Italian AI debates shape labor congress in Padua and pharma forum in Milan

The Uil union held its congress in Padua from July 2‑4, centering on the impact of artificial intelligence on work. Secretary Pierpaolo Bombardieri presented a technical‑scientific document urging regulation of AI to protect workers’ rights, improve safety and prevent "pirate" contracts. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni opened the event, and union leaders called for tax relief, pension reform and stronger workplace safety measures.

In Milan, the inaugural Forum Woma took place on June 25‑26, gathering nearly a thousand professionals from pharma, med‑tech and life‑sciences. Speakers included former European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, Nobel laureate Jennifer Doudna, and former OpenAI manager Zack Kass, who described AI as a new Renaissance to be governed responsibly. The two‑day forum discussed how AI and digital health can transform medicine while emphasizing public‑private partnerships and equitable access to care.