RMIT Europe and Global Victoria launch the Future Europe Series in Milan

The third edition of the Future Europe Series – a thought leadership program in the context of European investment in Victoria, Australia – has launched in Milan, Italy.

The 'Future Europe Series – Italy: Building for the Future' was supported by the Lombardy Region through its longstanding strategic partnership with the State of Victoria.

The event also aligned with the 20th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Milan and Melbourne.

Hosted at the Pirelli Tower, the panel discussion brought together senior leaders from companies with Italy-Australia interests for a conversation on skills, innovation and sustainability opportunities and challenges.

The event was opened by Mr Raffaele Cattaneo, Undersecretary for International and European Relations, Lombardy Region, and the Hon Tim Pallas, MP, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Growth and Minister for Industrial Relations, State of Victoria – Australia.

Undersecretary Cattaneo said that the Lombardy Region has a proud tradition of fostering relationships with Australia, having previously established partnerships with Queensland, New South Wales and most recently, strengthening its ties with the State of Victoria.

"This effort culminated in a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2022 between the Lombardy Region and Victoria, which remains in effect today and encompasses various areas of cooperation," he said.

"This includes topics covered through the Future Europe Series, such as the exchange of industrial policies and knowledge in the sectors of recycling and waste management or the collaboration in professional training and student mobility.

"The interest in creating better conditions and opportunities for mutual collaboration and business remains a central theme in our interactions, and we are proud to support the launch of the Future Europe Series in the region," Cattaneo said.

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From left: Gönül Serbest, Commissioner for Victoria to Europe, Middle East, Türkiye and Africa, State Government of Victoria, Australia; Hon Tim Pallas, MP, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Growth and Minister for Industrial Relations, State of Victoria – Australia; Consul-General and Trade and Investment Commissioner Rachel White; Undersecretary Mr Raffaele Cattaneo; Executive Director Professor Marta Fernandez

11 October 2024

The event highlighted Victoria’s long-standing, multifaceted relationship with the European Union, with a shared commitment to fostering strong people to people connections and economic ties.

Italy is at the heart of this relationship, said the Hon Tim Pallas, MP, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Growth and Minister for Industrial Relations, State of Victoria – Australia.

“The ties connecting Australia and Italy are built on trust, respect and deep people to people links,” Pallas said.

“In Victoria, we are proud to have the largest Italian-born community in Australia.

“Victoria’s trade and investment relationship with the region is also strong and continues to grow across a range of sectors,” he said.

“Lombardy, with its vibrant business ecosystem, is a natural partner for Victoria in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and sustainability.”

The Treasurer also shared the important role of Victorian universities such as RMIT and Monash in connecting with their European counterparts through research partnerships driving innovation and economic growth.

RMIT Europe’s Executive Director Marta Fernandez facilitated the panel discussion at the event in Milan, with speakers from Ghella, Rubicon, Monash University, Politecnico di Milano, Lendlease and Intesa Sanpaolo.

The event was chaired by Gönül Serbest, Commissioner for Victoria to Europe, Middle East, Türkiye and Africa, State Government of Victoria, Australia, with Rachel White, Consul-General and Trade and Investment Commissioner.

The event was supported by Austrade, the Australia Italy Business Association and Monash Prato.

The Future Europe Series in Milan, Italy follows previous editions in Spain and France.

Story: Karen Matthews

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Panel discussion at the Future Europe Series Milan, Italy

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11 October 2024

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RMIT Europe and Global Victoria launch the Future Europe Series in Milan