A heartfelt thank you to the organizations and individuals who provided thoughtful and engaged feedback on the draft of the Plan, developed by the Turin Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan City of Turin within the framework of Torino Social Impact.

This document places young people at its core and promotes collaboration between institutions, businesses, and the third sector to foster a more equitable and sustainable economy.

The feedback will now be reviewed and integrated into the final version of the document, along with the publication of the related comments.

Next, the approval process will continue with the involved entities, followed by a public presentation of the Metropolitan Economy Plan for Social Impact in Turin.

Learn more

How does a city change when it chooses to become one of the best places in the world for business and finance while keeping a strong focus on social impact? What challenges and opportunities arise when public and private sectors, profit and non-profit organizations collaborate to generate shared value?

To find out, VITA and Torino Social Impact embark on a journey through social impact, starting with a conversation with spokesperson Mario Calderini.

An exploration of how Turin is redefining the concepts of business, investment, and community—this is the first stop in a journalistic journey to understand how impact can take root in a city’s culture, eventually becoming part of its collective language.

Read Daria Capitani’s interview on Vita.

Futura Law Firm starl SB is organizing an event at ESCP Business School in Turin (Via Andrea Doria, 27) starting at 6:00 PM to discuss the challenges and uncertainties businesses face regarding ESG and how banks approach ensuring their client companies comply with ESG principles.

The discussion will also cover the Sustainability Dialogue between SMEs and Banks and the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for Non-Listed SMEs (VSME) with the participation of:

• Susanna Gardiol, Director of GAL Escartons e Valli Valdesi
• Elisa Geraci, Lawyer and Impact Consultant
• Antonio Epifani, ESG Expert for the North-West Region at UniCredit Banca
• Paolo Vernero, Chartered Accountant and Founding Partner of VPTL Tax Legal

The event will be moderated by Emanuela De Sabato.

A networking aperitif will follow the event.
Register on Eventbrite here.

Live on Zoom at 12:00 PM, a new event from the sustainability consulting firm will explore the strategic value of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion through real-world insights.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) policies are at the center of an increasingly heated global debate. On April 2 at 12:00 PM, Amapola Café—Amapola’s dedicated discussion platform—will bring together perspectives, data, and testimonies on a topic that continues to spark division. Titled “DEI Under Attack? Why It Remains a Competitive Advantage“, this open and unfiltered conversation will shed light on the ongoing shifts and the potential consequences of stepping back from DEI commitments.

Register HERE.

The DEI Backlash

An increasing number of companies are reversing course, scaling back or even eliminating their inclusion initiatives under pressure from political movements and polarized opinions. However, data tells a different story: businesses investing in DEI see an average 24% increase in revenue and enjoy stronger trust from consumers and stakeholders.

What are the risks of abandoning DEI? And how can we prevent the debate from turning into an ideological standoff, losing sight of the real value of inclusion?

The webinar will explore the DEI backlash phenomenon, analyzing the factors driving some global brands to reassess their inclusion strategies and the impact on the international market. Leading the discussion will be Emilia Blanchetti, senior DEI consultant, and Micol Burighel, Head of Communications at Amapola.

The event will also feature video testimonials from Monica Cerutti, Board Member of UN Women Italy, and Laura Carletti, CSR & HR Manager at Randstad Italy. They will offer insights on the global landscape and discuss why inclusion remains a core pillar of modern organizations. When DEI is truly embedded in corporate culture, walking away isn’t so easy—its impact extends across all business dimensions, from market positioning to workplace climate, driving growth, reputation, and long-term trust.

Live on Zoom on April 2 at 12:00 PM.

A capacity-building webinar dedicated to the CREA COOP25 call for proposals is scheduled, organized by the Culture Office of the Creative Europe Desk Italy. The event will take place online on March 19, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

This webinar is exclusively for professionals in the cultural and creative sectors who are preparing a project for the call and are in a semi-advanced stage, with an already established partnership.

The session aims to provide in-depth guidance on drafting Part B of the project application and the budget table, offering technical support through a Q&A session to assist applicants until the submission deadline on May 13, 2025.

To participate, attendees must complete the online questionnaire by March 15, 2025. Only selected candidates will receive the access link on March 17, 2025. The webinar will be recorded and later made available to all interested parties.

Starting this year, the Creative Europe Desk Italy will organize a series of online capacity-building webinars tailored to the diverse needs of the cultural and creative sectors. For those not yet ready to apply for the 2025 call, orientation webinars will be available from June, focusing on preparing for the next European cooperation projects call.

A Workshop by the European Projects Hub

The European Projects Hub for Social Economy, coordinated by Torino Social Impact in collaboration with Weco Impresa Sociale, is hosting an informational and peer-learning event on the same call. The workshop will take place in person in Turin on March 28, 2025.

This event will offer another opportunity to explore the CREA COOP25 call, with insights from expert project designers. Participation is mandatory for those interested in accessing the project design support program offered by the Hub.

This initiative is made possible with the support of the Chamber of Commerce of Turin and the Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation.

iThanks has been awarded at the Innovation Oscars, the prestigious recognition promoted by ANGI, the National Association of Young Innovators, which aims to celebrate Italian excellence in innovation and recognize the most groundbreaking startups that make a real contribution to progress in the country.

The event, opened by Gabriele Ferrieri, President of ANGI, featured over 15 startups and numerous opinion leaders from the institutional, business, and research sectors.

iThanks won the Innovation Business & Leader Award for its innovative approach to shelf product management in supermarkets and large-scale retail.

Thanks to its cutting-edge technology, iThanks not only predicts the expiration dates of food products directly on store shelves, but for the first time, it processes real-time performance and sustainability analytics, providing valuable insights for retail operators, supply chains, and producers, paving the way for Retail 5.0.

Among the keynote speakers, in addition to a video address from Italy’s Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, were:

• Giuseppe Valditara, Minister of Education
• Roberto Gualtieri, Mayor of Rome
• Alessandro Morelli, Undersecretary of State at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers

who discussed the role of economic and social policies in supporting innovation.

Also in attendance were:

• Cardinal Angelo Comastri, Archpriest Emeritus of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, who spoke about the upcoming Jubilee 2025
• Father Paolo Benanti, President of the AI Commission for Information at the Presidency of the Council, member of the United Nations New Artificial Intelligence Advisory Board, and Professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University, who addressed the ethical aspects of Artificial Intelligence

iThanks, the startup committed to improving performance and sustainability in supermarkets and large-scale retail, was invited to share its know-how at the 10th Festival of Statistics in Treviso.

Angi, the National Association of Young Innovators, selected iThanks to present its case study at the first edition of Statistic Call—a contest for startups specializing in data analytics, contributing to innovation and data collection in strategic sectors across Italy.

On October 19, alongside other startups, the iThanks team presented its solution, which helps supermarkets track and manage shelf-life expirations without the need for hardware. They showcased unique analytics and highlighted the potential benefits for the entire retail sector, supporting both supermarket chains and producers.

Additionally, they introduced sustainability analytics for the retail industry, an innovative advancement in the sector.

On October 20, following a thorough evaluation by a panel of experts, in collaboration with ISTAT, iThanks, along with two other startups, was awarded the Statistic Call prize for its business project and its ability to develop innovative analytics.

The TOUCH project, approved within the 2024-2026 ESF “Actions to boost the development of finance markets for social enterprises” call, has the ambition of creating the first outcome fund in the Piedmont region, in Italy, with the plan of replicating it in other Italian and European regions.

As outcome-based finance is considered to be a pivotal approach in addressing societal challenges with tangible impact and fostering access to finance for social enterprises, the project consortium aims at structuring an outcome fund while targeting work integration and skilling to support NEET, with a specific focus on women and migrants within this group.

Following past discussion held between Torino Social Impact and relevant local stakeholders, the TOUCH project represents the start of Italy’s journey towards becoming an adopter of outcome-based social finance, with the support of a comprehensive consortium composed by 9 partners located in 3 different European countries (Italy, Belgium and Netherlands): Associazione Torino per la Finanza e l’Innovazione Sociale; Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo; Cottino Social Impact Campus S.r.l.; Human Foundation Do & Think Tank for social innovation; Social Finance NL; Politecnico di Milano – Tiresia; Finpiemonte S.p.A.; Diesis Network;; Social Impact Agenda per l’Italia (Associated Partner).

The project started in December 2024 and is currently conducting the first project activities foreseen. The first milestone of the project was the Project Kick-Off meeting, held on January 22, 2025. This event brought together consortium partners to discuss the initial steps of the project, align on its objectives, and set the foundation for future activities. 

On April 7-8, the first Transnational Workshop of the DO Impact project will take place in Turin. The initiative is dedicated to exploring the transformative potential of digital technologies and data-driven approaches within the Social Economy (SE) sector.

The DO Impact project aims to raise awareness among Social Economy SMEs about the digitalization opportunities to enhance their operations and foster innovation. It also seeks to engage European stakeholders in recognizing the crucial role of digitalization in advancing social innovation and sustainability, while providing upskilling and reskilling opportunities for Social Economy Enabling Organizations and SMEs.

This workshop is the first of eight planned events within the framework of the DO Impact Strategy, a program designed to equip Social Economy organizations with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive in an evolving market. The focus is on strengthening digital skills, improving data management, and promoting sustainable practices.

Hosted by the Cottino Social Impact Campus, the two-day event will address the needs of organizations that support SMEs within the Social Economy ecosystem, with content specifically tailored to local SMEs from across Europe.

The first day will focus on the benefits and strategies of digitalization for Social Economy support organizations, presenting best practices from the Piemonte region. These practices will be shared by practitioners who have successfully implemented them. On the second day, the workshop will examine “data for good” initiatives, exploring effective data-sharing strategies, their objectives, and the challenges involved. The event will also include two practical sessions: one on an open-source platform for project management and another on tools for data analysis and visualization to support informed decision-making.

This workshop represents a significant opportunity for participants to gain essential knowledge and practical insights, empowering them to navigate the digital transformation within the Social Economy sector.

Do spaces for dialogue and discussion still exist?

In today’s world—complex and sensitive to political, social, and industrial shifts—organizations must redefine their roles. Businesses are no longer just economic players but increasingly social actors. Associations, advocacy movements, and informal networks serve as aggregators of experiences and perspectives within an ecosystem that can sometimes feel disorienting. How can we promote sustainable development that generates impact? By moving beyond a conflict-driven mindset, restoring optimism and trust, and starting with the perspectives of younger generations.

Speakers include Mario Calderini (PoliMI & Cottino Social Impact Campus), Giuseppe Dell’Erba and Caterina Soldi (Cottino Social Impact Campus), Luca Quaratino (IULM University & ISTUD Business School), Giorgia Garola (Unione Industriali Torino), Federico Bellono (CGIL), Anass Hanafi and Carolina Grossetti (Global Shapers Community). The discussion will be moderated by Caterina Soldi.

This event is organized by Cottino Social Impact Campus in collaboration with Global Shapers, ISTUD Business School, Torino Social Impact, and Unione Industriali Torino, as part of Democrazia Diffusa at Biennale Democrazia 2025.

March 26, 2025 – 5:00 PM
Cottino Social Impact Campus, Corso Castelfidardo 30/A, Turin

Participation is free but subject to limited availability. Register on Eventbrite.

The HYPOP project (Envipark is coordinator) is set to host two important international webinars in March and April 2025: ‘Engaging Non-Technical Audiences: Best Practices for Energy Communication’ on 20 March 2025, and ‘Raising Awareness of Hydrogen: Best Practices from the HYPOP Project’ on 24 April 2025. Both events will provide valuable insights on communicating hydrogen technologies and raising awareness of hydrogen’s role in Europe’s energy future. 

“Engaging Non-Technical Audiences: Best Practices for Energy Communication”
Date: 20 March 2025 | Duration: 1 Hour (1-2 pm CET)

In this webinar, HYPOP will explore effective strategies for communicating hydrogen and energy topics to non-technical audiences. With the growing importance of hydrogen in Europe’s energy transition, it is essential to engage all areas of society in understanding its benefits and complexities. 

The event will touch upon key concepts such as: participatory approaches to engaging non-technical audiences, identification and understanding of the desired audiences, and simplification of complex concepts through various techniques. 

Moreover, different hydrogen projects and organizations involved in hydrogen social acceptability will share their insights and expertise on the subject.  

AGENDA

REGISTRATION LINK

“Raising Awareness of Hydrogen: Best Practices from the HYPOP Project”
Date: 24 April 2025 | Duration: 1 Hour (1-2 pm CET)

The webinar will highlight hydrogen’s pivotal role in Europe’s energy and climate strategy, and share HYPOP’s key findings on promoting hydrogen technologies. It will provide a comprehensive overview of how hydrogen is bridging the gap to renewable energy sources and help industry, government, and the public understand the technology’s importance in achieving a sustainable energy future. 

The speakers will address Hydrogen’s Role in Europe’s Energy Future, share HYPOP’s key takeaways from the implementation of activities, and address challenges and opportunities of hydrogen technologies. 

AGENDA

REGISTRATION LINK

Q&A Sessions will be available in both webinars, providing attendees the opportunity to engage with the experts and ask questions. 

About the HYPOP Project

Presentation of the research supported by the Turin Chamber of Commerce and conducted by CeVIS

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM FIOM Headquarters, Via Sacra di San Michele 31, Turin

On March 18, 2025, in Turin, the FIOM headquarters on Via Sacra di San Michele 31 will host the presentation of the research “Assessment of the Social Impact of the Potential Closure of Two Manufacturing Plants in the Piedmont Region.” The study, strongly advocated by CGIL and FIOM, was funded by the Turin Chamber of Commerce as part of Torino Social Impact and conducted by CeVIS – Center of Expertise for the Evaluation and Measurement of Social Impact.

This innovative study, particularly in its methodology, examines the negative consequences for workers, local businesses, and the broader territory resulting from the potential closures of LEAR Corporation and TE Connectivity plants.

This initiative is unique at the national level, not only because of the institutional dynamics that enabled its realization but also because it demonstrates how social impact assessment could become a valuable tool not just for ex post evaluation but also for ex ante decision-making. It offers a strategic framework for resource allocation and territorial development planning.

The event will open with institutional remarks from Edi Lazzi, General Secretary of FIOM Turin, and Dario Gallina, President of the Turin Chamber of Commerce. Following the presentation of the research, a roundtable discussion will take place featuring:

• Federico Bellono, General Secretary of CGIL Turin
• Dario Gallina, President of the Turin Chamber of Commerce
• Marco Gay, President of the Turin Industrial Union
• Umberto D’Ottavio, President of the North-West Territorial Pact

The discussion will be moderated by Filomena Greco, journalist at Il Sole 24 Ore.

Civic spaces are not just physical places—they are drivers of active citizenship and participation, fundamental pillars for upholding democratic values and citizens’ rights.

To strengthen the collective capacity of local public authorities and community organizations in supporting, promoting, and protecting these spaces, the initiative “B.Right Spaces: Civic Spaces as Hubs for Participation and Inclusion” was created.

This event is part of Distributed Democracy within the 2025 edition of Biennale Democrazia, offering a platform to reimagine the future of democracy and foster more open, aware, and engaged communities.

Supporting, promoting, and protecting turin’s civic spaces: a gathering at Beeozanam

The event, organized by Città di Torino, Torino Social Impact, and Labsus, will take place on Wednesday, April 2, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Beeozanam Community Hub. It will feature a participatory workshop inspired by the World Café model, bringing together representatives from public administration, social economy organizations, activists, and citizens to explore and enhance civic practices and the spaces that bring them to life in Turin.

Through an open and inclusive approach, participants will engage in thematic discussion tables led by expert facilitators. The conversation will focus on the role of civic spaces as places of community engagement, with particular attention to fostering citizen participation in transformative processes. The debate will also address the transformation of public spaces into participatory and dynamic environments, capable of stimulating new possibilities for use and sharing, as well as improving the accessibility of services for citizens. More broadly, the meeting will encourage reflections on rights, active participation, and social innovation as a cross-cutting theme.

The expected outcome is a comparative study linking the civic practices implemented in Turin with its political, social, cultural, and legal framework, providing a comprehensive and operational vision for the future.

Towards a new community of practice for democratic spaces

The workshop is part of the European project B.Right Spaces, launched in March 2024 and supported by the European Commission under the CERV Program. The project aims to strengthen the collective capacity of local public authorities and community organizations in sustaining, promoting, and protecting local civic spaces.

This initiative also marks the beginning of a Community of Practice for Democratic Spaces, with the ambition of keeping this platform for dialogue and discussion active beyond the event itself.

Participation is free, but registration is required at the following link.

“War is Peace”
1984, George Orwell

On the occasion of Biennale Democrazia, Hypercritic presents: Anatomy of Conflict | Art, Politics, and Democracy

With Alessandro Avataneo—director, author of L’arte di raccontare storie, and founder of the international project Attore della Rete within Torino Social Impact—the audience will embark on a journey through different eras and artistic languages to explore the meaning of conflict through art and contemporary events.

What is the relationship between narrative and truth? What tools do we have to decode the world around us?

The discussion will trace a path from the art of war and battle, spanning from Aristotle to great Russian authors such as Tolstoy, Eisenstein, Prokofiev, and Tarkovsky, leading up to modern representations in comics and video games.

A journey through literature, music, and cinema, reflecting on the impact of storytelling in times of crisis and transformation, such as the Risorgimento and the Resistance.

Thursday, March 27, 2025 – 5:00 PM |National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento – Turin
Free entry – Reserve your spot on Eventbrite

This event is part of the Democrazia Diffusa program within Biennale Democrazia.

Cover Image: The End of Civilization by Louis Raemaekers, from the collection of the National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento, with thanks for their hospitality.

The Democrazia Diffusa section returns, created in collaboration with local cultural organizations and Torino Social Impact, involving several partners in the programming.

A wide selection of “impactful” events, covering a variety of topics, all connected by a common thread: a culture of democracy that translates into democratic practice through social impact.

• March 26, 17:00 – The New Arenas of Dialogue: The Role of Organizations for an Alliance Between Generations
  Organized by Cottino Social Impact Campus
  Speakers: Mario Calderini (PoliMI and Cottino Social Impact Campus), Giuseppe Dell’Erba and Caterina Soldi (Cottino Social Impact Campus), Luca Quaratino (IULM University & Istud Business School), Giorgia Garola (Unione Industriali Torino), Federico Bellono (CGIL), Anass Hanafi and Carolina Grossetti (Global Shapers Community).
  Location: Cottino Social Impact Campus (c.so Castelfidardo, 30)
  Learn more
  Read the news

• March 26, 18:30 – The Gender Pay Gap: Wage Inequality and Battles for Equality
  Organized by Associazione Acca
  Speakers: Alessandra Brogliatto, Caterina Giannottu, Monica Cerutti, moderated by Miriam Colombero – Pink Community
  Location: Pink Coworking (Via Davide Bertolotti, 10)
  Learn more

• March 27, 17:00 – Dialogues on Intangible Heritage: Communities and Participation in Turin. Roundtable as part of “Fiumi di Culture”
  Organized by Volontariato Torino ETS
  Speakers: Sara Bonfanti in dialogue with Hemegowda Mahdu; Anas Mghar, Fedoua El Attar; Marco Rossi in dialogue with Gu Ailian
  Location: Volontariato Torino ETS (Via Giolitti, 21)
  Learn more

• March 27, 17:00 – Anatomy of Conflict | Art, Politics, and Democracy
  Organized by Hypercritic-Rampart
  Speaker: Alessandro Avataneo
  Location: Museo del Risorgimento – Aula della Camera Italiana (Via Accademia delle Scienze, 5)
  Learn more
  Read the news

• March 27, 18:00 – Compulsory Stay: Limitations and Paths Towards Freedom of Choice and Full Participation
  Organized by Fondazione Time2
  Speakers: Ciro Tarantino, Cecilia Marchisio, Elisa Costantino, Samuele Pigoni
  Location: Open (Corso Stati Uniti 62/b)
  Learn more

• March 28, 09:00 – Global Conflicts, Local Responses – The Third Sector as a Motor of Change
  Organized by Forum Terzo Settore in Piemonte
  Speakers: Elena Atzeni, Alice De Marco, Andrea De Giorgio, Valeria Ferraris, Bertrand Honoré Mani Ndongbou, Cecilia Strada, Francesco Vignarca, Gabriele Moroni, Lorenzo Siviero, Luca Misculin, Maria Teresa Martinengo, Marta Mosca, Silvia Stilli, Stefania Di Campli.
  Location: Polo del ‘900 (Piazzetta Franco Antonicelli)
  Learn more

• March 28, 18:00 – Social Conflict and University Movements
  Organized by Fondazione Collegio Universitario Renato Einaudi
  Speaker: Leonard Mazzone
  Location: Biblioteca, Sezione PO (Via Maria Vittoria, 39)
  Learn more

• March 29, 15:00 – From Economic Violence to Financial Autonomy
  Organized by Kermasofia
  Speakers: Giulia Grignani, Francesca Giuffrida, Marta Andrate, Valentina Noya.
  Location: Cine Teatro Baretti (Via Baretti, 4)
  Learn more

• April 2, 15:00 – B.Right Spaces: Civic Spaces as Places of Participation and Inclusion
  Organized by City of Turin, Torino Social Impact, and Labsus
  Location: Beeozanam (Via Foligno 14)
  Learn more
  Read the news

Teatro Gobetti, March 28, 2025, at 6:30 PM
With Mario Calderini, Annalisa Cuzzocrea, Elisabetta Soglio

What is the role of journalism in the era of the impact economy? In 2024, Torino Social Impact launched an initiative to explore how journalism can drive change in a society where all actors—from institutions to businesses—must take action to address major environmental and social challenges. Journalists and experts from Italy and abroad have engaged in discussions inspired by pioneering international experiences.

Constructive journalism, also known as solutions journalism, represents a new approach focused on solutions rather than merely reporting problems.

What do we mean by impact journalism? How can today’s news media contribute to economic, environmental, and social paradigm shifts? Can the social impact of news be measured?

These and other questions will be discussed by:

• Mario Calderini, economist, professor at Politecnico di Milano, and spokesperson for Torino Social Impact
• Elisabetta Soglio, journalist and editor of Buone Notizie – L’Impresa del Bene, a weekly section of Corriere della Sera
• Annalisa Cuzzocrea, columnist and special correspondent for Repubblica

Journalism is inherently purpose-driven, as information is crucial for a more just and democratic society. Following this logic, journalism should not only inform but also promote best practices that help society progress.

In this context, solutions journalism opens new pathways for transformative storytelling: it focuses on effective responses to social issues, inspiring individuals and organizations to act positively. This approach shifts the narrative towards solutions, without ignoring the complexity or negative consequences of the problem itself.

Today, impact journalism is a growing global movement, driven by journalists, media organizations, dedicated networks, and industry awards. These professionals share a commitment to investigating the root causes of social problems, highlighting their complexity, and showcasing stories that generate positive change—ultimately fostering a more informed, engaged, and proactive society.

Free entry until capacity is reached

Learn more about the event

Reserve your spot here

For further insights, explore the Torino Impact Journalism section.

Biennale Democrazia returns to Turin from March 26 to 30, 2025. It is a project of the City of Turin, realized by the Fondazione per la Cultura Torino, under the High Patronage of the President of the Republic, and supported by Intesa Sanpaolo, the Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation, and the CRT Foundation.

With the title Wars and Peace, the 9th edition of Biennale Democrazia will focus on conflict, violence, and war, in light of the ongoing threat of internal clashes in democratic societies and the current global climate of rising tensions.

Once again, the Chamber of Commerce of Turin supports this important international event dedicated to the promotion of democratic culture and actively participates in the creation of the program through Torino Social Impact.

EVENT: The Role of Journalism in the Era of the Impact Economy

Gobetti Theatre, March 28, 2025, 18:30

With Mario Calderini, Annalisa Cuzzocrea, Elisabetta Soglio.

What is the role of information in the era of the impact economy? This question led to the creation of Torino Impact Journalism in 2024, a pathway to explore how journalism can contribute to promoting change in a context where all societal actors, from institutions to businesses, are called to act to address major environmental and social challenges. Journalists and experts, both national and international, have debated this topic, starting with the analysis of pioneering realities outside of our borders. Constructive journalism or solutions journalism is based on a new approach focused on solutions, rather than the problems described in facts and stories told.

Free entry until seats are filled, book here

Learn more

Read the news

DEMOCRAZIA DIFFUSA

The initiatives of the partners

The Democrazia Diffusa section returns, created in synergy with local cultural institutions and with Torino Social Impact, involving several partners in the programming.

• March 26, 17:00 – The New Arenas of Dialogue: The Role of Organizations for an Alliance Between Generations
  Organized by Cottino Social Impact Campus
  Speakers: Mario Calderini (PoliMI and Cottino Social Impact Campus), Giuseppe Dell’Erba and Caterina Soldi (Cottino Social Impact Campus), Luca Quaratino (IULM University & Istud Business School), Giorgia Garola (Unione Industriali Torino), Federico Bellono (CGIL), Anass Hanafi and Carolina Grossetti (Global Shapers Community).
  Location: Cottino Social Impact Campus (c.so Castelfidardo, 30)
  Learn more
  Read the news

• March 26, 18:30 – The Gender Pay Gap: Wage Inequality and Battles for Equality
  Organized by Associazione Acca
  Speakers: Alessandra Brogliatto, Caterina Giannottu, Monica Cerutti, moderated by Miriam Colombero – Pink Community
  Location: Pink Coworking (Via Davide Bertolotti, 10)
  Learn more

• March 27, 17:00 – Dialogues on Intangible Heritage: Communities and Participation in Turin. Roundtable as part of “Fiumi di Culture”
  Organized by Volontariato Torino ETS
  Speakers: Sara Bonfanti in dialogue with Hemegowda Mahdu; Anas Mghar, Fedoua El Attar; Marco Rossi in dialogue with Gu Ailian
  Location: Volontariato Torino ETS (Via Giolitti, 21)
  Learn more

• March 27, 17:00 – Anatomy of Conflict | Art, Politics, and Democracy
  Organized by Hypercritic-Rampart
  Speaker: Alessandro Avataneo
  Location: Museo del Risorgimento – Aula della Camera Italiana (Via Accademia delle Scienze, 5)
  Learn more
  Read the news

• March 27, 18:00 – Compulsory Stay: Limitations and Paths Towards Freedom of Choice and Full Participation
  Organized by Fondazione Time2
  Speakers: Ciro Tarantino, Cecilia Marchisio, Elisa Costantino, Samuele Pigoni
  Location: Open (Corso Stati Uniti 62/b)
  Learn more

• March 28, 09:00 – Global Conflicts, Local Responses – The Third Sector as a Motor of Change
  Organized by Forum Terzo Settore in Piemonte
  Speakers: Elena Atzeni, Alice De Marco, Andrea De Giorgio, Valeria Ferraris, Bertrand Honoré Mani Ndongbou, Cecilia Strada, Francesco Vignarca, Gabriele Moroni, Lorenzo Siviero, Luca Misculin, Maria Teresa Martinengo, Marta Mosca, Silvia Stilli, Stefania Di Campli.
  Location: Polo del ‘900 (Piazzetta Franco Antonicelli)
  Learn more

• March 28, 18:00 – Social Conflict and University Movements
  Organized by Fondazione Collegio Universitario Renato Einaudi
  Speaker: Leonard Mazzone
  Location: Biblioteca, Sezione PO (Via Maria Vittoria, 39)
  Learn more

• March 29, 15:00 – From Economic Violence to Financial Autonomy
  Organized by Kermasofia
  Speakers: Giulia Grignani, Francesca Giuffrida, Marta Andrate, Valentina Noya.
  Location: Cine Teatro Baretti (Via Baretti, 4)
  Learn more

• April 2, 15:00 – B.Right Spaces: Civic Spaces as Places of Participation and Inclusion
  Organized by City of Turin, Torino Social Impact, and Labsus
  Location: Beeozanam (Via Foligno 14)
  Learn more
  Read the news

Read the news on TSI for Democrazia Diffusa

Inclusion must transcend mere words; it demands tangible actions. This is why “Working Souls” has initiated a manifesto on Change.org advocating for a more accessible Italy, complete with clear and attainable objectives. Among the key requests:

Mobility for all: equitable fares and services for taxis and inclusive public transport.

Inclusive travel: complimentary tickets for companions and genuinely accessible trains.

Culture for everyone: inclusive events, welcoming more companions and embracing assistive technologies.

We hold the conviction that accessibility is not merely an exception, but an inherent right.

We call upon institutions, businesses, and civil society to unite with us in making 2025 the year of genuine inclusion.

In its 15th year, the Cecilia Gilardi Foundation reviews its efforts to support individuals under 35 in the fields of university education, sports, and the arts. It also launches the fourth edition of its successful initiative aimed at training a new generation of specialized artisans. To date, 80% of scholarship recipients have been hired by top-tier companies in Piedmont, Valle d’Aosta, and Liguria after completing their paid internships.

Over 500 applications have been submitted for 46 scholarships, totaling approximately €250,000 in funding, with 80% of recipients securing employment at their internship companies. These are the figures from the first three editions of Master Mësté, the project developed by the Cecilia Gilardi Foundation to train skilled artisans and facilitate their entry into the workforce.

Building on this success, the fourth edition of the Master Mësté call for applications is now open from March 7 to May 11. It offers 18 scholarships, each worth €5,400, for unemployed or job-seeking young people aged 18 to 35. The program includes a comprehensive training path with 35 hours of classroom instruction followed by a six-month full-time internship at one of the participating companies—11 in Piedmont, 3 in Liguria, and 2 in Valle d’Aosta. Additionally, starting this year, a partnership with Agenzia Piemonte Lavoro will provide candidates with practical tools and support for CV writing and job interview preparation.

The project covers various artisan specializations, including tailoring, weaving, fashion and design, woodworking and restoration, glass creations and goldsmithing, pastry and confectionery, pharmacy and cosmetics, sculpture, and prosthetics.

Selected scholars will receive a €900/month stipend while working at distinguished artisan companies such as Alessandrosimoni Maglieria, Archivio Tipografico, Associazione Al Cicapui, Atelier des Pampilles, Cappellificio Cervo, Chiara Ferraris Art & Glass Fusing, Elena Pignata Sartoria, Equipe Gioielli, Fabrizio Racca Pasticceria, Mutazioni Studio, the Conservation and Restoration Center “La Venaria Reale,” Dottor Nicola Farmacista, Auberge de la Maison, Cordani Velluti, Fratelli Levaggi, and Confetteria Romanengo.

Throughout the internship, scholars will be closely monitored by a work psychologist acting as a tutor, ensuring smooth progress and addressing any challenges that may arise.

Master Mësté is supported by the Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta regional governments, as well as institutions such as Fondazione CRT, the Turin Chamber of Commerce, Fondazione Creonti, Fondazione Magnetto, and Exclusive Brands Torino. The initiative also collaborates with the Polytechnic University of Turin, Fondazione Time2, Fondazione Accorsi-Ometto, CNA Torino, Fondazione Comunitaria della Valle D’Aosta, Permicro Spa, Informagiovani Torino, Informagiovani Genova, and ADAVA Federalberghi Valle d’Aosta.

For detailed information and application submission, click here.

On Thursday, March 6, the Community of Practice on Gender Equality gathered for a new meeting to explore the topic in light of the challenges posed by digital transformation and artificial intelligence.

The event took place at the Tullio De Mauro Fund, within the spaces of the Italian Network for Popular Culture, and was attended by 14 participants from 11 partner organizations of Torino Social Impact, all interested in deepening their understanding of gender equality dynamics.

The discussion was led by Monica Cerutti, an expert in gender policies and former Regional Minister for Equal Opportunities and Immigration of the Piedmont Region, followed by contributions from Sloweb and Fondazione Piemonte Innova.

AI and the gender gap: the risk of reinforcing inequalities

Monica Cerutti opened the discussion by posing a fundamental question: Is artificial intelligence an opportunity or an obstacle for gender equality? The answer, as emerged from the discussion, is not straightforward—it largely depends on the approach adopted.

One of the most critical aspects highlighted concerns how AI, through its generative models, replicates and amplifies existing patterns found in data and society. This “multiplier effect” can perpetuate gender stereotypes, reinforcing existing disparities in the population.

In light of these risks, the challenge and goal is to build a strong alliance between AI and gender equality, using technology to reduce long-standing imbalances rather than reinforce them.

Ethics and the digital world: what challenges lie ahead?

The first part of the afternoon featured a talk by Gianni Garbarini, a member of Sloweb, who delved into the ethical aspects of digital technologies. He reflected on ways to promote a more responsible use of the web and examined the impact of technology on both society and the environment.

Garbarini shared concrete examples and key insights, encouraging a more mindful approach to the digital world.

The DEA Project: a concrete tool for reducing the gender gap

Next, Alessandra Buffa and Federica Lombardi from Fondazione Piemonte Innova introduced a practical initiative: the DEA Project – Digital, Equity, Actions.

Launched by Fondirigenti and coordinated by Fondazione Piemonte Innova and the University of Turin, the DEA Project ran from September 2024 to January 2025, focusing on strategies to reduce the gender gap in STEM careers and managerial roles.

During the meeting, organizations learned about the three main phases of the project:

1. Preliminary analysis
2. Co-design with companies
3. Validation and implementation of results

The discussion also covered the final outcomes, including concrete actions and key skills identified to foster a more inclusive work environment. The project actively involved local businesses and high schools in Turin, ensuring a collaborative and practical approach.

A collaborative effort for change

The meeting concluded with a group activity, where participants evaluated and proposed practical actions to address the gender gap within their own organizations.

By sharing experiences, discussing feasibility and sustainability, and identifying potential obstacles and benefits, attendees had the opportunity to exchange ideas, inspire one another, and contribute to meaningful change in the workplace.

Finpiemonte, on behalf of the Piedmont Region, intends to launch a market survey to gather expressions of interest from economic operators interested in proposing innovative financial instruments for facilitated access to credit for third-sector entities operating in the cultural and tourism sectors that have been awarded regional grants.

The proposed instruments must aim to provide these third-sector entities with immediate access to financial resources under favorable conditions, in exchange for non-repayable grants already approved by the Piedmont Region but whose disbursement timelines may not align with the cash flow needs of the entities. To facilitate access to credit, the Piedmont Region will allow financial charges incurred for these loans to be considered eligible costs for grants awarded in 2025, up to an indicative limit of 2% of the financing amount.

This survey is solely intended to assess the interest of financial operators in offering favorable credit products to the targeted entities. Participation in the survey does not create any commitment or obligation for Finpiemonte or the Piedmont Region toward the participating economic operators. However, the region remains open to defining the most appropriate methods to facilitate business relationships between financial operators and third-sector entities, for example, by facilitating information exchange and issuing relevant certifications.

The proposed financial products should be designed for third-sector entities in the cultural and tourism sectors that have been awarded regional grants, providing them with short-term financing (up to a maximum of 30 months) under favorable conditions, with a total available amount of approximately €10 million.

The loans will be provided as cash advances corresponding to the grants already definitively awarded but not yet disbursed by the Piedmont Region. These advances can then be repaid once the regional grants have been officially disbursed.

Consideration will be given to:

• Direct proposals from financial institutions interested in offering favorable credit conditions.
• Proposals from third parties interested in facilitating financial institutions in offering favorable credit conditions, such as through guarantee mechanisms on the loans provided.

Proposals may be submitted in any format deemed appropriate by the economic operator and must be sent to Finpiemonte at direzione@finpiemonte.it, with the subject line: “MARKET SURVEY for facilitated access to credit for advance payment of public grants under regional funds”

Deadline: March 17, 2025, by 5:00 PM.

The full notice can be consulted here.

On March 7, 2025, at the Palazzo della Regione Piemonte, a press conference was held in the presence of various institutions for the official opening of the 4th edition of the Master Mëstè! 2025 project, coinciding with the fifteenth anniversary of the “Fondazione Cecilia Gilardi“.

Also present in the hall were Chiara Ferraris, a glass artisan, Antonio Convertino, a Maker in Applied Circular Construction, and Michele Guaschino, specialized in sculptures and special effects. They were selected as host entities for three scholarship recipients and shared some key excerpts from the speech by the President of the “Fondazione Cecilia Gilardi“.

“Our Foundation”, said Alessandro Gilardi, President of the Fondazione Cecilia Gilardi, during the press conference, “was established 15 years ago with the idea of supporting young talents by taking a somewhat different path from most other foundations, which usually focus on healthcare and assisting people with disabilities. We chose a completely opposite path to address a problem that, in reality, turns into a valuable resource. If you support talent, if you help young people, you make an enormous investment in the future. And I must say, our investment has been very successful. Looking at the numbers over the past 15 years, we have awarded approximately 360 scholarships, amounting to about one and a half million euros. Around 90% of our scholarship recipients have found the career they dreamed of, thanks to our support, and now have stable employment. So, if we evaluate the return on our scholarship investment, the economic impact is also highly significant”.

With this in mind, the fourth edition of the Master Mëstè! program has been launched. From March 7 to May 11, applications are open for 18 scholarships, each worth €5,400. These are intended for young people between the ages of 18 and 35 who are unemployed or not currently working, offering them a complete training program. The program includes 35 hours of classroom instruction, followed by a six-month full-time internship at one of the participating host companies—11 in Piedmont, 3 in Liguria, and 2 in Valle d’Aosta.

During the presentation of the new call for applications, past scholarship recipients also shared their experiences, testifying to the support they received in achieving their professional dreams.

As of yesterday, applications for the fourth edition of Master Mëstè! are open from March 7 to May 11. The initiative aims to train young artisans, facilitating their entry into the workforce and enhancing the excellence of Italian craftsmanship.

The project includes a paid internship grant of €5,400 for six months at selected artisan enterprises, along with a week of classroom training with professional instructors specializing in art history, business administration, and communication.

The project covers various specializations, including tailoring, weaving, fashion and design, woodworking and restoration, sustainable crafts, glassmaking and jewelry, pastry and confectionery, pharmacy and cosmetics, sculpture, and prosthetics.

The list of available internships, along with the assigned tutors and skill acquisition areas, includes 11 opportunities in Piedmont. Among them are the glass craft enterprise “Chiara Ferraris Art & Glass Fusing” and the “Associazione Al Cicapui,” with tutor Antonio Convertino, a Maker in Applied Circular Construction.

• ALESSANDROSIMONI (knitwear)
• Archivio Tipografico (typography)
• Associazione Al Cicapui (sustainable craftsmanship)
• Atelier des Pampilles (furniture restoration)
• Cappellificio Cervo (hat-making)
• Chiara Ferraris Art & Glass Fusing (glasswork)
• Elena Pignata (tailoring)
• Equipe Gioielli (jewelry-making)
• Fabrizio Racca (pastry)
• Mutazioni Studio (sculpture and special effects)
• Venaria Reale

Applications for internships at Venaria Reale must be submitted through special selection processes managed independently by the Foundation or external partners.

When applying, candidates can choose multiple companies, provided they remain within the same sector.

Eligibility:

Young people aged 18 to 35 residing in Italy, classified as “unemployed” or “not in employment” as of September 1, 2025.

Program Duration:

The training and internship period runs from September 2025 to March 2026.

Application Process:

Applications must be submitted via the Fondazione Cecilia Gilardi website. Candidates must complete an online form on the Master Mësté project page, entering personal details and uploading the required documents listed in section 3.2.

Application Deadline:

Applications must be submitted no later than May 11, 2025.

On March 13, 2025, at 4:00 PM, the final event of the DEA – Digital, Equity, and Actions project will take place at Spazio Copernico, located at Corso Valdocco 2 in Turin. The event is aimed at businesses, managers, and students interested in learning about tools and strategies to reduce the gender gap in the workplace, with a particular focus on STEM disciplines and managerial positions.

Promoted by Fondirigenti, coordinated by Fondazione Piemonte Innova and the University of Turin, and supported by Federmanager Torino and Unione Industriali Torino, the event will provide an opportunity to reflect on gender equality and how companies can adopt concrete measures to support female inclusion and promote fair leadership.

During the event, the main results of the project will be presented, co-designed together with SME managers and involving high school students in a research and co-design process.
In particular, the DEA Talent Guide—a catalog of innovative skill sets—and the DEAction Map—a collection of practical actions that companies can implement to foster a more inclusive corporate culture—will be introduced.

Following this, a roundtable discussion will take place, featuring in-depth analyses and testimonials from experts and managers to encourage dialogue and the exchange of best practices.

The event represents a valuable opportunity to learn about effective strategies for reducing the gender gap, discover concrete tools for fostering inclusion in the workplace, and engage with professionals and organizations committed to this cause.

Participation is free, but registration is required at the following link.
More information and the full event program are available on the Piemonte Innova website.

(RI)GENERIAMO’s Open Days are back.

• Friday, March 28th 2025
• in Valchiusa (TO)
• rendez-vous from 10 a.m. on

(RI)GENERIAMO in collaboration with Consorzio Forestale del Canavese (Canavese Forest Consortium) and PEFC Italy is organizing an “open doors” day to present Cammini Generativi (Generative Paths), our training offer for business.

“Cammini Generativi” are

• a generative path aiming to transform our perspective on the world
• a shared experience aiming to re-establish our lost alliance with nature
• an exploration of territories aiming to increase our awareness of ourselves and the environment.

Reservations are open (the Open Day is a totally free event) until Monday, March 24th. You can book by emailing to luca.pereno@ri-generiamo.it or calling +39 348 030 8892 and please don’t forget the “passphrase”: this-is-not-a-team-building!

Look forward to meeting you in Valchiusa!

For over 20 years, Fondazione Piemonte Innova has been promoting innovation as a tool for social impact, supporting businesses and institutions on their path to sustainability, acting as a connection facilitator and catalyst for change.

Together with Donatella Maria Mosso, Head of Communication, Institutional Relations and Welfare, we explore today how innovation can drive positive transformation.

Interview by Francesco Antonioli.

Watch previous episodes here.

Our planet and societies are undergoing an unprecedented transformation. The Global Risks Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum and research from the Planetary Health Alliance clearly highlight how human well-being is directly linked to the planet’s health.

Climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and excessive resource exploitation are no longer just environmental issues; they are compromising economic stability, social security, and quality of life. These interconnected crises demand rapid, effective, and systemic responses.

A Planet Under Pressure: Why We Need a New Course

Over the past 70 years, population growth and resource consumption have increased exponentially:

• +200% global population growth since 1950
• +550% fossil fuel consumption
• +350% marine fish capture

This has led to severe environmental damage: over 60% of rivers have been altered by dams, nearly half of temperate and tropical forests have been cut down, and 50% of habitable land is now used for food production.

The consequences? Extreme heat waves, pollution-related diseases, water scarcity, and forced migrations.

From Damage Control to Regeneration

To tackle this crisis, mitigation is no longer enough. We must rethink economic and production models by adopting regenerative solutions and inclusive development strategies:

• Climate & Natural Resources → Innovations in decarbonization, sustainable water and energy management, circular economy.
• Health & Well-being → Digital healthcare, prevention, mental health, and new care models.
• Technology for Transparency & Inclusion → Ethical AI, blockchain for sustainable resource management, equitable data access.
• New Economic & Work Models → Microcredit, impact finance, and solutions for resilient economies.
• Education & Culture → Equal access to education, digital literacy, and environmental awareness.

Startups as Drivers of Change

Traditional solutions are no longer sufficient: we need innovation, speed, and adaptability. This is where startups play a crucial role. Their agility makes them key players in creating scalable solutions that anticipate the future and turn challenges into sustainable opportunities.

Planet Fundamentals 2025: The Call for Changemakers

SocialFare is launching the new edition of Planet Fundamentals, the acceleration program for social impact startups, selecting companies capable of developing innovative models across three strategic areas:

• Planetary & Resource Balance – Solutions for regenerative resource use and circular transition.
• Technological Balance & Sustainable Innovation – AI, data governance, and technologies supporting equitable and transparent growth.
• Community Health & Well-being – Accessible healthcare, prevention, and social well-being.

A Concrete Opportunity for Impact-Driven Startups

Selected startups will gain access to:

• 4 months of intensive acceleration with experts in business modeling, impact assessment, and investment readiness.
• Up to €150,000 in seed investment to scale their impact model.
• A network of 50+ mentors, impact investors, and advisors to develop strategic partnerships.
• A tailored growth path with workshops on Product/Service Co-Design, Business Modeling, Networking for Scalability, and more.

The program culminates in the Social Impact Investor Day, connecting startups with investors, business angels, and foundations.

The Future Starts Today

The data is clear: the time to act is now. We need a paradigm shift toward a fairer and more sustainable economy. Planet Fundamentals 2025 is the call for startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators ready to drive this transformation.

Applications open until May 4, 2025
Discover all details and apply here.

The Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) Foundation, in collaboration with Intesa Sanpaolo, has announced the launch of the Social Innovation Award, an initiative aimed at recognizing and supporting the best innovative solutions that promote social inclusion for the most vulnerable groups in Italian society.

The award, with a total fund of over €500,000, is open to nonprofit organizations that have developed scalable ideas or projects designed to address concrete social needs in Italy. The goal is to encourage the development of solutions that have already been tested but have the potential to expand on a larger scale.

The award categories include projects focused on the use of new technologies, artificial intelligence, or community living models such as co-housing. Special attention is given to initiatives that promote the social and professional inclusion of vulnerable groups, including elderly people living alone, homeless individuals, people with disabilities, those struggling with addiction, and victims of violence.

In addition to financial grants, concrete support measures will be provided to help boost the most innovative projects in the Third Sector. Applications can be submitted until April 7, 2025.

For more details and to participate in the call for proposals, visit the official website of the CDP Foundation.

What strategies enable a social project to secure funding? How can Third Sector organizations engage with the corporate world and attract investments through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?

These are some of the questions that will be addressed at the event “How to Finance Social Projects: Women’s Contribution to Change,” taking place on Thursday, March 13, at 5:00 PM in Turin at Rinascimenti Sociali.

The event is aimed at Third Sector organizations, social entrepreneurs, and sustainability professionals, with the goal of providing concrete tools to access funding and build strategic partnerships.

Topics of Discussion

The event will explore best practices in project design, funding opportunities—ranging from crowdfunding to corporate collaborations—and the role of CSR in supporting social impact initiatives.

Speakers

• Ekaterina Khaletskaya – An international expert with over 10 years of experience in social entrepreneurship development, impact program design, and strategic partnerships. Currently a Partnerships Enabler in the Global Innovation Team at WWF, she has supported over 600 social startups and raised more than €4 million in funding. Her talk will provide insights into innovative funding models, analyzing the role of businesses in crowdfunding and impact investing, with real-world examples of collaborations between the private and nonprofit sectors.
• Alessia Amendola – Corporate Social Responsibility Coordinator for Italy at DLA Piper, specializing in the design and management of social sustainability initiatives, Diversity & Inclusion governance, pro bono activities, and ESG compliance. Her contribution will focus on engagement strategies with companies and foundations, illustrating CSR dynamics and tools for building effective collaborations.

A Femmepowerment Initiative

The event is part of Femmepowerment, an international project led by Associazione Microlab, Impact Hub Madrid, Open Impact, and the European Crowdfunding Network, funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ program (KA210-ADU).

Femmepowerment has developed an innovative free online course (available in Italian and Spanish) that provides skills in crowdfunding, match-funding, and CSR, integrating them into financing strategies for the Third Sector.

Following the discussion, there will be a networking session with light refreshments.

The event is free, but spots are limited.

To participate, registration is required via the online form at the provided link, until spots are filled.

The city of Turin has issued a public notice for the allocation of grants to support the implementation of micro-projects for climate action proposed by young people aged 15 to 24, focusing on combating climate change.

This initiative is funded as part of the Youth Climate Action Fund, established by Bloomberg Philanthropies in collaboration with United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation (BCPI) at Johns Hopkins University, with financial sponsorship from Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA). Turin has been selected, along with other cities worldwide, to receive technical assistance and funding for young citizens passionate about environmental issues.

Projects should aim to contribute to climate change mitigation through initiatives in the following thematic areas identified in Turin’s Climate City Contract (applicants may choose one or more areas):

• Mobility and transport
• Waste management and circular economy
• Energy systems
• Green infrastructure and nature-based solutions

Proposed activities must take place within the municipality of Turin.

The deadline for submitting project proposals is April 11, 2025, at 12:00 PM.

Find out how to participate!