T H E F I R S T O F I T S K I N D

For one week in July, impassioned youth and future change-makers from all over the world come together for the Santo Stefano Summit. The summit takes place on the historic Italian islands of Ventotene and Santo Stefano, off the coast of Naples. This independent conference is organized and run entirely by international students. The purpose of this event is simple: With so much to fear in the world, with so much to fight for and to change, the Santo Stefano Summit convenes young people with the ambition to make the world a better, more just place. The conference topics focus on a select few global priorities that will continue to characterize the next 50 years, as our generation comes into its own as governors and policymakers across the world. Carefully curated conference programming guides participants to think about these issues in new ways. Participants debate amongst one another and share their experience and knowledge, all while having the chance to hear from world-renowned speakers and panels—including ambassadors, UN officials, NGO leaders, grassroots activists, academics, and more. The conference culminates in the drafting of nuanced, collaborative solutions to our conference topics. These solutions take form as “manifestos,” documents that follow in the footsteps of the 1941 Ventotene Manifesto—our flagship inspiration—which outlined a revolutionary vision for a federalist Europe. It is in this pluralistic spirit that we join together on Ventotene to prepare for a better tomorrow. You can learn more about the most recent edition of the summit (including our guest speakers, our itinerary, and our topics) by clicking the "2021" tab on this website.

C O N F E R E N C E T O P I C S

The next edition of the summit will prioritize two issues, both of which will anchor discussions for the conference's duration. Check back for the list of potential topics after the dates of the summit are announced.

* * *

Topics are chosen not only because of their urgency, but also because of their complimentary nature. Participants are urged to consider the interconnectedness of these issues' root causes and the interconnectedness of their potential solutions. Each topic will be incredibly broad and multi-faceted. This is an intentional choice, for it will allow participants considerable agency over the direction in which they take their debates. What issues in today's world need to be prioritized? Which actions or policies should be avoided by the international community, and which present necessary risks? We look forward to hearing YOUR stance. Apply to have your voice heard! More information on the application process can be found under the "Apply" tab on this website.