The “Italia genera futuro” event in Milan with the participation of schools
On Monday, 9 March, the historic setting of Palazzo Mezzanotte, home of the Italian Stock Exchange in Milan, hosted the Italia Genera Futuro event, promoted by Corriere della Sera, which welcomed around 70 students and teachers from Milanese schools who had the opportunity to meet some of the “champions” of the Italian economy: companies that stand out for their innovation, growth and focus on people.
The Fondazione Mondo Digitale, knowledge partner of the initiative, accompanied the students on a preparatory journey coordinated by Cecilia Stajano, community manager. The aim was not only to participate in an event, but to transform an institutional meeting into an experience of direct dialogue with the world of business and information.
For the students involved (from IIS Schiaparelli-Gramsci, Liceo Carlo Cattaneo and ITS Academy Angelo Rizzoli and Innovaprofessioni), it was not just a simple educational outing. It was an opportunity to hear business stories, but above all to test their curiosity, critical thinking and vision for the future.
Edoardo, Rahna and Filippo (Schiaparelli–Gramsci) describe the experience as an invitation not to give up: ‘We are taking home a more responsible vision for our future. We have learned to always believe in our dreams despite the difficulties and to persevere in our goals.’
For them, meeting leading entrepreneurs face to face means giving a concrete perspective to their aspirations.
The meeting was also particularly significant for the ITS students. Samiha, Luigi, Emanuele, Filippo, Joel and Filippo emphasise how inspiring it was to see how ‘small dreams can turn into such big businesses’.
The most intense moment of the morning was the direct discussion with the panel speakers. The students did not just listen: they intervened from the audience with specific questions, entering into dialogue with entrepreneurs and leading figures in the economy and information.
Cecilia Stajano, who accompanied the students in their preparation for the meeting, recounts the excitement of this moment. "Today I was moved again. Yes, moved. When I saw Filippo, then Samiha, then Emanuele, Joel, Luigi and then the other Filippo stand up, microphone in hand, and I heard them so confident, decisive and determined in asking their questions to the speakers of this interesting panel at the Italian Stock Exchange proposed by Corriere della Sera. I am increasingly convinced that meetings where the big issues of the world are discussed should be organised with students, young people, very young people, as protagonists. They are hungry for knowledge, they want to understand, and this curiosity must be cultivated. We must allow them to enter into dialogue about their time and what awaits them, to engage with those who are working today to build opportunities and spaces for the future.
Genuine citizen participation begins in the classroom when students connect with the desks of those who make decisions, provide guidance and set directions. Sometimes, all it takes is listening a little more to these young people to find new and creative solutions to the challenges of our time.
Young people have not yet lost their determination, and we must not let them lose it. They have not lost hope, and we must not let them lose it. Many have not yet decided that leaving our country is the only way forward: they are ready to commit themselves to what is good and true around them. The new generations are a heritage that we must preserve and value together, with guidance and respect'.
