In a complex historical phase such as the one we are currently experiencing, profound transformations—both positive and challenging—are becoming increasingly evident, shaping geopolitical balances, economic dynamics, and social structures on a global scale.
The shifting geopolitical landscape linked to the new U.S. administration under President Trump, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the vulnerabilities of European defence and the competitiveness of Europe’s industrial base, the risk of renewed trade wars, the rise of autocratic governments, growing economic inequalities and social tensions, the energy transition, climate and migration crises, as well as the consequences of a rapidly changing demographic structure in Europe: all these factors contribute to defining a truly epochal moment for Italy and for the world. Understanding these dynamics is an essential condition for preparing for the year—and the years—ahead.
In this session, participants will have the opportunity to engage with a panel of experts to examine the main trends currently underway and to better understand the geopolitical, economic, and social outlook for 2026. In particular, the discussion will address macroeconomic scenarios with Carlo Cottarelli, developments in international geopolitics with Cecilia Sala, the evolution of the labour market with Nela Richardson, and security and defence risks and threats with Stefano Mannino.
The dialogue among these complementary perspectives will help build a clearer understanding of the future context, identifying risks, opportunities, and critical turning points that will require adaptability, rapid response, and an increasingly open and integrated strategic approach. This session is conceived as a space for discussion aimed at interpreting with greater awareness the ongoing transformations and the trajectories that will shape Italy, Europe, and the world in the year ahead.

In particular, the session will focus on:

• global and Italian macroeconomic scenarios
• the evolution of the labour market
• the international geopolitical landscape and the threats and risks to Italy’s security and defence
• Iran, the United States, ongoing conflicts, and Europe’s structural vulnerabilities