The hills of Tuscany once again hosted one of the most significant moments in UK-Italy relations as diplomats, policymakers, academics, and industry leaders gathered for the 33rd Pontignano

Conference, held between the University of Siena and the Certosa di Pontignano on 16–17 October 2025.

Jointly organised by the British Embassy in Italy and the British Council, the Pontignano Conference remains the premier event on the bilateral agenda—an annual forum where both countries reflect on shared challenges and opportunities.

This year’s edition, chaired by Lord David Willetts and Hon. Alessandro Cattaneo, centred on the theme “Growth and Resilience”—a timely exploration of how nations can adapt and prosper amid rapid global change.

As tradition dictates, the discussions unfolded under the Chatham House Rule, encouraging open and candid exchange among participants.

The conference opened with greetings from Prof. Roberto Di Pietra, Rector of the University of Siena, and Vanna Giunti, the city’s Councillor for Tourism, Trade, Industry and University Relations. The formal opening, led by the two co-chairs, was followed by a thought-provoking dialogue between Giuliano Amato and Lord Chris Patten, who reflected on the enduring strength and evolution of UK-Italy relations.

The second day began with a plenary session titled “Navigating Uncertainty – Pathways to Prosperity and Security,” moderated by Nicol Degli Innocenti, London correspondent for Il Sole 24 Ore. Experts in economics, security, and defence offered insights into how both nations can foster stability and shared prosperity in an uncertain world.

Later, participants divided into focused breakout sessions covering key areas of collaboration:

- Building on the UK–EU Security and Defence Partnership: exploring cooperation through NATO and the EU, industrial integration in defence, countering hybrid threats, and harnessing emerging technologies.

- Bridges and Hubs: Energy Security and Science and Technology Cooperation: examining partnerships in clean energy, advanced nuclear technologies, access to critical minerals, and scientific innovation.

- Financial Services: identifying ways to deepen collaboration in trade, investment, and green finance, while fostering regulatory alignment and talent exchange.

- Creative Industries: discussing strategies to promote decent work for youth, drive inclusive growth, and create new opportunities for cross-sector cooperation between the UK and Italy.

In the afternoon, the conference reconvened for plenary reports and a forward-looking debate moderated by the co-chairs. The event concluded with reflections from Valentino Valentini, Italy’s Deputy Minister for Business and Made in Italy, and Ceri Morgan, the UK’s Trade Commissioner for Europe.

As the sun set over the Tuscan countryside, the spirit of Pontignano remained clear: in a world of uncertainty, the partnership between the United Kingdom and Italy continues to evolve with resilience, purpose, and shared ambition.

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”. Photo by UK in Italy, Wikimedia commons.