The aim of the event was to exchange ideas on strategies and commitments to guarantee everyone the right to full participation in civil, social and political life. The event was highlighted Italy’s expertise in inclusion policies and the important role of social cooperatives in the area of disability.  

The priorities of the event were: 

  1. Inclusion as a priority theme of all political agendas;  
  1. Universal accessibility;  
  1. Autonomous and independent life; 
  1. Enhancement of talents and work inclusion;  
  1. Promotion of new technologies;  
  1. Sports and recreational dimension of life;  
  1. Dignity of life and dimension of services;  
  1. Prevention and management of emergency and post-emergency situations, in particular those related to climate crises.  

Two of our members, Confcooperative Federsolidarietà and Legacoopsociali, attended the three-day event, where they participated in various panel discussions and gained valuable knowledge. The event also allowed cooperatives affiliated to them to promote their work. 

At the opening ceremony on 14 October, various social cooperatives were given the opportunity to showcase their enterprises: Confcooperative Federsolidarietà presented projects together with Federsolidarietà Umbria and the social cooperative Frontiera Lavoro that provides work integration, and Confcooperative Marche and the social cooperative Centro Papa Giovanni XXIII, which offers services to people with disabilities. Similarly, a stand was set up by the Working Group “LEGACOOPSOCIABILI’, made up of over 265 cooperators, cooperatives, and Legacoop managers from all regions of Italy.  

Social cooperatives also had the opportunity to display their products, including those affiliated to Legacoopsociali, such as the cooperative La Cascina di Cuneo, which presented its works, such as prints and gadgets, and Consorzio 45, which showcased the products of the social cooperative Il Bettolino, which produces basil plants and Pesto alla Genevese. Furthermore, other cooperatives, such as La Semente, Fattoria Sociale, and Terre Umbre affiliated to Confcooperative Federsolidarietà displayed pasta, legumes, wine and more products made by people with disabilities. This was a great opportunity to demonstrate how cooperatives integrate people with disabilities into their enterprise.  

 

 

"Disability inclusion is an essential enabler of sustainable development, and we are determined to intensify our action so as to leave no one behind." – Solfagnano Charter 

On 15 October, a session took place where the preparatory work was organized for drafting the Solfagnano Charter, attended by the Vice President of Legacoopsociali, Alberto Alberani and  the President of Confcooperative Federsolidarietà, Stefano Granata. The Charter, which was signed by the ministers on 16 October, emphasises the importance of the social and employment inclusion of people with disabilities as part of the political agenda of all countries. The Charter integrates the eight priorities that were identified, and recognises the need for integrated action between health, welfare and social interventions, pledging to reduce bureaucracy to simplify access to services. Furthermore, it also recognizes the importance of implementing independent living projects which promote economic independence and social well-being.  

The conclusion of the event highlighted the role of social cooperatives in integrating people with disabilities into their enterprises and thus improving their professional growth and increasing their independence. Overall, the daily commitment of social cooperatives was recognised at the highest level of the G7.