The Pontignano Conference is one of the most important annual events in the UK-Italy bilateral relationship, each year aiming to bring together a select group of influential delegates from the worlds of Education and Academia, Technology and Innovation, Culture and Society, Business and Finance, Politics, Foreign and Security Policy, Government and the Media.
The Pontignano conference was founded by the British Council and St Antony’s College Oxford in 1993. It brings together current and future leaders from the UK and Italy to address common challenges and develop networks and close relationships. Organised by the British Embassy in Rome and the British Council, the conference has developed a network that includes ministers, prime ministers, presidents and leaders from the business and academic worlds.
The conference is designed in such a way as to provide a structured yet informal opportunity for conversation, debate and relationship-building over the course of two days in the quiet and beautiful setting of an old monastery outside of Siena. Most of the proceedings take place under Chatham House Rules – in other words, individuals cannot be quoted outside the framework of the conference.
This year, the conference will take place in Rome, rather than in its usual venue in Tuscany, and in a slightly shorter format over two days from 28–29 November 2024.
A core part of what we do are the workshop sessions on Day 2, which are moderated by leading Italian and British figures in each field, and which are highly participative, round-table occasions. The programme includes Plenary sessions with key representatives from both countries.
The Pontignano Co-Chairs take an active role in the planning and the delivery of the event, and we are delighted that Lord David Willetts, who has been involved ever since the first Pontignano in 1993, will be joined by our new Italian Co-Chair, Alessandro Cattaneo, Chair of the UK-Italy Friendship Group in the Italian Parliament.
For information about the Pontignano Conference in 2024, please click here.