11/09/2026
Over three inspiring days in London, our 2026 Young Leaders cohort had the opportunity to engage with senior figures across politics, business, academia and the media, while also reflecting on the current strengths and future challenges of the UK–Italy relationship.
🏛️ Day 1
• Exclusive visit to UK Prime Minister, including an encounter with Larry the Chief Mouser.
• Welcome dinner with Young Leaders alumni, hosted by Paul Singh and Ottavia Cesari, Chair and Deputy Chair of the Young Leaders Alumni Steering Committee.
• An opportunity to build new connections, exchange experiences and kick off three days of dialogue and collaboration.
💡 Day 2
• Discussions at the Houses of Parliament with members of the UK-Italy APPG, including Baroness Hooper, Lord Hampton and Lord Russell, on policymaking, democratic institutions and the role of expertise in public life.
• Conversation at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office with Deborah Bonetti, President of the Foreign Press Association, on media, international affairs and transatlantic relations.
• Exchange at King's College London with Sophia Gaston on foreign policy and the evolving geopolitical landscape.
• Evening roundtable at Guildhall with Brunello Rosa and Riccardo Tordera-Ricchi exploring economics, innovation, digital assets and geopolitics.
🎨 Day 3
• Private tour of Tate Britain with curator Nicoletta Lambertucci.
• Exclusive visit to the The Wallace Collection hosted by Julia van Zandvoort.
• Reflections on the role of culture, heritage and soft power in strengthening international relationships.
• Farewell lunch hosted by Riccardo Smimmo, Deputy Ambassador of the Italian Embassy in London.
A sincere thank you to all the speakers, partners and alumni who contributed to the programme, and above all to this year's cohort for their enthusiasm, curiosity and commitment.
We look forward to following Young Leaders’ journeys and seeing how the relationships and ideas developed this week continue to strengthen UK-Italy ties in the years ahead.
