The fourth edition of the One Ocean Summit Young concluded today at Teatro Franco Parenti. Organized by One Ocean Foundation, in collaboration with Intesa Sanpaolo and under the patronage of the Municipality of Milan, the event brought together high school students from Milan and its province.

The event aimed to raise awareness among younger generations about the importance of ocean protection and the crucial role their everyday choices play in preserving marine ecosystems. Under the theme “An Ocean of Opportunities,” this edition sought to inspire and stimulate participants’ creativity by exploring the numerous possibilities the ocean offers across blue economy, sports, cinema, art, and science. The goal was to highlight the ocean as an endless resource for innovation and inspiration toward a sustainable future.

Moderated by environmental journalist Giorgia Bollati, the gathering featured talks from prominent experts, including Anna Scavuzzo, Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Education of Milan, Daniele Cassioli, Paralympic water skiing athlete, and Sandro Carniel, a world-renowned oceanographer who discussed the ocean's role in global climate balance. Additional speakers included Andrea Grieco, an environmental activist recently returned from COP29, Carlotta Santolini, co-founder of BluEat—a startup innovating in blue crab commercialization—demonstrating how science and entrepreneurship can aid marine conservation, and Valerio Ferrara, a filmmaker who emphasized cinema’s power to raise ocean awareness.

Riccardo Bonadeo, President of One Ocean Foundation, stated: “The sea starts here, even in large cities. With this event, we aim to engage young people, the future ambassadors of our marine heritage, showing them how every daily action can truly make a difference. Every choice we make is a step toward a more sustainable world, with the ocean at the heart of this transformation. Promoting environmental knowledge and action prepares young generations to tackle tomorrow's environmental challenges, inspiring them on how the sea and the blue economy can offer human and professional growth opportunities.”

“Milan is far from the sea but never forgets it,” emphasized Anna Scavuzzo, Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Education of the Municipality of Milan. “Our city is committed to ensuring that all citizens, especially young people, feel a responsibility toward water wherever they are. Events like today’s, which we proudly support, are essential to conveying this message to our youth.”

Launch of the Blue Agents Challenge

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During the event, the new Blue Agents Challenge was launched—a project by Intesa Sanpaolo, managed by the Giffoni Film Festival in collaboration with Coming Soon, Siamo Jedi, and One Ocean Foundation. The challenge invites young people to transform ideas into impactful messages about ocean challenges. Guided by their teachers, students will become creative minds, conceiving sustainable blue business concepts and creating video pitches to promote them. More information is available at siamojedi.com. The best projects will be awarded and presented at the 2025 Giffoni Film Festival.

Elisa Zambito Marsala, Head of Education Ecosystem and Global Value Programs at Intesa Sanpaolo, remarked: “Intesa Sanpaolo has initiated numerous programs exploring opportunities from the blue economy, including a dedicated observatory in partnership with Bocconi University. Leveraging a broad network of partners like One Ocean Foundation, businesses, and institutions, we support the younger generation in understanding and navigating economic and societal transformations. Through 'Build Your Future,' we've engaged over 9,000 students across Italy, raising awareness about future skills, including responsible and sustainable water and ocean resource use.”