On Tuesday, 21 October 2025, the University of Bari “Aldo Moro” will host the final conference of the European project “Soft Mobility” – Interreg IPA South Adriatic 2021/2027, led by Pro Loco Triggiano (Lead Partner) in cooperation with the CDDI – Center for Development and Democratic Initiatives (Albania) as international partner.
The event marks the conclusion of a cross-border cooperation path between Italy and Albania, launched to promote soft mobility, sustainable tourism, and the enhancement of historical and cultural routes across the Adriatic area.
The conference will focus on sharing the project’s results, reflecting on the role of institutions, enterprises, and academia, and co-designing the next phase of international cooperation.
A dialogue between institutions, enterprises, and universities for a new development model
Following the welcome coffee and participant registration, the conference will open with institutional greetings from:
- Grazia Dicuonzo, Director of DEMDI, University of Bari
- Celeste Boccuzzi, Coordinator of the Degree Course in Design and Management of Tourism and Cultural Systems
- Claudio Polignano, Managing Authority – Interreg IPA South Adriatic
- Debora Cilento, Regional Councillor for Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Puglia Region
- Giuseppe Toscano, Mayor of Triggiano
- Carmela Cipriani, President, Pro Loco Triggiano (Lead Partner)
- Ilir Aliaj, Executive Director, CDDI (Albanian Partner)
The opening session will include a presentation by Carmela Cipriani, illustrating the project’s goals, outcomes, and territorial impact, and an address by Professor Vito Bianchi, historian and expert on ancient and modern road networks, who will highlight the cultural significance of the Via Traiana as a European heritage route.
The morning will continue with contributions from:
- Nica Mastronardi (ARET Puglia Promozione) – Regional strategies for tourism and sustainable mobility
- Francesca Arbore (Puglia Region) – Policies for the future of sustainable mobility
- Massimo Salomone (Confindustria Puglia) – Enterprises on the move: innovation and sustainability in soft mobility
- Celeste Boccuzzi (University of Bari) – The role of higher education in supporting sustainable transitions in tourism and transport
Co-creation and international networking: building the next phase together
In the afternoon, attention will turn to active participation with the roundtable “Building the Next Phase Together” — a co-creation lab moderated by journalist Fulvio Colucci (La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno).
Local authorities, universities, and associations from the tourism and transport sectors will present project ideas and outline shared visions for future cross-border cooperation.
During the final synthesis session, participants will review the key outcomes and define the operational priorities for upcoming initiatives. The day will also feature the official launch of the International Public–Private Network for Soft Mobility and the announcement of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will formalize the new partnership.
The event will close with the social moment “Puglian Excellence”, featuring actor and comedian Nicola Pignataro, who will perform “Pills of Pugliesità” — a humorous and heartfelt journey through culture, traditions, and local identity.
The day will conclude with networking and informal exchanges among participants, partners, institutions, and stakeholders — strengthening dialogue and paving the way for future collaborations inspired by sustainability and shared development.
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