Five months after taking office, Acli di Monaco President Ginevra De Masi looks at the association's first results and the steps taken to strengthen its presence in the territory. The first public meeting, organised on the occasion of World Philosophy Day on 29 November, marked the start of a season of initiatives aimed at relaunching the role of Acli in the Italian community of the principality and beyond.
Amidst reflections on the value of the person, new cultural projects in the pipeline and increasingly solid institutional collaborations, De Masi outlines the course for the future and tells of his most ambitious goal: to build a stable space that will become the “home” of the aclista community in Munich.
Good morning, Ginevra, you have been president of the Acli in Munich for about 5 months, last Saturday was your first event on World Philosophy Day; why did you choose this theme for your ‘debut’? Can you give us a brief review of the day?
We chose World Philosophy Day for our first event because philosophy has always been a fundamental tool for questioning society, the role of man and the meaning of our actions.
We felt this was the best way to “debut”: starting with a theme that invites reflection, dialogue and participation.
The day was very positive: we had an attentive and curious audience, quality speeches and an atmosphere of genuine confrontation.
Which of the topics did you find the most meaningful and, above all, significant for our society?
I was very struck by this message: ‘the person is worth more than technology, dignity more than efficiency, relationships more than performance, life more than consumption’. This message proposes a change of outlook: put the person and the value of human life back at the centre, before any economic or technical logic. It is a principle that I consider deeply relevant and necessary.
Do you have any other events planned, short or long term, that our readers should mark on their calendars?
We are working on several projects. In the long term, we would like to create a cycle of cultural and educational events aimed at the Italian community and beyond, dedicated to current issues that help us reflect and live better in the society in which we find ourselves.
We will soon invite readers to mark the next dates on the calendar!
Staying on the Acli theme, on Friday 28 November, Acli Terra and CIESM signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at the mutual training of their employees, collaborators and managers; what do you think about this and, as president of Acli di Monaco, how do you see the collaboration with CIESM?
I consider this protocol a very important step: investing in mutual training means growing together and creating a stronger and more competent network. I am sure it will lead to great things.
To conclude, let's turn our gaze to the future, what are the long-term projects of the Acli di Monaco and what, as president, is your dream in the drawer for the association?
These first months have been intense but extremely challenging. We have worked to reorganise some internal activities, rebuild relationships in the area, and bring in new members. The first steps were mainly about listening and consolidation, and I can say I am satisfied: I feel that the base on which we are building is solid.
In the long term, our goal is to make the Acli in Monaco a point of reference for the Italian community and beyond. To enhance Italian excellence and strengthen the ties between Italy and Monaco.
My dream in the drawer? To create a permanent space dedicated to Acli, where I can offer activities, meetings, support and training on an ongoing basis, building a true “community house”.
