The World in Florence 2023
TWIF PAST EDITIONS
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Theme: Places and Cultures in Transition
Introduction
The third edition of The World in Florence took place from 21–23 November 2023 in Florence, at Palazzina Reale di Santa Maria Novella and Palazzo Coppini. Promoted by the Romualdo Del Bianco Foundation and organized by Life Beyond Tourism – Travel to Dialogue Benefit Corp, the event gathered participants from more than 100 countries, continuing its mission to foster intercultural dialogue, territorial storytelling, and responsible travel through the Luoghi Parlanti® methodology.
Theme of the Edition
“Tourism: Unraveling Challenges, Exploring Solutions”
The 2023 edition explored the theme Places and Cultures in Transition, addressing the global challenges of mass tourism, climate change, and cultural resilience. The discussions focused on the future of mobility, the impact of overtourism on heritage sites, and the opportunities to transform tourism into a sustainable and value-driven practice.
Highlights
International Endorsements: the Festival was held under the High Patronage of the European Parliament, the auspices of the Council of Europe, and in support of the 20th anniversary of the 2003 UNESCO Convention on Intangible Heritage.
Key Debates: round tables and keynote speeches by experts such as Francesco Bandarin (former UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture), Tim Fairhurst (ETOA), Aparna Tandon (ICCROM), and Jasir S. Alherbish (Saudi Heritage Commission).
Luoghi Parlanti® Exhibition: a new phygital edition combining physical and digital storytelling panels, presented by young narrators from diverse territories.
Workshops & Performances: interactive sessions, the Homo turisticus Evolution conference-performance, and artistic events including a multicultural concert with the Luigi Cherubini Conservatory and Nigerian performers.
Outputs: adoption of the Guidelines for Sustainable Local Development (towards Agenda 2030) and new international Memoranda of Understanding for expanding Luoghi Parlanti® projects.
Program
Day 1 (Nov 21): Opening ceremony, institutional round table on Florence and local communities, inauguration of the Luoghi Parlanti® exhibition, cultural performances.
Day 2 (Nov 22): Keynotes and debates on overtourism, climate action, and sustainable development; international Talking Places presentations; film screening and wine tasting from Georgia.
Day 3 (Nov 23): Further Talking Places sessions; keynote speeches on heritage policies, intercultural dialogue, and storytelling; case studies from Bahrain, Tunisia, and Florence; adoption of the Guidelines; closing concert.
Key Speakers & Contributions
The 2023 edition brought together international experts including Francesco Bandarin (former UNESCO), Tim Fairhurst (Secretary General, ETOA), Aparna Tandon (Senior Programme Leader, ICCROM), and Jasir S. Alherbish (CEO, Saudi Heritage Commission). Their interventions highlighted urgent challenges: overtourism, cultural resilience, and the need to transform tourism into a driver of sustainability. Artistic and academic contributions included the Homo turisticus Evolution performance, and a multicultural concert by the Luigi Cherubini Conservatory of Florence with Nigerian artists.
Participating Countries
Azerbaijan · Bahrain · Cameroon · Congo · Czech Republic · Georgia · Greece · Italy · Japan · Kazakhstan · Lithuania · Morocco · Nigeria · Poland · Romania · Taiwan · Ukraine · plus many more through online contributions and cultural partnerships.
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