The 33rd edition of the Pontignano Conference took place between the University of Siena and the Certosa di Pontignano on 16 and 17 October 2025. This is the most important event on the UK-Italy bilateral agenda, organised by the British Embassy in Italy and the British Council.
Chaired by Lord David Willetts and Hon. Alessandro Cattaneo, this year’s Conference focused on the crucial themes of “Growth and Resilience”, with particular attention to the ability to adapt and thrive in a constantly evolving global context, and to collaboration between the UK and Italy in key sectors for both economies.
As per tradition, the Pontignano Conference sessions were held under the Chatham House Rule.
After welcome remarks by the Rector of the University of Siena, Prof. Roberto Di Pietra, and the City of Siena’s Councillor for Tourism, Trade, Industry and University Relations, Vanna Giunti, the Conference was formally opened during the Thursday afternoon session by the two co-chairs, Lord Willetts and Hon. Cattaneo. This was followed by a conversation with Giuliano Amato and Lord Patten, who reflected on the dimensions of a bilateral relationship between Italy and the UK that has continued to grow stronger over time.
The Friday programme began with a plenary session on the theme Navigating Uncertainty – Pathways to Prosperity and Security, featuring contributions from experts in economics, security, and defence, moderated by Nicol Degli Innocenti, London correspondent for Il Sole 24 Ore.
This was followed by focused breakout sessions on the following topics:
- Building on the UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership – This session addressed cooperation between the UK and Italy through the European Union and NATO in facing the challenges posed by the war in Ukraine, strengthening industrial integration in the defence sector, tackling hybrid threats and disinformation, and leveraging emerging technologies.
- Bridges and Hubs: Energy Security and Science and Technology Cooperation – This session explored efforts to strengthen UK-Italy cooperation in energy security, advanced nuclear technologies, resilient clean energy supply chains, access to critical minerals, and scientific collaboration.
- Financial Services – A session on opportunities for UK-Italy collaboration in the financial services sector to boost trade and investment, support fiscal objectives, promote innovation and economic growth, with a focus on regulatory alignment, green finance tools, and talent and knowledge exchange.
- Creative Industries – A session dedicated to dialogue between the UK and Italian creative industries to share strategies for promoting decent work for young people, supporting sustainable and inclusive growth, strengthening regional community resilience, and developing new opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
In the afternoon, after plenary reports from each of the breakout sessions and a future-oriented discussion moderated by the co-chairs, the Conference concluded with a closing session featuring Valentino Valentini, Italian Deputy Minister for Business and Made in Italy, and Ceri Morgan, UK Trade Commissioner for Europe.
British Ambassador Ed Llewellyn, expressing his pleasure at returning to Siena for the 33rd Pontignano Conference, said:
This event has become a landmark in the bilateral relationship between the UK and Italy – a unique space for dialogue, collaboration, and the building of lasting connections between our two countries. This year’s theme, ‘Growth and Resilience’, reflected our shared commitment to strengthening our economies, our societies, and our democratic values. I am confident that, once again, Pontignano has been a source of inspiration, friendship, and new opportunities. UK-Italy relations are excellent, and initiatives like this will help them grow even stronger.
Brian Young, Director for Italy at the British Council, added:
The Pontignano Conference offered a unique opportunity to strengthen UK-Italy relations through dialogue and cultural exchange. This year’s theme, ‘Growth and Resilience’, aligned closely with our mission to promote peace and prosperity by building global connections, understanding, and trust. We were proud to lead a workshop on how the Creative Industries can support youth employment and regional development, and we look forward to seeing the ideas and partnerships that emerged in Siena.
Prof. Roberto Di Pietra, Rector of the University of Siena, commented:
Our collaboration with the British Council and the British Embassy continued, and as the University of Siena, we were particularly proud to be part of this new edition of the Pontignano Conference. This year’s theme addressed growth and resilience from an international perspective. We discussed it within the incomparable setting of the Certosa di Pontignano, once again the perfect place for reflection and in-depth discussion.
Hon. Alessandro Cattaneo, Co-chair of the Pontignano Conference, stated:
In recent days, we returned to the Certosa di Pontignano, which for over thirty years has symbolised dialogue and friendship between our two countries. As always, the Pontignano Conference brought together distinguished figures from politics, academia, and research, offering a unique occasion to delve into shared challenges and further strengthen our cooperation. It was an event that demonstrated the continuity and vitality of a relationship that looks confidently to the future.
Lord David Willetts, long-time British Co-chair of the Pontignano Conference, said:
It was a great pleasure to return to Siena, the traditional home of the Pontignano Conference. Over the past two days, we engaged in rich and timely discussions on the shared challenges and opportunities facing the UK and Italy. We were honoured to be joined by an outstanding group of experts from both countries, whose insights deepened our understanding and strengthened our collaboration. The increasingly close ties between our nations – in government, academia, business, and civil society – are a testament to the enduring value of this unique bilateral dialogue.
- Chatham House Rule: When a meeting or part of it is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.
Social media: The Conference was followed on X and Instagram via the accounts of the British Embassy (@UKinItaly), the British Council (@BritishCouncil) and Ambassador Ed Llewellyn (@EdLlewellynFCDO), using the hashtag #Pontignano – Pontignano Conference
