On the afternoon of April 17, 2026, the final event of the territorial co-design process promoted within the NEOLAiA activities of the University of Salerno took place at the Fondazione Carisal in Salerno.
The meeting marked the culmination of a series of discussions involving local authorities, schools, and third-sector organizations, aimed at building a shared vision for territorial development, in line with the principles of inclusion, innovation, and sustainability promoted by the NEOLAiA European University Alliance.
The highlight of the event was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Salerno, Fondazione Carisal, and BIMED (Biennale of Arts and Sciences of the Mediterranean), in the presence of institutional representatives and the Rector, Prof. Virgilio D’Antonio.
The agreement establishes a strategic collaboration aimed at integrating the NEOLAiA project with the Salerno territorial system, strengthening the connection between universities, institutions, and local communities. In particular, the Memorandum includes joint actions for the dissemination of NEOLAiA activities, the promotion of social innovation, support for territorial planning, and the development of public engagement and Third Mission initiatives.
Among the key elements of the agreement is the commitment to monitor local needs and expectations, foster the exchange of best practices, and promote shared projects capable of generating a tangible impact on quality of life and social cohesion. The Fondazione Carisal headquarters, located in the San Michele Complex, has been identified as the operational hub for joint activities. The agreement will last three years and includes a Coordination Committee composed of representatives from the three partner institutions.
The event opened with institutional greetings and introductory remarks, including speeches by Giovanni Del Sorbo (BIMED) and Valerio Salvatore, member of the Fondazione Carisal governing body. This was followed by the presentation of the poetry book “Where the Olive Tree Still Sings” by young Palestinian author Mahmoud Nashwan, who shared a recorded video message, offering a reflection on the international context and the role of culture as a tool for dialogue.
During the session, Rector Prof. Virgilio D’Antonio emphasized the strategic role of NEOLAiA and the University of Salerno as drivers of territorial development, highlighting the need to strengthen local opportunities for young people, balancing the right to stay with the opportunity to leave. In this perspective, the Memorandum represents a concrete step toward enhancing the attractiveness and competitiveness of the territory.
Prof. Vittorio Scarano then presented the Operational Plan, outlining NEOLAiA’s integrated approach combining education, research, and Third Mission within an open and permeable system. The agreement marks the beginning of an active listening phase involving the territory, supported by BIMED and Fondazione Carisal, and focused on three main stakeholder groups: public administration, schools, and the third sector. The goal is to activate co-design processes capable of effectively addressing local needs.
The session concluded with a speech by Andrea Iovino, who highlighted the value of NEOLAiA both for its strong connection with the University of Salerno and for its international dimension. He emphasized the importance of building territorial networks capable of simplifying planning processes and fostering more effective collaboration among stakeholders, underlining how the Memorandum stems from the concrete need to provide responses to the territory and strengthen joint action among institutions.
The meeting also highlighted BIMED’s role as a connector, with its network of over 1,200 schools, and the importance of NEOLAiA’s international dimension as a lever to link the territory with broader European and global dynamics.
With the signing of the Memorandum, a collaborative model focused on the territory is further strengthened, reinforcing the role of the University of Salerno as a driver of innovation and a bridge between local and European dimensions, actively contributing to the goals of the NEOLAiA project.
To view the photo gallery capturing the highlights of the event, click 👉 here.
