Florence, Italy – A new initiative launched by Fondazione CR Firenze aims to foster critical thinking and informed civic engagement through a series of public conversations and educational programs. Dubbed “Oggi – Conversazioni sul presente” (Today – Conversations on the Present), the project will bring together leading Italian journalists, academics, and public figures to address pressing social, cultural, economic, and geopolitical issues. The program, curated by veteran journalist Paolo Ermini, seeks to bridge generational gaps and equip citizens with the tools to navigate an increasingly complex world. This commitment to public discourse underscores the foundation’s evolving role as a modern philanthropic entity dedicated to the well-being of the Tuscan region.
The initiative is structured around two complementary strands: “OGGI a scuola” (Today at School), designed for secondary school students, and “OGGI in città” (Today in the City), open to the general public. This dual approach reflects a deliberate effort to integrate quality public debate into both formal education and community life. Fondazione CR Firenze, established as a banking foundation, has a long history of supporting cultural and social projects in the provinces of Florence, Arezzo, and Grosseto. The foundation’s website details its commitment to regional development and its support for a wide range of initiatives.
The “OGGI in città” series kicks off on Saturday, April 11, 2026, with a discussion led by Franco Gabrielli, former Head of the Italian State Police and the Civil Protection Department, and previously a Undersecretary. The event, titled “Noi e la sicurezza” (Us and Security), will be held at Cinema La Compagnia at 10:00 AM. Gabrielli’s extensive experience in national security and disaster management positions him as a key voice on this critical topic. Further events in the “OGGI in città” series include a June 6th discussion with Mario Tozzi, a geologist, science communicator, and author, focusing on the relationship between environmental sustainability and quality of life. These public forums aim to provide accessible and insightful perspectives on challenges facing Italian society.
Bridging Generations Through Dialogue
A central component of the “Oggi – Conversazioni sul presente” project is its focus on intergenerational understanding. The first event in the “OGGI a scuola” program, scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the Teatro Puccini, will feature Beppe Severgnini, a prominent columnist for the Corriere della Sera newspaper, as well as a noted essayist, opinion writer, and television personality. Severgnini will address the often-contentious, yet always complex, relationship between young people and adults. The discussion will explore how this dynamic plays out across families, institutions, the workplace, and cultural spheres, encouraging a fresh perspective on intergenerational dynamics. The foundation emphasizes that Here’s not simply a series of lectures, but a structured educational pathway designed to foster critical thinking skills among students.
The “OGGI a scuola” initiative is being developed in collaboration with the Regional School Office for Tuscany, ensuring its integration into the existing curriculum. Teachers will prepare students for the discussions, equipping them with the analytical tools to engage thoughtfully with the speakers and the topics at hand. This collaborative approach aims to strengthen students’ abilities to critically assess current events, construct well-reasoned arguments, and develop a strong sense of civic responsibility. The goal is to empower the next generation with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate a rapidly changing world with both critical awareness and a sense of responsibility.
A Lineup of Leading Italian Voices
Following Severgnini’s opening address, the “OGGI a scuola” series will continue with a diverse range of speakers. On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Ezio Mauro, former editor-in-chief of Repubblica and La Stampa, will lead a reflection on the resilience of democracy in contemporary societies. His discussion will address growing concerns about declining public trust in democratic institutions and explore the question of whether citizens are becoming disillusioned with democratic governance. Mauro’s extensive experience in Italian journalism makes him uniquely qualified to address this critical issue.
On Monday, May 4, 2026, Ferruccio de Bortoli, a highly respected former editor of several leading Italian newspapers, will analyze the relationship between younger generations and politics. De Bortoli will examine the apparent disconnect between young people and the political process, exploring the factors contributing to this trend and its implications for the future of civic engagement. The series will conclude on May 26 with Federico Fubini, an economic journalist for the Corriere della Sera, who will focus on the phenomenon of “brain drain” – the emigration of highly skilled professionals from Italy. Fubini’s discussion will explore the causes and consequences of this trend and consider potential solutions to reverse it, transforming what is often a necessity into an opportunity and building conditions to encourage skilled workers to remain in Italy.
Fondazione CR Firenze’s Expanding Philanthropic Role
The “Oggi – Conversazioni sul presente” project reflects Fondazione CR Firenze’s broader commitment to supporting cultural and social initiatives across Tuscany. In 2026, the foundation plans to allocate approximately €56.1 million to projects in the metropolitan city of Florence and the provinces of Arezzo and Grosseto, according to a recent announcement. Toscana Oggi reported that this represents a slight increase from the €55 million allocated in 2025. Of this total, €40 million will be dedicated to ongoing activities, €5 million to multi-year projects, and €11 million to strategic initiatives. President Bernabò Bocca emphasized the foundation’s role as a “pilot” in identifying and addressing the needs of the region, working in close collaboration with the third sector and public administration.
Beyond the “Oggi” project, Fondazione CR Firenze supports a variety of other initiatives, including a call for proposals for live performance projects, a program focused on Michelangelo’s work at the Museo di Casa Buonarroti, and funding for summer camps. The foundation also offers free cultural and artistic initiatives to residents of the region and provides resources for organizations seeking funding. This multifaceted approach demonstrates Fondazione CR Firenze’s dedication to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. The foundation’s commitment extends to supporting innovative research, promoting education, and championing environmental sustainability.
Reservations for all events in the “OGGI in città” series are required and can be made through the Fondazione CR Firenze website: https://fondazionecrfirenze.it/progetti/oggi-conversazioni-sul-presente/. The initiative promises to be a significant contribution to public discourse in Tuscany, offering a platform for informed debate and critical engagement with the challenges and opportunities facing Italian society.
The next confirmed event in the series is the discussion with Beppe Severgnini on March 18, 2026. Readers interested in learning more about the “Oggi – Conversazioni sul presente” project and upcoming events are encouraged to visit the Fondazione CR Firenze website and to share this article with others who may be interested in participating in these important conversations.