Bari hosts national urban regeneration and youth welfare summit

The city of Bari is hosting the second edition of ‘inCittà: Spazi che cambiano, economie urbane che crescono’, a national event promoted by Confcommercio – Imprese per l’Italia. The summit focuses on the future of urban economies, the protection of local commerce, and the revitalization of historic centers as tools for social cohesion and development.

A key theme of the discussions involves the ‘Diplomacy of Feelings’ model implemented by the Bari administration under Mayor Vito Leccese. This approach prioritizes preventive care and institutional listening over punitive measures to address youth social unrest, economic hardship, and housing difficulties. By treating social issues as institutional responsibilities rather than threats to be repressed, the administration aims to foster community cohesion.

Additionally, the event features presentations on successful local business networks, such as the ‘Vivi la Tuscia’ model from the Lazio region. This model emphasizes strategic collaboration between diverse local enterprises in commerce, tourism, and crafts to promote entire territories rather than individual businesses.