Conference: sport and sustainability,
the challenge to win the future

South Hall - Wellness Arena - May 29, 15:00 - 18:30

In collaboration with Ecopneus

Today’s sport faces a crucial challenge: integrating the three dimensions of sustainability—environmental, social, and governance—into every aspect of its organization and management. From facility design to mobility, from waste management to the production of equipment and technical apparel, to issues of social inclusion and governance transparency, every decision impacts the future of both sport and society.

With this awareness, RiminiWellness aims to be a true space for dialogue, support, and training, where sustainability challenges are tackled with a pragmatic and collaborative approach. This is also thanks to its partnership with Ecomondo, the leading trade fair in the green and circular economy sectors. Last year, at Ecomondo, Ecopneus, a consortium company for end-of-life tire recycling, promoted a forum with several sports organizations, as recycled rubber is used in many sports surfaces. Today’s conference stems from that experience, demonstrating that sustainability is a complex issue requiring collaboration among institutions, companies, civil society, and those working in recycling.

Introduction

Luigi Monfredi, Moderator

Deputy Director at Rainews24 – Society and Environment Desk

Greetings

Ecopneus – Giuseppina Carnimeo, General Director
“Sport and Sustainability” Conference: a space for dialogue promoted by RiminiWellness, Ecomondo, and Ecopneus as a driver for the future

International and National Policies

Ecopneus is a non-profit consortium for the tracking, collection, treatment, and recovery of End-of-Life Tires (ELTs), established by the main tire manufacturers operating in Italy. Recycled rubber is used in many sports surfaces: the collaboration between Ecopneus and sports promotion bodies enhances the circularity of the Italian economy.

Italian Ministry for the Environment – Undersecretary Sen. Claudio Barbaro
Institutional Greetings via Video Message
“Sustainability and Sport: the Challenge for the Future”

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – Niclas Svenningsen, Manager, Mitigation
The 2030 Agenda and the Role of Sport in Sustainable Development
A long-time UN manager, Svenningsen will explain the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, and the Green Deal, and their connection with the sports sector.

Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership – Simona Azzolini, Alumna & Milan Anchor
Impacts, Risks and Opportunities for the Sports Sector
Simona Azzolini, with 20+ years of experience in brand management across consumer and luxury goods, currently serves as Sustainability Strategy Director at Futerra. She has led sustainability projects for global brands like Danone, Nestlé, L’Oréal, and Ralph Lauren. Azzolini will present global risks and opportunities for the sports sector tied to sustainability issues.

UEFA, Union of European Football Associations – Michele Uva, Executive Director – S&E Sustainability (via video message)
Effectively promoting positive change for society and the environment
Michele Uva will present UEFA’s sustainability strategy, aimed at making the world’s most played sport a driver of positive impact.

Milano-Cortina 2026 Foundation – Gloria Zavatta, Sustainability & Impact Director
Sustainability Policies of the World’s Largest Winter Sports Event
With over 30 years of experience in environmental and social management for companies and major events, Zavatta, former Sustainability Manager for Expo Milano 2015 and President of CESVI Foundation, will discuss how Italy’s first "widespread Olympics" (across 4 regions and 7 provinces) is tackling sustainability through strategy and innovation.

CONI – Giampiero Pastore, Head of the Institute of Sport Medicine and Science
Implementation of National and International Policies in Italy
Olympic medalist in fencing, Pastore is helping CONI accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices across National Sports Federations and Associated Sports Disciplines through strategic and operational support.

Italian Institute for Sports and Cultural Credit – Debora Miccio, Head of Commercial and Marketing Division
Opportunities for Facilitated Financing in the Fitness Sector
ICS is Italy’s leader in sports facility financing, driving sustainable and impact finance with over 60 years of experience.

Sport e Salute
The Social Impact of Sport
Sport e Salute integrates ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles into its mission and strategy, with key pillars including transparent governance, human capital development, social equity, and environmental action.

Assosport – Alessio Cremonese, President
The Sporting Industry and Its Near Future
Assosport is the core of Italy’s sporting industry within Confindustria, representing over 300 members with a combined turnover of over €6 billion.

NATIVA – Leonardo Ghiraldini, Evolution Guide
Opportunities in Sport to Create Shared Value
NATIVA supports hundreds of organizations in transitioning to sustainable models. Ghiraldini, a former captain of the Italian national rugby team, is now committed to evolving the sports system and serves as a board member of the Italian Rugby Federation with responsibility for sustainability.

Ecopneus – Giorgio Pisano, Head of Market Development
Recycled Rubber Surfaces for More Sustainable Sports
Ecopneus, a non-profit consortium formed by major tire manufacturers in Italy, plays a strategic role in sustainability by supplying recycled rubber for sports flooring.

Roundtable Discussion

Healthy Cities Network – Francesco Caroli, National Coordinator
Journalist and collaborator with the City of Milan, Caroli coordinates the WHO-backed Healthy Cities project, aiming to ensure the highest level of health for global populations.

ASI – Achille Sette, Secretary General
Sette is a sports executive and Knight of Sports. He leads ASI’s general secretariat, an organization recognized by CONI that supports amateur sports, social and cultural activities.

UISP – Tiziano Pesce, President
Recently re-elected, Pesce leads the Italian Union of Sport for All (UISP), which promotes universal access to sports as a right.

OPES – Juri Morico, President
Now in his second term, Morico, former member of the scientific committees of university master’s programs in Media Entertainment and Sport Management, leads OPES, a national civic service and sports promotion entity.

ASC – Luca Stevanato, President
A lawyer and Confcommercio Roma board member, Stevanato is the national president of ASC – Confederated Sports Activities, active across Italy.

CSI – Beppe Basso, National Training Coordinator
A long-time kinesiology expert and former Sports Councillor in Asti, Basso now coordinates national training for CSI, a non-profit association promoting sport as a tool for education, growth, and social cohesion.