Italian food markets now have "raccolta e distribuzione gratis" (free collection and distribution) boxes where food can easily be donated to the needy. It's part of the country's mission ...

Thin Lei Win · Reuters 13 Sep 2019

Climate Change

In Rome you can swap plastic bottles for metro tickets

Italy’s capital has joined the list of world cities where an empty plastic bottle can go towards travel – 30 bottles, and you’ve got a free ride home.

Douglas Broom 09 Aug 2019

Book Club

Why Rome continues to underpin western culture and politics - an extract from Mary Beard's book 'SPQR'

This excerpt is from Mary Beard's book, "SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome". The book was chosen as the World Economic Forum Book Club's monthly book for July.

Mary Beard 02 Jul 2019

Globalization 4.0

What do Renaissance paintings tell us about globalisation

Famous paintings by Italian Renaissance artists can tell us a lot about global trade and the spread of cultures around the world in the 16th century.

Leah Clark · The Conversation 17 May 2019

Cities and Urbanization

This is Leonardo da Vinci's design for a 'smart city' that was centuries ahead of its time

Around 1486, the Renaissance man began to work out an “ideal city” project, but it was so expensive, it was never built.

Alessandro Melis · The Conversation 15 May 2019

European Union

5 key themes for reforming the EU, as elections approach

As European parliamentary elections loom, with pro-European and nationalist factions battling over the future of the bloc, these are the key issues to resolve.

Grace A. Ballor 13 May 2019

Italy

What Leonardo's depiction of Virgin Mary and Jesus tells us about his religious beliefs

Leonardo da Vinci's depiction of the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus offer an insight into his religious beliefs, which are often shrouded in mystery.

Diane Apostolos-Cappadona · The Conversation 30 Apr 2019

India

Leonardo da Vinci saw in animals the ‘image of the world’

Leonardo da Vinci chipped away at the walls between “us” and “them” by placing all life, human and animal, on a level field.

Arielle Saiber · The Conversation 17 Apr 2019

Education, Gender and Work

Italy has banned unvaccinated children from schools

Amid a spate of measles outbreaks and anti-vax movements, Italy has made the bold decision to ban children under 6 from kindergarten, while the parents of older children will face fines, ...

Victor Tangermann · Futurism 13 Mar 2019

Italy

What next for Europe? 3 different Davos views

Germany's Angela Merkel, Spain's Pedro Sánchez and Italy's Giuseppe Conte set out their vision for the future of Europe.

Briony Harris 23 Jan 2019

Environment and Natural Resource Security

Venice will now start charging tourists an entrance fee

In a move to address the impact of mass tourism on its historic architecture and alleyways, Italy’s canal city is set to charge visitors an ‘admission fee’.

Kate Whiting 04 Jan 2019

Italy

Students in Milan are moving in with the elderly to fight loneliness and save money

Intergenerational home-sharing in Italy’s most expensive city is creating a “virtuous circle” that brings companionship to pensioners and offers students a peaceful and affordable study e...

Emma Charlton 22 Nov 2018

Banking and Capital Markets

Forward Agenda - November 2018

October's market performance, the worst since 2012, might be a harbinger of things to come. In other news, November will see the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht, and the sale of a Hockn...

Michael Hanley 01 Nov 2018