On May 13, 2025, the picturesque town of Ostuni will host the first of six Stakeholder Forum ANCI events at the Giro-E, an e-bike experience for non-professionals that is part of the famed Giro d’Italia. This initiative is organized in collaboration with ANCI Puglia and the local municipality, aiming to engage various stakeholders in discussions about sustainable mobility and the bike economy, which are increasingly seen as vital for the development of local communities.
The forum, titled “Giovani, mobilità sostenibile e percorsi di cittadinanza attiva,” will kick off at 12:30 PM in the “Green fun village” area, a designated hospitality zone for participants and visitors. The event is part of a broader program backed by the Fondo Nazionale Politiche Giovanili, which supports Italian municipalities in enhancing youth participation and community engagement.
ANCI, the National Association of Italian Municipalities, has collaborated with the technical scientific committee “Pedalare per viaggiare” to create a platform for dialogue among public and private stakeholders interested in sustainable development. The focus will be on how the bike economy can serve as a lever for sustainable growth within local communities. This event is not just a gathering; it represents a concerted effort to elevate the role of young people in major sporting events and to promote local resources, cultural heritage, and gastronomic excellence.
As part of the Giro d’Italia, the Giro-E will feature a team from ANCI composed of local administrators and young ambassadors, highlighting the importance of youth involvement in community initiatives. The Stakeholder Forum ANCI at the Giro-E aims to strengthen this involvement, providing a platform for discussions that can lead to actionable outcomes for sustainable development.
Meanwhile, in Perugia, the local government has launched a new initiative called “PARTECIPA PERUGIA – Ogni Persona Ogni Comunità,” aimed at fostering active citizen participation through the establishment of “Case della Partecipazione” or Participation Houses. This program is designed to create permanent organizations that facilitate collaboration between local authorities and citizens, ensuring that public choices reflect community needs and desires.
Developed in partnership with the Dipartimento di Scienze Politiche of the Università degli Studi di Perugia, the initiative includes a series of territorial meetings that promote structured dialogue between the administration and local communities. The first of these meetings is set for May 15, 2025, at the Community Hub of via Diaz 150 in the Madonna Alta district, followed by additional sessions scheduled throughout May and June.
The program will culminate in the “Stati Generali della Partecipazione” event on May 30, 2025, at the Sala dei Notari of the Palazzo dei Priori, where the community will have the opportunity to reflect on the participatory processes established. Through this initiative, the Perugia administration aims to create a network of civic spaces that serve as both physical and symbolic locations for democratic participation and constructive dialogue between institutions and the public.
In an engaging educational effort to instill democratic values in younger generations, students from class II B of the secondary school in Morgex visited the Consiglio regionale on May 9, 2025, as part of the Portes Ouvertes project. This initiative aims to educate students about civic responsibilities and the workings of regional governance.
During their visit, the students participated in a simulated council session, where they debated the use of smartphones during school hours. The topic resonated with their daily experiences, leading to a thoughtful discussion where students presented various perspectives. Ultimately, they voted in favor of responsible smartphone use in school, showcasing their ability to balance educational needs with the realities of modern technology.
This experience is more than just a field trip; it’s a vital step in nurturing active and informed citizens. The Consiglio Valle, through the Portes Ouvertes initiative, reaffirms its role not only as a political institution but also as a training ground for civic education among the youth.
These initiatives across different regions reflect a growing recognition of the importance of civic engagement and sustainable development in Italy. By creating platforms for dialogue, fostering participation, and encouraging responsible governance, local governments are paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
As the Stakeholder Forum ANCI prepares to launch at the Giro-E, and as Perugia embarks on its participatory journey, the emphasis on youth involvement and sustainable practices is clear. These events are not just about discussing ideas; they are about translating those ideas into meaningful actions that can benefit communities for years to come.
