The 21st edition of the Trento Festival of Economics officially opened under the headline “From the market to new powers. The hope of young people”, with a ceremony at the historic Teatro Sociale, bringing together prominent voices from journalism, academia, local government, and business. Welcoming the large audience that filled the Teatro Sociale was the Coro della SOSAT, a historic alpine choir from Trento, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Followingly, official addresses were given: the event, moderated by Marta Cagnola and Filomena Greco, started by remembering two important personalities of the Festival: Mr. Giampaolo Pedrotti, head of the Press Office of the Autonomous Province of Trento, and Edmund Phelps, the Keynesian economist, who passed away not too long ago. “They both contributed to making this Festival the way we know it”, Tamburini stated.
Fabio Tamburini, Director of Il Sole 24 Ore, Radio 24 and Radiocor, and Chair of the Scientific Committee of the Festival, also stressed that the defining feature of the event is the openness to young people, explaining that participants were selected to include young voices not in the audience but among the speakers. He added that this emphasis reflects a shared focus on the role of younger generations. He further noted that this is a difficult time for those building their future, in a world marked by winds of war, unimaginable atrocities, and an unprecedented concentration of power in the hands of just five Big Tech companies.
A video message from the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, was also shown. “We can be proud of the Europe we have built together,” she stated. “We are a superpower of rights and remain one of the best places in the world to live. Today, young Europeans identify the cost of living as one of the main challenges to address, and Europe must do more to provide concrete answers”.
Maria Carmela Colaiacovo, President of Gruppo 24 Ore, highlighted that Trento has become an open forum for discussion, where expertise, professionalism, and different perspectives can engage in dialogue. She added that this year special attention has been devoted to young people, as it is considered essential to provide them with tools and opportunities for growth.
Maurizio Fugatti, President of the Autonomous Province of Trento, highlighted the growth of the festival, which he described as a source of pride for the region. He recalled Trentino’s historical transition from a land of emigration in the late 19th century to a territory now defined by autonomy, innovation, and research, with lasting ties to Trentino communities abroad.
Federico Silvestri, CEO of Gruppo Il Sole 24 ORE, explained that each year the team reflects on which new elements to introduce to the Festival, and that what is being seen these days is the result of year-round collective work involving the entire Group Il Sole 24 ORE, in close cooperation with Trentino institutions and Trentino Marketing. He also emphasized that a key objective has been to engage young people more actively, by listening to their voices and ideas, as the future belongs above all to them and the role of others is to support and interpret their needs. He concluded that the Festival is no longer only a Trento-based event, but has truly become a shared asset for everyone.
The Mayor of Trento, Franco Ianeselli, highlighted that the Festival fully represents the identity of the city. He stated how listening to the SOSAT choir strongly evokes Trento’s sense of identity and serves as a symbol of cooperation and community. He observed that, despite being a mountain city, Trento has developed a strong international and cultural vocation, and expressed satisfaction at seeing a city growing thanks to the presence of young people.
Compelling words also from Rector Flavio Deflorian, who stated: “The University of Trento is an integral part of this territory and has been so for over sixty years. In the past, people used to leave these areas, while today many young people come here to study and build their educational paths. Today, the University directly contributes to the organization of the Festival, with the involvement of students. However, to truly make them protagonists, their voices must be heard and their expectations for the future understood”.
Last but not least, CEO of Trentino Marketing, Maurizio Rossini, underlined that the success of the Festival is the result of the collective work of institutions, volunteers, and citizens. He took the opportunity to thank the entire organizational machine, which has been working on the event for a year. He added that the message shared by Roberta Metsola should encourage reflection on the idea of a conscious European pride, combined with the courage to take responsibility for the future.
The inauguration was also enriched by an intervention from Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, President Emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Culture, who spoke in conversation with journalist Tonia Cartolano on the theme “Restless hearts: young people and contemporary society.”
As reflections on the future unfold, this Festival emerges more than ever as a space for dialogue and deep listening, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility greatly needed.
