Held under the theme “Building Future Together – A new humanity thirsting for the future,” the forum reflects growing international concern over environmental degradation and social fragmentation, while also highlighting opportunities for collective action and innovation.
The event’s programme is structured around an opening session followed by six thematic panels addressing key issues, including integral ecology, transatlantic cooperation between Europe and the United States, clean technologies, sustainable development in mountain regions, and the environmental impact of major global events. A central focus is also placed on the role of media in navigating an increasingly fragmented information landscape marked by inequality and misinformation.
Speaking at the opening session, GreenAccord President Alfonso Cauteruccio said the forum comes at a time of heightened global uncertainty. “We are facing an international landscape that raises concern and often makes the future appear uncertain,” he noted, adding that the initiative seeks to promote “a humanity that wants to renew itself, to take concrete action, and to look to the future with hope.”
Cauteruccio also highlighted the rise of eco-anxiety, particularly among younger generations, describing it as a growing fear of environmental deterioration. He stressed that the forum aims to address these concerns by encouraging informed dialogue and practical solutions.
Over the coming days, discussions will cover a wide range of topics, including sustainable agriculture, food systems, urban regeneration, bioarchitecture, wellbeing economics, and digital innovation. Particular attention will be given to the food supply chain, with contributions from Michelin-starred chefs exploring ways to reduce waste and promote more sustainable consumption patterns.
The programme also incorporates cultural and philosophical reflections, including a segment marking the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures by Saint Francis of Assisi. A message from Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin will be delivered during the forum, read by Cardinal Beniamino Stella, linking environmental responsibility to broader ethical and spiritual dimensions.
Media responsibility features prominently on the agenda, with sessions dedicated to examining the spread of misinformation in environmental reporting. Cauteruccio underscored the importance of supporting journalists with access to accurate data, noting that credible reporting remains essential in shaping public awareness and policy responses. Discussions will bring together media professionals from different regions to explore strategies for countering false narratives and strengthening fact-based journalism.
The forum also serves as a platform for dialogue between the private sector, particularly through exchanges between Italian and American companies involved in sustainable production. Organisers say this cross-sectoral approach is intended to foster cooperation and shared responsibility in addressing global environmental challenges.
This year’s edition carries added strategic significance through its focus on building connections between Italy’s Triveneto region and the US state of Colorado. Both regions, characterised by their mountainous landscapes and strong tourism sectors, are presented as case studies for sustainable mobility, territorial planning, and environmental governance.
A major highlight of the forum will be discussions on the sustainability of large-scale international events, with particular attention to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Gloria Zavatta, Sustainability and Impact Director for the Games, is expected to present strategies aimed at reducing environmental impact and ensuring a lasting positive legacy for host communities.
The international dimension of the forum is further reinforced by the participation of Jinfeng Zhou, Secretary General of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation, who will share China’s experience in biodiversity protection and global environmental cooperation. Organisers say such exchanges will help deepen understanding across different regional models.
Digital platforms and the cultural sector also feature prominently, reflecting the growing influence of technology in shaping environmental discourse. Among the speakers is Andy Thompson, International Technologist at Meta, who will deliver a keynote lecture on the impact of environmental news across social media platforms.
The forum will conclude with a session dedicated to the role of journalists within the GreenAccord network, including the presentation of the GreenAccord International Media Award to a North American organisation recognised for its coverage of climate change challenges.
By bringing together diverse perspectives across continents and sectors, the GreenAccord Forum 2026 seeks to position sustainability not only as an environmental imperative but as a shared global responsibility—one that depends equally on policy, innovation, and the integrity of information.
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