Adnkronos Berlin, November 15 (Adnkronos) – "Municipalities are masters of citizenship, starting with the finalization, planning, organization, and sharing of spaces. The places in which people live, communicate, express themselves, and work are in themselves highly significant: it is there that young people truly experience the meaning of democracy, participation, and community life. This is how a community grows by investing in its future." This was stated by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, at the ceremony in Berlin for the presentation of the "Presidents' Award for Municipal Cooperation between Italy and Germany," together with his German counterpart, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
"It is well known," the Head of State emphasized, "that communities are places par excellence where young people learn not only basic life skills, but also values, skills, and civic sense. This year, the awarded projects emphasize dialogue between generations and the promotion of public spaces as places of exchange and social interaction. A well-maintained park teaches respect for common goods; a youth center offers opportunities for meeting and growth; a supportive neighborhood teaches that diversity is a source of wealth; encounters between people of different ages allow a community's wealth of experiences to be enhanced and preserved."
"Local governments," Mattarella concluded, "can be key players in widespread education, supporting projects that help young people learn about their history and their local area, participate in public life, and feel responsible for caring for the world. This begins with their own streets, their own neighborhoods, and their own people, and then reaches out to others, learning to engage with young people who, despite living in different places, face similar problems."