On 19 May 2026, the University of Calabria (UniCal) hosted the opening day of the third edition of the Festival “Frontiere e Ripopolamento”, promoted by Migrantes and Caritas of the Archdiocese of Cosenza-Bisignano. This year’s edition focused on the theme “Migration, Repopulation and Regeneration” and brought together students, academics, researchers, institutions, associations and local stakeholders to reflect on the future of inland and marginalised areas.
The afternoon opened with welcome addresses from Fabio Bruno, Vice Rector of the University of Calabria, Archbishop Giovanni Checchinato of Cosenza-Bisignano, Giovanni Pensabene on behalf of Fondazione Carical, and Francesca Pisani, Mayor of Casali del Manco and ANCI Calabria representative for Welfare and Migration.
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© WP7 UniCalEUPeace Bridge Dialogue
The first part of the event was organised as a Bridge Dialogue within the framework of the EUPeace project. The session created a space for exchange between universities, local communities, organisations and institutions, encouraging discussion on depopulation, hospitality and the regeneration potential of small towns and villages.
Contributions were delivered by Prof Manuela Stranges from the University of Calabria, Giovanni Manoccio from the Don Vincenzo Matrangolo Association in Acquaformosa, and Rosario Zurzolo from the Jungi Mundu social cooperative in Camini. The discussion was moderated by Prof Sabina Licursi from the University of Calabria. Through different experiences and perspectives, the dialogue highlighted how migration can contribute to social inclusion and territorial regeneration in inland areas.
Living Lab Idea Generation Session
The second part of the event focused on the EUPeace Living Lab’s Idea Generation Session, coordinated by Prof Emanuela Pascuzzi, Delegate for Public Engagement and Social Participation at the University of Calabria and Work Package 7 (WP7) lead for EUPeace at UniCal.
Participants worked in mixed groups composed of students, citizens, associations, researchers and local stakeholders to collectively imagine ideas and possible futures for Calabria’s inland territories. The discussions generated initial proposals linked to community regeneration, social innovation and the creation of new opportunities for local areas.
The EUPeace Societal Dialogue team is now supporting these ideas through an evaluation process involving the Societal Dialogue Group, with the aim of developing future collaborative initiatives and strengthening connections between universities, communities and local actors.
Dialogue Through Culture and Participation
The day concluded at the TAU (Teatro Auditorium UniCal) with the performance of “Fate i Tuoni” by Michele D’Ignazio. The performance added an artistic dimension to a day centred on dialogue, participation and the shared imagination of more sustainable and inclusive futures for inland territories.
© WP7 UniCal
© WP7 UniCal© WP7 UniCal© WP7 UniCal