Water, UNESCO Heritage and Future: Montecatini Terme World Water Day 202
World Water Day, established by the United Nations and celebrated every year on March 22, draws international attention to the importance of water resources and the need for sustainable and shared water management. The 2026 edition, dedicated to the theme “Water and Gender”, highlights the central role of women in the management, protection, and governance of water, while simultaneously emphasizing the inequalities that still characterize access to water resources in many parts of the world. In this context Montecatini Terme, part of the World Heritage site The Great Spa Towns of Europe, represents a symbolic place to reflect on the value of water not only as a natural resource but also as a founding element of cultural identity, health, and territorial development. The day intends to promote a dialogue between institutions, the scientific community, and the territory on the relationship between water, heritage, health, and sustainability, with particular attention to the involvement of new generations in the protection and communication of the thermal heritage. In this perspective, the day also represents a first moment of local activation of the GSTE Youth Forum, with the aim of involving local youth in the network’s decision-making processes and promoting their active contribution to international initiatives.
PROGRAM OF THE DAY
09:00 – 09:30 – Welcome and registration Welcome of participants. Screening of historical and contemporary images of the Montecatini Thermal Baths curated by the school of art education of the Carrara Academy of Fine Arts.
09:30 – 10:00 – Institutional opening Moderator: Giovanni Iannelli, Director of the RAI Tuscany Regional Office Claudio Del Rosso, Mayor of Montecatini Terme Claudio Ricci, Vice President of the Italian National Commission for UNESCO Magdalena Landry, Director of the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe
10:00 – 10:30 – Water, heritage and historic cities Moderator: Marco Raugi, UNESCO Chair holder, University of Pisa Peter DeBrine, UNESCO World Heritage Centre Water management in UNESCO sites between climate change and conservation Maurizio di Stefano, President of ICOMOS Italy Water, urban planning and world heritage
10:30 – 12:00 – Young guardians of water and heritage Moderator: Annateresa Rondinella, UNESCO Chair, University of Pisa Launch of the Montecatini Water Charter
Beatrice Chelli, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Montecatini Terme Commitment of new generations for the protection of water resources and the enhancement of the thermal heritage. Presentation of the GSTE Youth Forum and local activation Involvement of local youth in network activities and international initiatives. Italo Carmignani, Journalist for Il Messaggero Communicating the thermal heritage: languages and youth leadership between storytelling and podcasts Contributions from students of the Montecatini Terme area With the contribution of young graduates from the Carrara Academy of Fine Arts, as part of an initial path of exchange and training. Delivery ceremony of the Montecatini Water Charter Student testimonials
12:00 – 12:30 – Thermal waters between health and wellbeing Introduced by: Giuliano Grazzini, former Director of the National Blood Centre – National Institute of Health Annamaria Colao, Vice President of the Superior Council of Health The role of thermal waters in prevention, health, and community wellbeing.
12:30 – 13:00 – Territorial focus The waters of Montecatini: science, treatment, and research Moderator: Marco Amerigo Innocenti, Journalist Alessio Calvetti, Geologist Origin and hydrogeological characteristics of Montecatini thermal waters in light of the latest scientific research Serena Guiducci, University of Florence The clinical use of thermal waters: evidence and research perspectives
13:00 – Conclusions Synthesis of the day and closing of the proceedings.
Montecatini Terme awaits you to experience authentic emotions through culture, wellness, and events. Follow us on our social media channels to stay updated on all appointments and discover the latest news in the program.
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