Venice Climate Week 2025

Mayor of Venice since 2015 and metropolitan mayor since 2015, he has led urban and cultural revitalization projects. Italian entrepreneur, sports executive, and politician. Founder of Umana Holding and owner of the Reyer Venezia basketball team, he is recognized for his social commitment and territorial development. Since 2021, he serves as president of the political party Coraggio Italia.

Full Professor of Analytical Chemistry at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, is an expert in paleoclimatology and environmental sciences. He directed the Institute of Polar Sciences at CNR, coordinated international projects, and participated in polar expeditions. Author of over 250 publications, he was awarded the 2024 Feltrinelli Prize for Geosciences and is recognized by leading scientific academies.

Antonio Navarra (b. 1956) graduated in Physics from the University of Bologna in 1980 and earned his PhD at Princeton. As a Full Professor of Meteorology and Climatology, he has led advanced climate research and has been serving as President of the Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici since 2005. He established and developed the center, fostering innovative studies and international collaborations to deepen the understanding and modeling of global climate systems.

Francesca Santoro, oceanographer and Programme Specialist at UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, coordinates global Ocean Literacy activities. After graduating from Ca’ Foscari and earning a PhD in sustainable development, she worked across Italy, France, and the Netherlands, developing tsunami warning systems and global educational projects. She is now an international leader in promoting ocean culture and environmental sustainability.

International expert in marine governance and ocean conservation. She has worked with UNDP and other UN agencies, coordinating programs for marine protected areas and sustainable coastal development. Focusing on Africa and the Mediterranean, she promotes integrated policies for marine ecosystem management and climate change mitigation.

Jeremy Rifkin (Denver, 1945) is an American economist, social theorist, activist, and author. Founder of the Foundation on Economic Trends, he has written over 20 books on the impact of scientific and technological innovation on the economy, labor, society, and the environment. Advisor to European institutions and governments, he is the architect of the Third Industrial Revolution and a leading advocate for the transition to a sustainable, post-carbon economy.

Economist, academic, and politician. Full Professor of Labor Economics, he served as Minister for Public Administration and Innovation under Berlusconi and Draghi. Since 2023, he is President of CNEL. MEP from 1999 to 2008, he led Forza Italia’s group in the Chamber of Deputies and chairs the Venice World Capital of Sustainability Foundation. He is author of several books on economics and labor.

Markus Reymann, co-founder and director of TBA21–Academy, leads projects at the intersection of contemporary art, science, and ocean advocacy. A former theatre actor, he launched Ocean Space in Venice and fosters transdisciplinary collaborations for social and ecological transformation.

Giulio Boccaletti, environmental physicist and climate scientist, leads CMCC since 2023, merging cutting-edge research with global outreach. A water security expert, he collaborates with international bodies and produces documentaries like "Il Futuro della Natura" (2025) with Uma Thurman. Author of "Water: A Biography", he advocates ecosystem-based climate solutions.

Ferdinando Boero (Genoa, 1951) is Full Professor of Zoology and Anthropology at the University of Naples Federico II and Associate Researcher at the CNR Institute of Marine Sciences. An expert in marine biodiversity, marine protected areas, and science communication, he has authored over 130 ISI articles and 16 books. He is a leading figure in integrating science, environmental management, and outreach.

Tosca Sala, raised in a multicultural family in Italy, studied ocean science in five countries and earned a joint master’s from three European universities. As Project Officer at EMBRC-ERIC, she works on ocean observation, food systems, and open science. Since June 2024, she is a member of the WOAH Expert Group on Antimicrobial Use in Aquaculture. She is also an activist and Youth4Ocean delegate for DG MARE.

Valerio Rossi Albertini (b. 1963), nuclear physicist and science communicator, is a senior researcher at CNR and professor of Materials Chemistry-Physics at Sapienza University. Expert in renewables and nanotechnology, he authored 130+ studies and appears on TV to popularize science.

Antonio Ragusa, entrepreneur and educator, founded Rome Business School and Space Economy Institute. Law graduate and MBA from Imperial College London, he worked at Enel and Trenitalia before focusing on management education. Winner of international awards for educational innovation.

Louise Carver, PhD is a human geographer and political ecologist exploring how governance, knowledge, politics and technologies shape the interactions between environment and society. Her transdisciplinary work follows critical questions of value and valuation in the green and blue economy, specifically in relation to biodiversity. She works across research, policy and contemporary arts and culture settings, bringing these together while bridging science and society for real world challenges. Louise is currently leading a transdisciplinary programme on Convivial Marine Conservation with arts and advocacy platform TBA21 Academy with their partners in Jamaica. She is a founding member of the Convivial Conservation Centre, based at Wageningen University, with a global network of partners reimagining conservation science, practice and economy in the 21st Century.

Massimo Perotti (Turin, 1961), CEO and majority shareholder of SANLORENZO SpA, revolutionized yachting by transforming the company from local player to global leader. Acquired in 2005 (€40M revenue), he scaled it to €700M+ with 4 shipyards and 1,500+ employees. A sustainability pioneer (hydrogen, methanol) and collaborative design advocate, he’s a Knight of Labor driving the industry’s green transition.

Pierroberto Folgiero (Rome, 1972), CEO of FINCANTIERI since 2022, specializes in energy transition and corporate restructuring. A LUISS and INSEAD alumnus, he led Maire Tecnimont (2013-2022) and NextChem toward green chemistry. At Fincantieri, he focuses on digitalization and green fuels, strengthening global leadership in shipbuilding.

Pietro Daniel Omodeo (b. 1979), historian of science and philosophy, is Associate Professor at Ca’ Foscari University. Expert in historical epistemology, he analyzes science, philosophy, and power in early modernity. Author of works on Bruno, Galileo, and the Anthropocene, he bridges academia and public engagement.

Andrea Rinaldo (Venice, 1954) is Professor of Hydrology and Water Resources at EPFL Lausanne and Full Professor of Hydraulic Engineering at the University of Padua. Winner of the 2023 Stockholm Water Prize (“Nobel of Water”), he is a pioneer in the study of river networks as ecological corridors and hydrological modeling. President of the Istituto Veneto di Scienze, Lettere ed Arti, he is internationally recognized for his scientific and civic contributions.

Antonio Scurati (Naples, 1969) is an Italian writer, essayist, and university professor. He teaches Comparative Literature and Creative Writing at IULM University in Milan and is renowned for his “M” series on Mussolini and fascism, starting with “M. Son of the Century” (Strega Prize 2019). A columnist for “Corriere della Sera” and “Repubblica”, he has won multiple literary awards and his works are translated worldwide.

Francesco Musco (Rovigo, 1973), Full Professor of Urban Planning at IUAV Venice, specializes in climate adaptation and coastal management. Graduated summa cum laude in Architecture (2002) with a PhD in Sustainable Development, he leads EU projects on nature-based solutions and urban resilience. President of CORILA, he has authored 100+ publications on climate, landscape, and territorial governance.

Guendalina Salimei (Rome, 1962) is an architect, scholar, and Associate Professor of Architectural and Urban Design at Sapienza University of Rome. Founder of T-Studio, she is renowned for projects on degraded urban areas and for her ethical and experimental design approach. Curator of the Italian Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, she has received major national and international awards and participates in leading exhibitions and juries.

Rosalba Giugni (Naples), founder/president of Marevivo since 1985, is a Mediterranean conservation pioneer. Self-taught diver, she launched anti-plastic campaigns and marine protection laws. Awarded Florence’s “City Keys,” she bridges volunteerism, science, and policy.

Hussain Aga Khan (Geneva, 1974), third child of Aga Khan IV, is a nature photographer and environmental activist. A Williams College and Columbia graduate, he chairs the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat and founded Focused on Nature. His photography and projects promote biodiversity and endangered species protection globally.

Daniele Franco (born 1953, Trichiana, Italy), economist and former Minister of Economy and Finance in the Draghi government, has been Scientific Director of the Giorgio Cini Foundation in Venice since 2024. He coordinates the foundation’s scientific and cultural activities, fostering dialogue between humanism, science, and technology. He aims to strengthen the foundation’s role as a global hub for cultural and technological reflection, promoting Venice as a meeting place between civilizations.

Miria Pigato is an economist specialized in finance and sustainable development, holding a master’s degree and PhD in Economics from the London School of Economics. She has over 25 years of international experience at the World Bank, leading strategic projects within the Climate Action Group, focusing on financing climate change mitigation and promoting sustainable development policies worldwide.

Barbara Terenghi has been with Edison since 1997, holding managerial roles in Human Resources. From 2016 to 2020, she led the Transformation Team as Executive Assistant to the CEO. Since 2021, she is Director of the Sustainability Division and joined the Executive Committee in 2022. She promotes sustainable energy transition and inclusion, coordinating cultural change initiatives and human capital development.

Giovanna Melandri (New York, 1962) is an economist, cultural manager, and Italian politician with dual US-Italian citizenship. Founder and president of Human Foundation, she promotes impact economy and impact finance in Italy. Former Minister of Culture and Sports and president of MAXXI, she is an expert in sustainability, human rights, and social innovation. She represented Italy in the G8 Task Force on impact investment.

Co-founder and Evolution Officer of NATIVA, international advisor on regenerative business and Chairman of The Natural Step International.

Angelica De Vito (born 1995 in Scampia, Naples) is a diplomatic consultant specializing in climate migration and human rights. She graduated in Law from the University Federico II of Naples, with specializations in civil, EU, and international law. She is active in advancing climate action and protecting climate migrants locally and globally. A TED speaker and Fulbright Scholar, she advocates for climate justice with an inclusive and innovative approach.

Kim Polman is co-founder and Chair of Reboot the Future, a foundation promoting a modern Golden Rule: “Treat others and the planet as you wish to be treated.” An activist and international speaker, she co-authored Imaginal Cells – Visions of Transformation, a collection of essays by leaders on global change. She also co-founded and chairs the Kilimanjaro Blind Trust, supporting literacy for blind children in Africa.

Federico Marchetti (born 1969, Ravenna, Italy) is a digital innovator and sustainable fashion pioneer. Founder of YOOX, the world’s first lifestyle e-commerce, he revolutionized luxury fashion by integrating technology and sustainability. In 2015, he led the merger of YOOX and NET-A-PORTER, creating the global leader in online luxury fashion. He is Chairman of the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Fashion Task Force and a board member of Giorgio Armani.

Co-founder of NATIVA, entrepreneur and expert in sustainable innovation, recognized as a pioneer of the B Corp movement in Europe.

Chairman of Feudi di San Gregorio, renowned for combining innovation, artistry, and tradition in southern Italian winemaking.

CEO of Sammontana S.p.A., leading the Italian ice cream company with a focus on tradition and sustainable growth.

Chairman of Davines Group, a Certified B Corp, and advocate for sustainable beauty and responsible business innovation.

Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of OVS S.p.A., driving innovation and expansion in Italian fashion retail.

Chairman and CEO of Arena S.p.A., bringing international experience in fashion and lifestyle to the global swimwear brand.

CEO of Kiton Group, driving global growth and innovation in luxury tailoring and fine textiles.

Councillor for Productive Activities and Equal Opportunities of Rome, leading the city’s technological and inclusive transformation.

CEO of Aboca, founder of Apoteca Natura, and pioneer in natural healthcare and sustainable business models.

Chief Legacy Officer and Board Member at Brembo, President of AIDAF, and a leader in corporate sustainability and family business governance.

Luca Mercalli (b. 1966), climatologist and science communicator, chairs the Italian Meteorological Society. Famous for TV shows Che tempo che fa and Scala Mercalli, he researches Alpine glaciers and climate change. Author of Prepariamoci and Non c’è più tempo, advocates sustainable living.

Paola Mercogliano, climatologist and meteorologist, heads the REMHI Division at CMCC Foundation and teaches Advanced Meteorology at Parthenope University. Expert in high-resolution climate models and adaptation strategies, she leads projects like AGORA and collaborates with WHO and EU institutions.

Valentina Orioli (b. 1971), architect and urban planning professor at Bologna University, served as Bologna’s councilor for mobility, environment, and UNESCO heritage (2016-2024). Author of studies on urban regeneration, she advanced the "30 km/h City" project and porticoes’ UNESCO bid.

Michela Tiboni (b. 1970), civil engineer and urban planner, is a professor at the University of Brescia and municipal councilor in Brescia. Graduate with honors and PhD from Politecnico di Milano, she focuses on urban planning, sustainable mobility, and deprived community policies.

Edoardo Zanchini, architect and urban planner, directs Rome’s Climate Office since 2022. Former Legambiente vice-president (2011-2022), he focuses on climate adaptation, flood risks, and sustainable urban policies. Author of studies on territorial planning and ecological transition.

Pierluigi Sacco, economist and professor, holds chairs in Cultural Economics (IULM Milan) and Economic Policy (Chieti-Pescara). OECD Senior Advisor and Harvard Research Associate, he coordinates culture-driven innovation projects. Author of 250+ studies, he advises global institutions.

Cristina Nadotti (La Spezia, 1967) is a journalist, author, and environmental communicator. Based in Rome, with Sardinia as her adopted homeland, she has written for La Repubblica since 2000. Her investigative book “Il turismo che non paga” (2025) established her as a leading Italian voice on overtourism and the social and environmental impacts of mass tourism, advocating for sustainable travel and territorial stewardship.

Luigi De Vecchi, investment banker and university professor, is President EMEA Banking, Capital Markets & Advisory at Citi and Full Professor of Finance at LUISS University in Rome. Founder of the Sylva Foundation, he is committed to environmental regeneration through reforestation and enhancement of local territories. Known for his dedication to sustainability, he fosters innovation and social responsibility in finance and environmental fields.

Merijn Dols is a Dutch activist, system thinker, and innovator dedicated to the regenerative transformation of the food system. Managing Partner at NOW Partners, Co-Convener of the Future Economy Forum, and lecturer at HEC Paris, he previously led Open Innovation and Circular Economy at Danone. He serves on boards like the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and UN Decade. Merijn champions food as a catalyst for aligning ecological, economic, and social interests

Charlie MacGregor (b. 1975, Edinburgh) is a Scottish entrepreneur, founder and CEO of The Student Hotel (now The Social Hub), a Dutch hybrid hospitality operator. He started working on building sites at 16, following his father’s footsteps in student housing. In 2015, he co-founded the NGO Movement on the Ground to improve refugee camps.

Gabriela Ramos (b. 1964), Mexican economist and diplomat, is UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Social Sciences (since 2020). Nominated for UNESCO Director-General (2026-2029), she led OECD initiatives on inclusive growth and AI ethics. Fulbright Fellow, known for gender equality and global tax reforms.

David Laborde Debucquet (b. ~1970), French economist, heads FAO’s Agrifood Economics division (since 2023). Former IFPRI and CEPII researcher, he focuses on trade, general equilibrium models, and agricultural policies. Creator of MAcMapHS6 database, advises World Bank and EU, bridging academia and policy.

Sara J. Scherr, agricultural economist, founded EcoAgriculture Partners and pioneered integrated landscape management. Expert in tropical land policies, she advances regenerative models for food security and climate. Author of Ecoagriculture, collaborates with UN and FAO, merging research and advocacy for sustainable landscapes.

Stefano Pisani (b. 1975), mayor of Pollica, advocates the Mediterranean Diet as a sustainable development model. Raised in local culinary traditions, he coordinates Italy’s Città Slow network and represents small towns for ANCI. Continues Angelo Vassallo’s legacy, emphasizing human-environment balance.

Carlo Ratti (b. 1971), architect and engineer, heads MIT Senseable City Lab and teaches at Politecnico di Milano. Pioneer of smart cities, he designed Digital Water Pavilion and Copenhagen Wheel. Named among Time and Forbes’ top influencers, he merges tech and design for urban sustainability.

Davide Dotti, Edison’s Business Innovation Director, leads open innovation and digital transformation strategies. Energy transition expert, he coordinates tech roadmaps for decarbonization and new business models. Former Bip Consulting and Jakala leader, with a master’s in utility management.

Simona Maschi, architect and interaction designer, co-founded and leads the Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design (CIID). Former researcher at Ivrea’s Interaction Design Institute, she merges design, tech, and sustainability. Collaborated with Google, Lego, and Meta, training professionals across 100+ countries.

Stefano Micelli (b. 1966), Italian economist, is a full professor at Ca’ Foscari University. Scientific Director of Fondazione Nord Est, he analyzes industrial districts and innovative craftsmanship. Author of Futuro artigiano (2011), he bridges research and advocacy on SME competitiveness.

Carlo Bagnoli, Full Professor of Business Economics at Ca’ Foscari, leads strategic innovation and digital transformation research. Expert in business models and sustainability, with 100+ publications on knowledge management and corporate strategy.

Chiara D'Adamo, co-founder and COO of CarpeCarbon, joins ISPI’s Future Leaders Program (2024). Sustainability and decarbonization expert, she develops climate-tech solutions. Collaborates with institutions and startups for green innovation.

Simone Molteni, civil engineer, is LifeGate’s Scientific Director and co-founder of Primo Climate. Pioneer of Impatto Zero®, he worked at EPFL and EU institutions. Member of Ecolabel committees and ENEA advisor, he merges academia and environmental advocacy.

Stefano Bonetti is Full Professor of Experimental Condensed Matter Physics at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, where he leads the Quantum Matter and Light Lab. Expert in quantum materials, ultrafast science, and terahertz physics, he has held positions in Stockholm, Stanford, and Venice.

Massimo Labra (b. 1971), Full Professor of Botany at Milan-Bicocca University, founded ZooPlantLab and FEM2 Ambiente. Specializing in biodiversity, sustainability, and bioeconomy, he directs BEST4FOOD and develops food traceability technologies and agricultural waste valorization.

Niccolò Calandri (b. 1989), co-founder and CEO of 3Bee, holds a PhD in Electronics from Politecnico di Milano and worked at MIT and NASA. IoT pioneer in bee conservation, he develops Hive-Tech monitoring systems and partners with ESA for satellite algorithms.

Massimo Portincaso, engineer and entrepreneur, is CEO of Arsenale BioYards, an integrated bio-manufacturing platform. Founder of Deepwave Ventures and ex-BCG, he chairs Hello Tomorrow’s Advisory Board. A deep tech expert, he merges hardware, software, and biology to revolutionize sustainable production.