EXPO2025 Theme Weeks

Programme details

It will also reflect on the lasting legacy such events leave behind for host regions and the broader national landscape. The discussion will be enriched by the voices of athletes, institutional representatives, and figures from the business world. This event holds particular relevance in light of the upcoming Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Key themes will include sustainability, inclusiveness, and gender equality—emphasizing the growing and vital role of women in sport and within the broader sporting ecosystem.

Reports

【Reflection】
The panel discussion “The sport that leaves its mark: the future in the territories” proved to be an extremely valuable opportunity to explore the multifaceted impact of sport on society, held with the cooperation of the Italian National Olympic Committee, the Directorate General for Public and Cultural Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Italian Paralympic Committee, and the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation.

Speakers, including Olympic and Paralympic athletes, shared specific examples highlighting how sport extends beyond individual challenge to revitalise communities, promote international exchange, and stimulate economic development. Participants expressed positive feedback such as “I could rediscover the wide potential of sport” and “I gained hints applicable to my own region”. In addition, contributions from female athletes and leaders reinforced the need for gender equality within the sports sector, broadening perspectives on universal values such as sustainability, inclusion, and equality.

This event was highly meaningful, aligning perfectly with the Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai’s theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, as it reaffirmed the legacy sport leaves on society and highlighted its significance as a tool of cultural diplomacy.


【Post EXPO Initiatives】
Moving forward, we plan to utilise the insights and suggestions gained from this panel discussion to deepen analysis and visualisation of the socio-economic impacts of sport. In particular, with the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, we will strengthen collaboration with relevant organisations and corporate partners to implement concrete initiatives reflecting the discussed themes of sustainability, inclusion, and gender equality, and to communicate these effectively to the world. Moreover, issues raised during the panel, such as regional sports promotion, talent development, and further social participation of female athletes, will be addressed through diverse approaches, including online seminars leveraging digital technology, on-site workshops, and educational programmes, to create opportunities for local communities and youth to engage proactively with sports culture.

Additionally, we aim to share the outcomes and discussions of this event not only within Italy but also with sports administration and cultural diplomacy stakeholders in Japan and other countries, positioning sport as a model for cultural co-creation and problem-solving in regional development.

Cast

Moderator

Francesco Betrò

Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata

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Speakers

Cecilia D'Angelo

Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano

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Alessandra Sensini

Olympic Athlete

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Giulia Ghiretti

Paralympic Athlete, The Italian Paralympic Committe

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Diana Bianchedi

Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026

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Silvia Marrara

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

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Manuela Viel

Director of Assosport

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Arianna Colombari

Assosport

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Paolo Bellino

Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, RCS Sport & Events

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Ivan Basso

Giro d'Italia Athlete

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Carmelo Carbotti

Banca Ifis

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Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week

Sport that leaves its mark: shaping the future in the territories

This event is organized through the collaboration between the Italian National Olympic Committee and the Sports Diplomacy Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, with the participation of the Italian Paralympic Committee, the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, and contributions from the business sector—represented by entities such as Assosport, Banca IFIS, and the RCS Group, all involved through MAECI. Held at the Italian Pavilion during the Co-creating Cultures for the Future thematic week at Expo Osaka 2025, the panel will explore the social and economic impact of major sporting events.

  • 2025.05.04[Sun]

    16:3017:30

    (Venue Open 16:00)

  • Pavilion
  • * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
  • * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.

OTHER PROGRAM

Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week

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