examples: we have, nearby Umbria, companies that are leaders in their sectors and could act as a driving force for new businesses established by young people working with innovative crops.

I won’t name any companies, but perhaps listeners can imagine them. If young people want to start organic goat milk production and cheese-making, why not provide them with, say, a farmhouse, land, or woods—since goats feed in the undergrowth—and give them the opportunity to live in these inland areas? But these businesses cannot be left on their own—they should perhaps be supported with mentoring, with guidance from a medium or large company, perhaps from Umbria, specializing in the dairy sector. And if other young people from Upper Tiber Valley want to produce medicinal plants—a key interest for another company located near Umbria—why not provide them with land and farmhouses in the internal areas, enabling this company to purchase medicinal plants from them?

I could give ten such examples. We need to foster change in Umbria by providing opportunities for young people, starting from the inland areas and small towns.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

Professor, let’s talk about tourism—a sector in which Sviluppumbria plays a central role. Tourism is a great opportunity, but it can also become a risk if not managed carefully: land consumption, pressure on small towns, unsustainable models.

So my question is: how can we build genuinely sustainable tourism in Umbria, capable of generating value without sacrificing the identity of its places? And above all, what strategies are you implementing to internationalize the region and increase its visibility on global markets?

LUCA FERRUCCI

The tourism issue is extremely important for Umbria. I’d say there are three focal points around which policies should revolve: the accessibility of Umbria, the region’s hospitality, and its attractiveness. These are the three pillars of a tourism policy. The first: accessibility.

Tourists will come to Umbria if they can get here quickly; we can also welcome slow tourism, but people must be able to arrive in Umbria in a short time. And today, due to this region’s infrastructural challenges, accessibility is a taboo subject, especially from abroad, but also from many regions within our own country. Clearly, railway and road infrastructure often involve Rome more than Perugia, in the sense that financial resources are state-controlled. However, we cannot forget or ignore the fact that we have an airport, and that is a regional responsibility. So, I believe our airport is, let’s say, the sole means of ensuring Umbria’s accessibility, particularly from abroad, that is directly in the hands of regional authorities. “Power” is a metaphorical word here.

It must play an extraordinary role. Let’s say the airport has reached 600,000 passengers—a satisfying result. But the first question is: how many of these passengers come from our tourism source markets, from the export markets of our companies? If we find out, and we know, that most of our tourists come from Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, how many flights connect our airport with French or German destinations? Fortunately, we have London, which is an important achievement. Or, instead, are more flights offered to destinations such as Romania, Albania, and Malta, from which I doubt many tourists arrive?

So, if the airport truly is our gateway for foreign arrivals, and if it also serves our companies exporting to Germany, France, or the US, I believe a new phase should be opened for the airport. Then there is the issue of hospitality—here, we have just closed a call for bids worth around 20 million euros aimed at the renovation of accommodation facilities. On this front, we can say we have many facilities, and some now aim to reach a high level of quality,

bringing, moreover, significant improvements to our cities and small towns, especially when high-level tourism facilities are established that attract high-spending visitors. Then there is the theme of attractiveness: we are not just about major festivals. We certainly have religious tourism, landscape and nature tourism, but we also need to create further attractions to enhance this.

For example, I think of the routes or trails, which have enjoyed a moderate success but still require more work; or of cycle tourism, which is growing throughout Europe and for which Umbria could be a natural destination. We always say that we already offer a lot for cycle tourism: in reality, I believe we are just at the beginning of this journey.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

I have a very direct question as a young person trying to find her place in the world: if I wanted to work in the field of sustainable development, what is the one skill—just one—that I should start developing today?

LUCA FERRUCCI

First of all, I hope that every young person in this region will be able to build their own opportunity. And to build, imagine, and envision your opportunity: opportunities arise from the combination of two things—passion and skills. The best advice for a job is to align your personal calling—your passion—with your skills. The issue of sustainability does not only apply to a narrow economic field, such as energy, renewables, or green plastics: it is actually a cross-cutting theme for all sectors. Just think of food packaging, which, due to European directives, will change radically over the next five years.

Consider any everyday object: all of it will change. So, the answer I feel compelled to give is: don’t focus on a specific product, but focus on your passion and your skills. And if you find you have a passion for music and skills in archaeology, you can also imagine combining archaeology and music into something sustainable.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

Professor Ferrucci, let’s conclude with a question we ask all our guests: are you optimistic about Umbria’s economic future? And above all, can young people afford to be?

LUCA FERRUCCI

Young people have a duty to trust in the future, because they will be the ones who build tomorrow’s paths. There is an entire generation that, even today, wants to set the rules for the future, but the hope is that doors will open to opportunities for our young people and that they will be made protagonists everywhere, from the public sector to the private sphere.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

Thank you to Professor Ferrucci for joining us on this discussion about the economic and sustainable future of Umbria. Today we have seen that sustainability is not a brake on development but its most powerful engine: it drives innovation in businesses, enhances the value of our territories, creates new opportunities, and above all offers young people real prospects. Sofia, what are your takeaways from today’s episode?

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Thank you, Italo. As always, our conversation has given me many insights and one stimulating doubt: if the future isn’t only elsewhere, how can we help people realize that it is also built through the choices we make today, especially in politics and governance?

ITALO CARMIGNANI

We will continue this journey to discover an Umbria that aims to grow without leaving anyone behind.

Umbria Sostenibile – Episode 6: Interview with Federico Gori

ITALO CARMIGNANI

Words like development, future, environment, and participation feature persistently in the public debate. But how often do we actually stop to consider what these terms mean today?

We want to highlight different perspectives, decisions, and the responsibilities associated with how such crucial topics will be tackled by the regional government and local institutions. This podcast was created within the Umbrian Network for Sustainable Development, a project initiated by the Region of Umbria together with universities, institutions, and local stakeholders to promote public policies that are more coherent, integrated, and above all, sustainable. It is an initiative aimed at building a governance system capable of connecting institutions, communities, local areas, and especially new generations around a common goal: sustainable development.

The path places a central focus on the active participation of young people, entrusting them with the new languages and tools to narrate the present and envision the future. These young people will put administrations and decision-makers to the test with their questions. I am Italo Carmignani, journalist, and with me is Sofia Abategiovanni, a student at the University for Foreigners in Perugia: two generations meeting, comparing perspectives, and engaging in frank dialogue.

Because sustainability is no longer an abstract concept: it is a necessity, a shared responsibility. In this episode, together with Sofia, we meet Federico Gori, mayor of Montecchio, president of ANCI Umbria, and former coordinator of the association's small municipalities. A direct exchange between two different outlooks: Sofia, representing a generation urgently demanding answers now—jobs, a future, genuine participation, environmental and social justice.

An honest interview in which the visions, priorities, and concrete intentions of those representing Umbrian municipalities and working daily with local communities will come to the forefront. Because the truth is simple: young people want to be heard. And so does the planet.

Welcome, Mr President; it is a pleasure to have you as a guest on the Umbria Sostenibile podcast. The first thing I would like to ask is if you could briefly explain to our listeners what ANCI Umbria is and what its role is.

FEDERICO GORI

First and foremost, ANCI is the home of municipalities: it is the place where the institutions closest to citizens, the municipalities, come together to discuss issues, and above all, where we try to plan the future of our communities. So we seek to turn problems into opportunities, to address the issues that concern our communities from different perspectives and, above all, with the added value of each person's experience—or rather, sensitivity.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

You have both the responsibility and the honor of safeguarding and promoting the interests of municipalities and their communities at the local level, liaising with the Region, public administration bodies, and other institutions. Are sustainable development goals among these interests? And if so, in what way?

FEDERICO GORI

Absolutely yes, but for us sustainability is not just environmental: it also encompasses social sustainability, ensuring adequate quality of life in our communities, whether large or small. This can be more simply translated into social relationships, in living together within our communities, and thus seeking to ensure a form of sustainability that is truly comprehensive, which obviously includes the environmental dimension but also focuses on the social aspect.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

We previously spoke with representatives from the research community, administrators, and economists. But we know that Italy is largely made up of small towns, like Montecchio, where you are mayor. How difficult is it to translate the idea of sustainability—so often discussed at higher levels—into concrete actions?

FEDERICO GORI

It is extremely challenging, but regardless of the size of the municipality, it is always difficult because local administrators live in a constant state of urgency: tackling issues related to infrastructure, concerns of certain families, and the need to guarantee essential services. This often results in losing sight of, or the ability to plan long term. So the effort we make each day is to balance addressing immediate needs with also thinking in terms of planning, trying to build consensus among mayors and local administrations within ANCI around a shared vision, and then turning that vision into tangible sustainability.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

As an administrator and as president, in your view, what is today the key driver to make our region more sustainable?

FEDERICO GORI

The key is indeed to strengthen our communities, so that everyone feels part of the community and personally involved, so that it is the citizens themselves who defend everything that surrounds our communities. Clearly, we need to invest in services: this is what we are trying to do, especially in a region made up mostly of inland areas, which are at risk of depopulation and demographic ageing. Investing in services, starting with the three main pillars—healthcare, transport, and education—and extending even to the smallest local businesses, which are in fact indispensable services in our municipalities, especially in smaller ones.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

Mayors are often the first point of contact between citizens and institutions. In daily life, how difficult is it to balance the immediate needs of residents with a long-term vision of sustainability?

FEDERICO GORI

The citizens we usually engage with typically bring us the problems they are facing today—not problems they will have in a year or ten years. So the real challenge is to address current issues while never losing sight of our mission: long-term planning, envisioning our town projected into the future, whether in the medium or long term. This is what we do every day: we try to look ahead and understand how best to shape our services and our community itself.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Speaking of looking to the future: we young people speak a lot about participation, but in practice, how much real space do young people have in the decision-making processes of municipalities? And what could be done to involve them more?

FEDERICO GORI

It's true, we still involve them far too little. This is something I have tried to work on in my own town from the beginning of my term, and also as ANCI president: we have given significant importance to ANCI Giovani precisely because we are aware that the future lies with the new generations and that their involvement is now essential. I must say that today, more than ever, there are numerous tools to engage with young people—whether they are majority or minority representatives, part of associations, or individual citizens—so they can share their perspectives, for example through youth municipal councils or directly by approaching you on the street to ask how they can contribute to our municipality. A crucial element is education: we must absolutely involve schools, and we do so through important projects, for example, those on sustainability. We've done this with the "Bee-Friendly Municipalities" programme and through projects involving schools in sustainability and environmental education. This is the real challenge for the future: to inspire passion and the need for engagement among young people.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

You have also coordinated the small municipalities for ANCI Umbria. Are smaller centres more vulnerable to environmental and economic challenges, or on the contrary, can they serve as laboratories for best practices? Can you provide a concrete example?

FEDERICO GORI

Small municipalities are a clear example of vulnerability: just think that depopulation leads to a lack of care for the territory, which results in hydrogeological instability and neglected land. However, at the same time, they can also be models—a human-scale context for piloting new projects and actively involving the community, because in small towns, every citizen truly feels integral to this extraordinary dynamic.

This means that implementing projects in areas with smaller populations makes it much easier to create effective laboratories and to receive a more direct, sincere response from the community.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

You just mentioned depopulation—so, the migration of many young people from small towns in search of opportunities elsewhere. My question is: do you think sustainability can also become a key to bringing life, jobs, and a future back to these interior areas?

FEDERICO GORI

To date, especially through the strategy for internal areas, we have focused heavily on services. But it is fundamental to understand that without employment there can be no future: to ensure that people, especially young people, remain in our local areas, there must be jobs. Young people who want—and need—to stay in our territories must be given real prospects, which is why we need to rethink workspaces and even the idea of work itself, connecting it to green tourism, innovation in services, and the green economy. Of course, as local administrators, we cannot be the only ones designing processes to ensure employment: we must collaborate with both regional and national governments so that real job opportunities are created, because jobs are what ultimately keep people in an area.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

We often talk about ecological transition. From the perspective of municipalities, what is currently the biggest challenge: funding, bureaucracy, technical skills, or resistance to change?

FEDERICO GORI

We often talk about funding—perhaps it's a professional reflex for us local administrators. However, we must recognize that the real challenge, in addition to bureaucracy, is a cultural one: changing mindsets, understanding how to bring everything together, and above all, being proactive in this complex and fragile phase, which unites us all behind a single objective, namely sustainability.

Sustainability takes many forms, all of which inevitably pass through local administrations, which are the backbone holding communities together. At the same time, we must try to understand processes that sometimes feel distant from us, but in reality, directly and daily affect us all.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Is there, for example, a project, an experience, or an administrative decision that truly made you feel you were on the right path toward greater sustainability?

FEDERICO GORI

Among the most rewarding projects I have undertaken in my municipality was becoming a "Bee-Friendly Municipality": together with schools, associations, and local council members, we developed educational pathways both for schools and for ourselves, resulting in a collaborative effort to safeguard biodiversity and the very environment that surrounds us each day and is so often undervalued. For me, gaining this awareness was truly an enriching part of my journey as a municipal administrator.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

In recent years, there has been much discussion about collaboration between institutions. Does the relationship between municipalities, the region, and the state actually work when it comes to sustainability, or is there still too much distance?

FEDERICO GORI

The relationship we have as ANCI with different levels—most notably with the Region of Umbria—has always functioned and continues to function, because we share a common goal and, above all, because as institutions, we recognize the need to work as a network: we cannot afford parochialism or division. There are projects that, by necessity, must be carried out together, taking into account all the distinct perspectives each territory brings, but above all never losing sight of the shared horizon we spoke of earlier.

So yes, I can say that, in my view, this mechanism works. Of course, at times we must make our demands heard, and at other times express our thanks, but that is exactly how you build communities that work and, most importantly, communities that feel part of a system.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Now for a tough question: looking to the future, what kind of Umbria do you envision in ten or fifteen years, if it succeeds in pursuing a coherent path of sustainable development?

FEDERICO GORI

I envision an Umbria that leaves no one behind, an Umbria that mobilizes all its institutions, associations, the third sector, and everyone who plays a social role in our region, so that opportunities can be provided without ever losing our identity, while at the same time imagining a high quality of life. This vision should be built above all through relationships, through services, and all those connections that have brought us together over the years and must inevitably be strengthened, so that Umbria can become one of those model regions in terms of relationships, above all.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

Let's go into more detail and mention a few examples. When it comes to alternative energy, for instance, which sources are most suitable for Umbria? With regard to water, what resource should we deploy to safeguard Umbria's water sources?

And above all, what approach should the Region take so that environmental sustainability has a positive trajectory and does not remain just on paper?

FEDERICO GORI

This topic as well, which is extremely important and also involves the municipalities, is one where we know we must take action, because energy is not infinite and we need to understand what impact alternative energies will have on our region. At the same time, as I mentioned earlier, we must safeguard our identity, and this is exactly where connections, dialogue, and a broad, 360-degree vision must help us avoid potentially risky situations—such as those involving large plants or certain facilities that could disrupt our environment, even though we know some are essential.

Thus, we have to understand, and in this case we are doing so also with the Region of Umbria and the dedicated department, through meetings and, above all, through the drafting of regulations that both protect the municipalities and encourage us to take bold action, so that we can imagine a future that includes the use of alternative energy sources.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

In a previous podcast of Umbria Sostenibile, the President of the Region, Stefania Proietti, spoke primarily about solar energy, while highlighting the necessary precautions. Do you think this is a feasible path?

FEDERICO GORI

Well, on this point, I can say that I am open to a more modern approach. The fact is that Umbria consists of municipalities that often have restrictions: so, while it’s true that we should probably consider solar panels on the roofs of warehouses, factories, or industrial areas, it is also true that in most cases, in historic centers or protected areas, we simply cannot do this even if we wanted to. This is something I would clearly advise against, because we have beautiful, extraordinary historic centers, which, even with new technologies, probably would not receive approval from, for example, the supervisory authorities.

Certainly, beyond the percentage of land deemed suitable for alternative sources, we must look at how to modernize the structures we have, perhaps by also considering photovoltaic roofing. If the President of Umbria has stated her intention to invest in solar energy, I imagine that the strategy or, in any case, the Region of Umbria’s approach is much broader than what each individual municipality can pursue. We are aware that we are part of this process: we want to be part of it, and we certainly do not want to hinder this transition. At the same time, however, we are custodians of our territory, our towns, and our communities: and being custodians of the will of the community also means protecting those landscape, historical and cultural aspects that characterize each place.

SOFIA ABATEGIOVANNI

Okay, now for the final question, President: what is the boldest decision that, in your opinion, a local administrator should make today to leave a positive legacy for tomorrow?

FEDERICO GORI

The boldest decision for any administrator, first of all, is showing up at the Town Hall every morning. That being said, we must acknowledge that the main issue today is the constant shortage of time. We no longer have time; we live frantic lives, always chasing after events and meetings, whether online or in person. Real courage lies in stopping, in engaging in dialogue, in putting people—individuals—at the center, regardless of whether they are council members with whom we engage daily. So, it means taking time, and doing so with all members of our communities who desire it. Unfortunately, I see this happening less and less, precisely because of the current pace of life, a pace that seems to be increasing rather than slowing down. Therefore, restoring value to time, I believe, is a courageous act.

ITALO CARMIGNANI

We thank the President of ANCI Umbria, Federico Gori, for granting us this interview, which highlighted hopes, directions, and aspirations for sustainable development. We also thank our listeners for joining us on this journey, to better understand the path towards an increasingly sustainable Umbria.

Italo Carmignani

Words like development, future, environment, and participation are at the forefront of today’s public discourse. But how often do we really stop to consider what they mean today? My name is Italo Carmignani, and I am a journalist.

In this podcast, together with Sofia Abategiovanni, a student at the University for Foreigners of Perugia, I will explore the perspectives, choices, and responsibilities regarding how such crucial issues are addressed by the regional government and local institutions. This podcast is part of the Umbria for Sustainable Development network—a project by the University for Foreigners of Perugia, coordinated by the Umbria Region, involving universities, institutions, and local stakeholders to promote public policies that are more coherent, integrated, and above all, sustainable.

Sofia Abategiovanni

I am Sofia Abategiovanni and, after listening to the voices of institutions, academia, and civil society, in this episode the microphone is handed over to the students. We asked them to interpret sustainability differently: not through definitions or slogans, but by letting themselves be guided by art, emotions, and the stories that have left a mark on them.

Italo Carmignani 

Sofia put forward a simple but direct challenge: choose a song that represents one of the Sustainable Development Goals and explain in just a few seconds why that piece of music also speaks to our future.

Sofia Abategiovanni

This gave life to a wonderful collective playlist made up of memories, insights, emotions, and most importantly, reflections—a playlist that shows how sustainability can also be narrated through the notes of a song.

Italo Carmignani

And today we present to you the first part of this sustainable playlist. Let’s listen to their voices and allow ourselves to be surprised by the connections they make between music, daily life, and the future of our planet.

Student 1 – Febe Peña García

Hello, I’m Febe Peña García and I chose the song “El Paraíso” by Nación Ekeko and Julieta Venegas. It makes me think about environmental and social sustainability because it invites us to reflect on the relationship between humans and nature and on the negative effects of boundless consumption and the exploitation of natural resources. The message it leaves me with is that we often fail to realize the value of the environment around us until we begin to damage it. The SDGs it brings to mind are several: Goal 12, responsible consumption and production, because it encourages reflection on our consumption patterns; Goal 13, climate action, as it highlights the urgency to act to protect the planet; Goal 15, life on land, for safeguarding ecosystems and forests; and Goal 11, sustainable cities and communities, for the importance of building communities in harmony with the environment.

Student 2 – Admir Ali

Hello everyone, my first name is Amdir and my last name is Ali. In this audio I talk to you about the song “Always Together”—that’s the English title, in Italian it means “Insieme per sempre”. The author of the song is Osama Nagi, an Egyptian songwriter. This song makes me think about social sustainability: it reminds me that sustainability is not just about protecting the earth we share, but also about caring for the people who walk upon it alongside us. “It is the friend’s shoulder that supports you, the stories from our grandparents that build our dignity, from school benches to coffee shops in neighborhoods, our identity thrives if we stay united, tomorrow we will wake up early and together because no one should be left behind, we nurture our roots to soar higher without forgetting who we are”—these concepts are present in the song itself. As for the SDGs that come to mind when I listen to it, I immediately think of number 10, which aims to reduce inequalities through inclusion and equal opportunities: the lyrics connect all regions; Bedouins, Nubians, and city dwellers, all communities living together in Egypt. And also SDG 11, sustainable cities and communities.

Student 3 – Gennaro De Rosa

Hello, I’m Gennaro De Rosa and I chose “La fine di Gaia” by Caparezza, which, despite using the 2012 end-of-the-world prophecies as a pretext, clearly aims to raise awareness about environmental sustainability. The lyrics are a direct condemnation of the destructive relationship between humans and nature. “It is you who treat Gaia (which means the Earth) like a rookie on draft duty, you love oil but the bay is not a boiler, your hatchet sharpens the air, not the Himalayas, Gaia will be saved, but who will save Private Ryan?”—this part powerfully highlights the idea that we are over-consuming and thus damaging the planet by depleting its resources. It connects perfectly with several of the 2030 Agenda Goals, particularly 13, climate action; 12, responsible consumption and production; 15, life on land; and finally 11, sustainable cities and communities. The message we take from it is that we cannot continue exploiting the environment without setting limits, because, as Caparezza also says, “Gaia will eventually be saved”: the earth will always be here, but the problem lies with us—if, faced with the consequences of climate change, we no longer have a habitable planet, where will we live if not here? So, “who will save Private Ryan?”

Student 4 – Margherita

Hello, I’m Margherita and I chose the song “Mondo” by Cesare Cremonini because it makes me reflect on the importance of respecting and protecting the planet. For this reason, I relate it to Goal 13 of the 2030 Agenda, dedicated to climate action. The message it leaves is that the world is our home, and each of us can contribute to preserving it for future generations.

Student 5 – Maria

Hello, I’m Maria, and I chose “Zombie” by the Cranberries. This song reflects on the violence and suffering caused by war. It relates to Sustainable Development Goal 16, peace, justice and strong institutions, reminding us of the importance of rejecting violence and building a culture of peace.

Student 6 – Lucilla Iommi

Hello, I’m Lucilla Iommi and I chose the song “Guaranteed” by Eddie Vedder, which reminds me of Goal 12, responsible consumption and production, because the lyrics literally speak of people trapped in cages they’ve bought for themselves: a direct critique of security purchased rather than lived.

Sofia Abategiovanni

Hello everyone, as you know, I’m Sofia Abategiovanni, and I will also contribute to the sustainable podcast with a song for the sustainable playlist. I chose “Vieni a ballare in Puglia” by Caparezza. This song makes me think of both environmental and social sustainability because it uses irony to highlight the damage caused by pollution and by development that lacks consideration for people and local areas, especially in the South of Italy.

The message it leaves is that today we cannot accept mere economic growth—we must strive for sustainable development that finds balance between economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection. Indeed, it reminds me of several SDGs, including Goal 3, good health and well-being; Goal 11, sustainable cities and communities; Goal 12, responsible consumption and production; and finally, Goal 13, climate action.

Italo Carmignani

That brings us to the end for today, but our journey isn’t over yet: we have one last episode ahead, once again entrusted to students’ voices and ideas. After discussing music and songs capable of envisioning the future, this time we’ll be asking them which film or documentary best represents sustainability in their view—not just environmental, but also social. Without giving too much away, we can tell you this: some of the answers truly surprised us and offered new perspectives we hadn’t imagined.

Italo Carmignani 

We’ll meet here again, with Italo Carmignani speaking and Sofia Abategiovanni, for the final episode of Sustainable Umbria—because before we build the future, we must first learn to imagine it.

Umbria Sostenibile — Podcast 8

Italo Carmignani

Words such as development, future, environment, and participation are constantly resurfacing in public debate. But how often do we actually stop to ask ourselves what they truly mean today?

I am Italo Carmignani, journalist. In this podcast, together with Sofia Abategiovanni, a student at the University for Foreigners of Perugia, I will seek to shed light on the perspectives, choices, and responsibilities involved in how such crucial issues are addressed by the regional government and local institutions.

This podcast was created as part of the Umbria Network for Sustainable Development, a project by the University for Foreigners of Perugia, coordinated by the Region of Umbria, together with the region’s universities, institutions, and local stakeholders, to promote public policies that are more coherent, integrated, and, above all, sustainable.

An initiative aimed at building a governance model capable of connecting institutions, territories, communities, and new generations around a shared goal: sustainable development. The programme places active youth participation at its core, giving young people new languages and tools to narrate the present and imagine the future.

Sofia Abategiovanni

I am Sofia and, after listening to the voices of institutions, academia, and civil society, in this episode the microphone is handed over to young students, who are, of course, the main drivers of change. We asked them to explore sustainability through the lens of cinema: films, documentaries, and scenes that inspired them to reflect on the relationships between humans, the environment, and society.

What emerged is a collection of titles, feelings, and insights that shows how cinema is much more than mere entertainment: it can become a tool to understand the major challenges of our time, stimulate critical thinking, and inspire new actions. Today we present the episode of our journey through sustainable cinema: let's listen to their voices and be amazed by the connections they have created between the big screen, everyday life, and the future of our planet.

Italo Carmignani

Sofia has launched a simple yet direct challenge: to choose a film that represents one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda and, in a few seconds, explain why that story still speaks to our present and our future.

Student 1 – Benedetta Scalseggi

My name is Benedetta Scalseggi and the film I have chosen is "La Belle Verte", a French film from the 1990s that deals with the theme of sustainability by presenting the encounter between a population from a distant world—where an equilibrium has finally been achieved between Mother Earth and human beings—and the people of our own world, who are still trapped in a system that exploits land, Earth, and resources in the rush and frenzy caused by the great machine of capitalism. This encounter ironically highlights all our discomforts and the problems that make up human life on this planet.

Student 2 – Gennaro De Rosa

Hello, I’m Gennaro De Rosa and I chose the film “Pom Poko” by Studio Ghibli, directed by its co-founder Isao Takahata. We felt it was very important to choose this film because the entire Studio Ghibli filmography features strong references to sustainability, but in my opinion, this is one of the most underrated, also because it places the theme at the very centre of its plot. It addresses the issue of excessive urbanisation—in this case, in Japan, but the story could apply to any major city in the world—causing problems for nature and especially for animals. The protagonists are tanuki who fight tooth and nail to defend their forest against the creation of new factories and new cities. The film clearly references some of the 2030 Agenda goals, particularly goal 11, sustainable cities and communities, and goal 12, responsible consumption and production.

Student 3 – Gaia

Hello, I’m Gaia and I chose the film “Dry” (“Siccità”) because it demonstrates that the water crisis is not only an environmental issue, but also a social and ethical one. For this reason, it reminds me of goal 6 of the 2030 Agenda, dedicated to clean water and sanitation. The message I take away is that protecting water resources requires collective responsibility and sustainable choices.

Student 4 – Lucilla

Hello, I’m Lucilla and I selected “La Belle Verte” by Coline Serreau, as it makes me think of goal 11, sustainable cities and communities. In the film, we see a Paris choked by traffic in 1996, whereas today the city is greener and more pedestrian-friendly—a testament to the fact that change is slow but possible.

Sofia Abategiovanni

Hello everyone, I’m Sofia Abategiovanni and, as in the previous episode, I’d like to recommend a documentary I recently watched, titled “Electric cars, heliostats, and offshore wind turbines: China goes green,” produced by PresaDiretta, which is also available online. This documentary prompted me to reflect, first of all, on environmental sustainability and, secondly, on social sustainability through the transformation of the city of Shenzhen: in just a few decades, this Chinese city went from being a symbol of pollution to a model of electric mobility, improving air quality thanks to electric buses and cars.

The film’s message, or rather that of the docufilm, is clear: we can no longer accept destructive economic growth; rather, we must strive for sustainable development that balances the economy, social equity, and environmental protection. The SDGs the documentary brought to mind are several: goal 3, closely linked to health and well-being through cleaner air; goal 11, for sustainable cities and communities; goal 12, for responsible consumption and production; and finally goal 13, for climate action and renewable energy.

Italo Carmignani 

Today’s episode has come to an end—just as our journey together on this podcast concludes. We have travelled side by side with remarkable guests and passionate listeners, making this an extraordinary and illuminating experience. I truly hope that you at home felt the same. We have explored essential and pressing issues, all related to governance and the development of our beloved Umbria—and that, ultimately, is the key outcome for building a more informed and cohesive community.

Italo Carmignani 

Now, I’ll say goodbye, but not before reminding you that the future won’t wait—it is built every day through our own actions.