Students at ISIS Valceresio had the unique opportunity to engage with Isabella Tovaglieri, Member of the European Parliament, discussing important issues surrounding ecological transition and the active role of youth in shaping their futures. The event, which aimed to promote civic responsibility and youth participation, took place at the school located in Bisuschio, Italy, and was organized by local representatives Cristian Posteraro and Thomas Dalle Nogare.
Tovaglieri emphasized the pressing need for young people to be involved in decisions affecting their lives, stating, "Youth participation is key to ensuring a solid and informed future, where young voices hold central importance in decision-making." This sentiment reflects growing recognition of the need to empower younger generations amid the challenges posed by climate change and social inequalities.
During her talk, Tovaglieri shared insights from her political career, underscoring the significance of involving youths within political processes. She articulated, "Believing in the new generations means investing in the future," reinforcing her position on why it is imperative to support young leaders and thinkers.
The discussion also spotlighted the ecological transition, balancing environmental sustainability with economic development, particularly for Italian and European industries. This theme has gained increasing traction as communities worldwide contend with climate change's adverse effects and the urgent need to protect ecological systems.
A strong focus of the event was women's rights, with Tovaglieri highlighting her commitment to gender equality and safeguarding women's rights, areas she actively advocates for through her work on parliamentary commissions. She illustrated the importance of policies ensuring equal opportunities and protections for women, fostering dialogue about building just and inclusive societies.
The meeting also served as a platform for discussing civic engagement. Posteraro and Dalle Nogare, representing the provincial youth, are actively involved with commissions aimed at bridging the gap between young people and political institutions, encouraging their informed participation. They noted, "Investing in youth means building a more solid and aware society," reinforcing the concept of youth as pivotal agents of change.
Community involvement was palpable at the event, with mayors Marco Prestifilillo of Porto Ceresio and Leslie Mulas of Besano attending to support the initiative. Their presence highlighted the importance of dialogue between institutions and citizens, serving as a reminder of how collaborative efforts can empower local communities.
Praise also flowed for school principal Carmen Sferlazza, whose support was instrumental in facilitating this valuable opportunity for the students. Tovaglieri, Posteraro, and Dalle Nogare recognized her efforts, emphasizing how educators play a fundamental role in mentoring the next generation of leaders.
This encounter at ISIS Valceresio not only provided students with insight from one of Europe's political figures but also inspired them to take ownership of their responsibilities as future leaders contributing to societal advancement. The discussions laid the groundwork for thoughtful reflection and empowered students to bring their ideas to the forefront of public discourse, demonstrating the intersection of education, civic responsibility, and activism.
Overall, this event exemplified the significance of dialogue between youth and political representatives, driving home the notion of community collaboration for impactful change. By fostering such discussions, we can empower younger generations to take on leadership roles, equipping them with the tools necessary to navigate the challenges of tomorrow.