by InTrieste
The recently concluded Change Festival 2025 underscored the nexus of geopolitics and technology on its second day in Gorizia, featuring a high-profile program as part of Nova Gorica and Gorizia’s designation as the European Capital of Culture 2025.
Announced by Antonio Paoletti, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Venezia Giulia, the festival’s agenda promised enlightening discussions on the ever-evolving landscape of global affairs and technological advancements.
The festival’s second day delved into the “Geopolitics of Algorithms,” tackling pressing issues such as cyber security, data privacy, and the digital transformation of diplomacy. Emphasizing the critical role of international relations and Artificial Intelligence (AI), experts dissected their intricate interplay in shaping contemporary societies.
Organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Venezia Giulia in collaboration with The European House – Ambrosetti, and with support from various institutions including the Municipality of Trieste and the University of Trieste, the event drew attention from policymakers, academics, and industry leaders alike.
Paoletti remarked, “The convergence of geopolitics and technology, particularly algorithms, represented just the tip of the iceberg in the race for technological supremacy among global powers.” His sentiments echoed the sentiment that the festival aimed to dissect, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges posed by AI in the modern era.
Federico Fubini, Deputy Director of Corriere della Sera, stressed the importance of informed decision-making amidst rapid technological and geopolitical shifts. He underscored the need for stakeholders to navigate these changes with heightened awareness and foresight.
In a poignant address, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation underscored Italy’s strategic interest in Africa’s burgeoning potential, advocating for sustainable partnerships and technological investments on the continent.
Local leaders also weighed in on the significance of the festival. The Mayor of Gorizia emphasized the imperative of embracing change, while the Regional Assessor for Finance championed the role of youth in harnessing the opportunities presented by AI.
Roberto Di Lenarda, Rector of the University of Trieste, called for proactive engagement with technological advancements, urging academia to lead the charge in fostering digital literacy and innovation.
The festival’s discussions on artificial intelligence were particularly illuminating, with experts highlighting both the transformative power and ethical considerations surrounding AI deployment. Calls for responsible governance and global cooperation resonated throughout the sessions.
As the event drew to a close, historian and economist Giulio Sapelli offered a thought-provoking reflection on Trieste’s evolving role in the wake of geopolitical shifts, signaling a new era of opportunity and adaptation for the historic port city.
With its insightful discourse and forward-thinking agenda, the Change Festival 2025 proved to be a catalyst for dialogue and innovation at the intersection of geopolitics and technology. As Gorizia took center stage, the world watched eagerly, poised to embrace the winds of change sweeping across the global landscape.
