Solfagnano Charter, Locatelli: Two Years After the G7 on Inclusion and Disability, the Commitment Continues with Concrete Action and Responsibility
ROME, 16 OCTOBER 2026 – “The Solfagnano Charter marked a significant milestone in placing the rights of persons with disabilities at the centre of the political agenda, strengthening dialogue and cooperation among institutions, associations and civil society organisations, both in Italy and internationally. Over the past two years, through the reform on disability and the numerous measures implemented, we have worked to translate shared principles into concrete actions, placing the person at the centre, with their talents, aspirations and right to full participation in community life. The direction is set and there is no turning back, yet many challenges remain: we must continue to work on accessibility, employment inclusion, independent living and the quality of services, the reform of which represents one of the greatest challenges before us. The Solfagnano Charter is not a finish line, but a continuous commitment that we pursue together, with responsibility and concrete action”.
These were the words of Minister for Disabilities Alessandra Locatelli during the meeting of the National Observatory on the Condition of Persons with Disabilities, at the session marking the second anniversary of the signing of the Solfagnano Charter, the final document of the first ever G7 dedicated to Inclusion and Disability, adopted on 16 October 2024.
“I am proud that Italy championed and promoted the G7 on Inclusion and Disability, succeeding in bringing all participating countries together around a tangible shared commitment, the Minister added. I regret, however, that this momentum has not yet found continuity in all countries. Placing the inclusion of persons with disabilities among international priorities means choosing to value every person and recognising that their rights must be at the heart of political agendas. This is a cause I do not intend to abandon: I will continue to work to ensure that the commitment initiated by Italy moves forward and finds renewed opportunities for engagement on international agendas”.
Minister Locatelli opened the proceedings. The discussions were moderated by Sergio Casagrande, Director of Corriere dellUmbria and the Gruppo Corriere publications.
Opening remarks were delivered by Antonio Caponetto, Head of Cabinet of Minister Locatelli; Serafino Corti, Coordinator of the OND Technical Scientific Committee; Vincenzo Falabella, President of FISH Italian Federation for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Families; video messages from Ministers Kerstin Griese from Germany, Patty Hajdu from Canada and Stephen Timms from United Kingdom; and a message from Nawaf Kabbara, President of the International Disability Alliance.
Further contributions were provided by Rosario Valastro, President of the Italian Red Cross; Sister Veronica Donatello, Head of the National Service for the Pastoral Care of Persons with Disabilities of the Italian Bishops Conference; and Giorgio Barchiesi, known as Giorgione, who led the inclusive culinary experience at the Castle of Solfagnano.
Contributions were also made by Maria Grazia Proietti, Umbria Regional Councillor for Social Policies; Donatella Tesei, President of the Umbria Region in 2024 and currently Regional Councillor; and Paola Fioroni, who in 2024 chaired the Regional Observatory on the Condition of Persons with Disabilities and organised several G7 related initiatives.
A dedicated segment focused on the Castle of Solfagnano, venue of the Summit and signing of the Charter, with the participation of Francesca and Paola Colaiacovo, co-owners of the estate together with their family.
Employment, accessibility and sport were addressed by Father Andrea Bonsignori, President of the social enterprise BreakCotto; Dino Angelaccio, expert adviser to the Minister; and Alessandro Palazzotti, Deputy Vice President and National Director of Special Olympics Italy.
The protection of persons with disabilities in emergency situations, service quality and independent living were discussed by Fabio Ciciliano, Head of the Civil Protection Department; Friar Giulio Cesareo, Director of the Communication Office of the Sacred Convent of Assisi; and Francesca Di Maolo, President of the Serafico of Assisi.
The event concluded with a segment dedicated to the message of Saint Francis, with the presentation of the Talent Workshop project currently underway in Kenya by Minister Locatelli and Antonella Nicotra, Head of the Department for Policies in favour of Persons with Disabilities, together with a video message from Davide Rondoni, President of the National Committee for the Celebration of the Eighth Centenary of the Death of Saint Francis of Assisi.
During the Observatory session, the activities of the FON.TE. Fund were also presented through a report by President Maurizio Grifoni, as well as the initiatives of the Earth Day Italia Foundation, with Giuliano Giulianini outlining the Earth Village project.