MAINSTAGE

On June 4th, the Mainstage of WMF will host some of the most authoritative voices in technological innovation, including Alicia Hanf (LG Nova), John Wesley (Senior Director at Nvidia), and Matteo Lepore, Mayor of Bologna, who will share insights on urban innovation and the role of cities in driving the digital and sustainable transition. The discussion will also cover AI ecosystems, the role of European policies in global competition with Michiel Scheffer (European Innovation Council), and ESA’s perspective on AI and sustainable development in the aerospace sector.

On June 4th, the Mainstage will also host powerful voices from the worlds of journalism and creativity. Flavia Carlini, activist and educator, will speak about how social media have transformed contemporary activism. Pablo Trincia will explore the power of storytelling in investigative journalism, while Ale Della Giusta, content creator, will discuss entrepreneurship in the digital world. Plestia Alaqad will share her perspective as a war correspondent.

In a rapidly changing world, understanding global dynamics is essential. Simonetta Di Pippo, head of the Space Economy Evolution Lab at SDA Bocconi, will provide a current take on geopolitics, while Federico Faggin, microchip pioneer, will share an ethical and humanistic perspective on innovation. Finally, Scott Yusuke Sugino, President of Yamaha Music Innovations, will offer a creative and collaborative vision of innovation on a global scale.

Key themes such as inclusion, civil rights, and digital ethics will also take center stage, thanks to the presence of voices committed to protecting the most vulnerable. Cathy La Torre, renowned for her legal activism, will reflect on the challenges surrounding digital rights and social inclusion. Nadia Lauricella, influencer and activist, will share a perspective inspired by overcoming physical and cultural barriers.

The WMF Mainstage will also host discussions on international relations and the future of journalism. Alan Friedman will reflect on the relationship between Europe and the United States, joined by Nicola Gratteri, Chief Prosecutor of the Naples Court, who will address the topic of legality from a global perspective. Also taking the stage will be Mimmo Lucano, Mayor of Riace and Member of the European Parliament, sharing his insights on the role of local communities in fostering inclusion, human rights, and social cohesion.

From fintech to digital public services, June 5th will feature discussions on how technology is reshaping our lifestyles and everyday services. Luigi Traldi (Klarna) will explore the evolution of digital payments, Matteo De Santi (Head of User Centricity & Innovation at PagoPA) will delve into the transformation of public digital services, and Francesco Ubertini (CINECA) will provide insights into AI ecosystems. Closing the session, Enrico Cereda (IBM) will offer a strategic vision on global tech markets.

On June 5th, the WMF Mainstage will feature Nello Cristianini, who will explore how AI can enhance human experience and transcend the limits of natural intelligence. Valeria Sandei (Almawave) will present Velvet, a new artificial intelligence platform, while Marco Trombetti (Translated) will highlight the latest challenges in the field of machine translation. Intel will also join with an analysis of tech policies for AI-driven companies.

There will be no shortage of moments for performance and social reflection: the duo Karma B will take the stage with a drag show, while Denis Jarromil Roio will delve into the theme of social hacking. Among the guests, Fabio Celenza will bring his unmistakable satirical style, and Michela Giraud will offer her sharp and ironic take on contemporary language. A mix of art, irony, and digital awareness.

From Nobel Peace Prize laureate Riccardo Valentini to researcher Anna Valente, the third day of the WMF opens a space for reflection on the relationship between nature and technology, between artificial intelligence and robotics. Highlights include: “AI & Nature” with Valentini, “AI & Robotics: Improving Peoples” with Valente and Mingo Hoffman, and “Robot-Robot Interaction” with Daniele Pucci (IIT). On a more conceptual level, Luc Julia, co-creator of Siri, will speak in “AI Demystification”, while Francesca Rossi (IBM) will address the ethical challenges of AI.

The Mainstage of WMF will host founders, CEOs, and international leaders sharing their vision for the future of innovation and the global economy. Among them will be Nino Cartabellotta, President of the GIMBE Foundation, Yuko Ishiwaka, Principal Investigator at SoftBank, and Nathan Francis, Head of Business Development at Aizip. Within this context, the Innovative Country of the Year will also be awarded, one of the Festival’s key recognitions.

Alongside female entrepreneurship with chef Isabella Potì, the day will explore unconventional leadership paths with Marcello Ascani, blending content creation and innovation. The performative segment will feature live moments, including a DJ set by Samuel, a comedy show by Turbopaolo, and a final concert by Sarah Toscano.

Media and investigative journalism take center stage once again: Luciano Baglioni revisits the Uno Bianca Case, followed by writer and journalist Carlo Lucarelli. The session will close with current affairs coverage from Corrado Formigli, addressing the challenge of fake news, and Enrico Mentana, offering a reflection on the role of journalism in the age of digital disinformation.