“The first Festival, two years ago, focused on recognizing the Conference as a common body for the Regions and Autonomous Provinces, based on an agreement under Article 117 of the Constitution. The aim was to strengthen the Conference as a forum for collaboration and dialogue among these institutions for coordinating decisions and adopting common positions. Within and among institutions, collaboration, the search for common ground, and shared decisions are essential for their effective functioning and the service they provide to the community,” stated President Sergio Mattarella during the inaugural ceremony of the 3rd Festival of Regions and Autonomous Provinces in Bari this evening.
“There are, in particular, moments in the life of every institution when it is not possible to merely assert one’s vision of things—deepening divides and oppositions—but it is necessary to exercise the capacity for mediation and synthesis,” the Head of State added. “This is an essential part of democratic life because institutions belong to and serve the entire community, and everyone must be able to identify with them. I want to reaffirm my appreciation for that agreement which highlights the centrality of institutional cooperation for the regions and autonomous provinces, allowing them to be a more authoritative and heard voice.”
“I am pleased to participate in an initiative that takes on a new form this year and sees broad involvement from youth associations,” emphasized Mattarella. “The Festival will address challenging themes and will feature representatives from administrations and various experts on the issues at hand.”
