Naples – It ended in Napoli the ninth edition of “Protagonists! The new Italian generations tell their stories”, a national event promoted by CoNNGI (National Coordination of New Italian Generations), Dedalus social cooperative and Officine Gomitoli, with the support of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies.
Two days of meetings, workshops and discussions spread across symbolic locations in the city – from the Madre Museum to Piazza Garibaldi, from Palazzo Caracciolo to the Officine Gomitoli Intercultural Center – to put the new generations with a migrant background at the center of public attention, and their right to be recognized as an integral part of Italian society.
The central theme of the 2025 edition, entitled “Identity in Movement – Art as a bridge between cultures”, was the use of art as a tool for inclusion, participation and active citizenship.
Not surprisingly, the initiative was enriched by two exhibitions: “La scatola magia”, a photographic reportage by Mario Spada, and a selection of papier-mâché sculptures created in the “Animà” laboratory curated by Rino Squillante of the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples.
“The protagonists are the annual meeting of our network, which today includes about 50 associations active throughout the country” – declared Noura Ghazoui, president of CoNNGI.
"We give voice to Italian girls and boys in all respects, but who in some cases are not yet officially recognized with citizenship. Art, in this process, is fundamental: it allows you to express your identity and conquer a public space of speech and action".
Among the topics discussed was also the referendum on citizenship, which aims to modify the current legislation dating back to 1992. “Today,” Ghazoui explained, “ten years of continuous residence are required to start the process: a criterion that excludes many people who grew up in Italy.”
On the second day, space was given to the restitution of the panels, moderated by the general secretary of CoNNGI Alba Lala, who highlighted how “Protagonists! is not just an event, but a political and cultural space where young people build citizenship with competence and creativity”.
A collective story that gave voice to instances, experiences and visions capable of relaunching an idea of an inclusive and plural Italy from Naples.
Elena de Filippo, president of the Dedalus cooperative, recalled that according to Istat, over 10% of Italian families have at least one member with a migrant background, underlining the need to recognize this fact also at a political and institutional level.
Among the speakers there was also that of the Councilor for Social Policies of the Municipality of Naples, Luca Trapanese, and the testimonies of three young activists of Dedalus: Ismahan Hassen, Ruwani Perera and Fatima Ouazri.
“We were born and raised in Italy,” they said, “we participate in public life and contribute with art and civic engagement. We ask that our right to citizenship be finally recognized.”
Article published on May 9, 2025 - 13:48 pm
