The 2027 edition will focus in particular on inclusion and gender equality, with the aim of encouraging a shared reflection on equal opportunities, talent development and the full participation of people in the city’s social, economic and cultural life.

During the launch event, held today at Palazzo Tursi, the main achievements of the previous edition were highlighted through an overview of the winning projects, the collaborations developed and the experiences that have helped strengthen the local network built around the Genova Global Goals Award.

This morning’s presentation of the 2027 edition brought together representatives of the city’s institutions, the economic sector, and the research and innovation communities, who discussed the role that each stakeholder can play in building a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable city.

A PUBLIC CHALLENGE FOR IDEAS AND PROJECTS: THE ROLE OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICTS

Following the format successfully introduced in previous editions, the Genova Global Goals Award will feature a public challenge between ideas and projects. After the jury has selected the finalists, the eight teams competing in the Dream and Reality categories will take part in a speed debating session, with three minutes to present and defend their proposals. The audience will then vote to choose the four winners, who will help shape a more environmentally and socially sustainable Genova by selecting four urban regeneration and public space projects proposed by the Municipal Districts.

Over the years, the project, which has been recognised as a local best practice by ASviS – the Italian Alliance for Sustainable Development, has brought together organisations from different sectors and helped promote ideas and initiatives capable of making a tangible difference to the city. It has also contributed to raising awareness of environmental and social sustainability.

Last year, for example, the focus was on protecting Genova natural heritage and promoting green spaces across the city. The GGGA helped fund the creation of an educational garden in Via Cravasco, selected by IC Pra’, as well as the upgrading of the green area in Via Boeddu in Sestri Ponente, requested by IISS Bergese-Rosselli. Other projects included the restoration of benches along the Nervi promenade and the replacement of impact-absorbing flooring at Montegrappa nursery school (IC San Francesco da Paola).

The 2026 edition attracted 99 projects, with eight finalists in the Dream and Reality categories and several honourable mentions. The network also grew through the involvement of organisations with strong ties to the city, including Genova CFC and UC Sampdoria, which joined as technical sponsors.

The 2024 Blue Edition followed a similar approach, allowing the winners to choose projects put forward by the Municipal Districts. These included the creation of an educational garden, the renovation of flowerbeds outside a library, the redevelopment of urban gardens and the restoration of vandalised walls.

SUPPORTING START-UPS AS THEIR PROJECTS GROW

The Genova Global Goals Award has also provided practical support to help promising projects develop further. Thanks to its sponsors, previous editions have offered six months of incubation and coworking space at BIC, the FILSE business incubator, as well as a six-month programme at Talent Garden.

Participants have also had access to professional consultancy from Coccodè Creative, covering areas such as communication, visual identity and digital experience.

This collaboration between public and private organisations has helped turn promising ideas into more solid and structured projects, providing participants with expertise, services and opportunities to support their development.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR GGGA 2027

The next major step will come in January 2027, with a networking event bringing together Genova wider business community, from start-ups to established companies. The event will create opportunities to exchange experiences, expertise and ideas and develop new collaborations around inclusion and gender equality.

It will also bring together businesses, institutions, researchers, universities, associations and younger generations, encouraging the exchange of best practices and the development of projects capable of having a tangible impact on the city.

The programme will culminate in May 2027 with the final awards ceremony. A panel of experts will assess the submitted projects, selecting the proposals that demonstrate innovation, inclusiveness and the potential to deliver measurable, positive results for the community.

The final ceremony will bring together schools, companies, start-ups, institutions, associations and representatives of Genova economic, social and youth communities. It will be an opportunity not only to celebrate the winning projects, but also to recognise the contribution of all participants and strengthen the network built throughout the programme.

Schools and younger generations will play a particularly important role, engaging with issues such as inclusion, equal opportunities and sustainability and contributing their own ideas and projects towards building a fairer, more innovative and forward-looking city.

The opening event brought together representatives from local institutions, the business and economic community, companies, start-ups, associations, schools, universities and research organisations.

With the launch of “Genova Global Goals Award 2027 – Stand up. Speak up. Step up.”, Genova is continuing to build a more sustainable and inclusive community, based on the idea that meaningful change comes through active participation and collaboration across the city.