During the Opening Ceremony on September 13, hosted by VIU President Umberto Vattani, VIU had the honour of welcoming two esteemed guests. 

 

Philippe Donnet, Managing Director & CEO of Generali Group, delivered the Lectio Magistralis "From Venice to the World: Restoring Heritage and Unlocking People’s Potential", highlighting some of global trends - digitalization & connectivity, demographic change and climate change -  and the consequent impact these phenomena have on our world, creating many new opportunities, but also a risk of growing inequality for the human population.

Public and private actors must take steps to mitigate the risks of rising inequalities, making sure that there is fair access to opportunity. 

Mr. Donnet presents the Generali initiative The Human Safety Net, which intends to go beyond philanthropic operations, to become a global movement to empower disadvantaged people. 

The new endeavour will have its head office Piazza San Marco in Venice, where restoration of the Procuratie Vecchie and the Royal Gardens is underway. 
It will become a vibrant hub in the center of Venice hosting public exhibitions, events and discussions on the most pressing global challenges.

Venice is the right location for this global initiative, considering its rich and coloured history since it was founded by refugees fleeing from the barbarians in the eighth century. 
Generali has a long history in Venice too, the city having been host to the headquarters of the company's Italian operations since 1832 until recent times. 

"Venice is a place that reminds us that human potential is limitless and change is always possible".

DSC 6592    DSC 6635 

 

Following the Lectio Magistralis, Gaia Vazzoler, on piano, performed a selection of works by Claude Debussy, giving an elegant and virtuoso interpretation of the harmonies and chordal melodies characteristic of the impressionist composer's music. The work of Debussy was selected in acknowledgement of the centenary of his death.

 

DSC 6642    DSC 6646 

 

#VIUFall2018
#TheHumanSafetyNet
#Debussy100