SDG 16 – Peace, justice and strong institutions
IULM reflects in its core values the university’s dedication to the pursuit of peace and justice and to upholding strong institutions. The university is committed to a comprehensive set of measures to this end, which include the following University governance measures and provisions for Working with government:
Università IULM as a body has elected representation on the university's highest governing body from: faculty, staff (non-faculty employees), students (both undergraduate and graduate) which guarantees inclusive and participatory governance through elected representation of all academic constituencies within its highest decision-making and advisory bodies, as defined in the University Statute (Title II, Articles 7–14).
Board of
Directors (Consiglio di
Amministrazione)
The Board of Directors, the University’s supreme governing body responsible for strategic direction and financial management, includes elected representatives from students (undergraduate
and postgraduate), faculty, and non-faculty staff, alongside external members from the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and the business and
cultural sectors.
This pluralistic and inclusive composition ensures that university decisions are informed by a wide spectrum of perspectives within and beyond the academic community, reinforcing accountability and transparency. (Statute, Art. 8–9)
Academic Senate (Senato Accademico)
The Academic Senate, the highest academic body in charge of teaching and research policy, also includes elected
representatives from students, faculty, and staff, ensuring that academic decisions are co-designed with input from all key categories. (Statute, Art. 13–14)
Faculty Councils and Department Councils
At the operational level, the Faculty and Department Councils replicate this participatory model: each includes student delegates,
technical-administrative staff, and teaching staff, enabling direct engagement in curriculum design, quality assurance, and research planning. (Statute, Art. 30 and 33)
Expanded representation in institutional committees (2024–2025)
To strengthen inclusion beyond formal governance, IULM has expanded elected or designated representation across its advisory and thematic committees:
- Equal Opportunities Committee – chaired by the Rector’s Delegate for Equal Opportunities, includes elected representatives from faculty, staff, and students. The student representative is democratically elected by the student body (Decree 2024/02;).
- Sustainability Committee – includes members elected or appointed from all IULM constituencies (faculty, administrative staff, students), ensuring multi-stakeholder engagement in defining the University’s sustainability strategy.
Università IULM formally recognizes an independent and democratically elected students’ union through the establishment of the Student Council (Consiglio degli Studenti), as defined in Article 25 of the University Statute and regulated by the Regolamento del Consiglio degli Studenti (Rectoral Decree no. 19883/2022).
The Student Council operates as an autonomous, consultative, and representative body, coordinating all student representatives across the University’s governing and advisory structures and promoting full student participation in institutional governance. It provides a formal platform through which students contribute to academic quality assurance, equal opportunities, and campus life.
Composition and independence
The Student Council is composed of elected representatives from all faculties and institutional bodies, including:
- 1 student elected to the Board of Directors (representing students’ rights to study at the regional level);
- 1 student elected to the Academic Senate;
- Student representatives elected in each Faculty Council, the Quality Assurance Board, and the Evaluation Unit.
The Council is empowered to nominate student members for university committees and to ensure continuity of representation in cases of resignation or mandate expiration. It convenes publicly and operates with full autonomy in setting its agenda and electing its officers, in line with Italian Law 240/2010 on university governance and student participation.
Activities and impact
The Student Council has actively promoted civic participation and democratic culture across the academic community through open assemblies and initiatives, below a few examples from 2024:
- Student participation in national and regional consultative bodies (e.g. elections for the Consiglio Nazionale degli Studenti Universitari, 2024).
- Collaboration in the annual Bando per Associazioni e Gruppi Studenteschi, supporting over 20 student-led initiatives on citizenship, culture, and inclusion.
- Student participation in international diplomacy and dialogue through the National Model United Nations program (ASTRA–IULM delegation, 2024).
Università IULM as a body has written policies and procedures to identify local stakeholders external to the university and engage with them, embedded in its governance framework and operational structures as clear mechanisms for the identification and engagement of local stakeholders external to the University. These procedures are defined in the University Statute (Art. 8) and in the Strategic Plan 2025–2027, which explicitly recognizes stakeholder engagement as a strategic driver of IULM’s mission in education, research, and public value creation.
Governance and Policy Framework
The Board of Directors, the highest governing body, ensures external stakeholder representation through:
- one member appointed to guarantee the University’s connection with civil society, culture, communication, and the media;
- one member representing the MondoIULM Association, a corporate network of 30 companies and institutions supporting IULM’s educational, research, and third mission objectives.
The Strategic Plan 2025–2027 defines stakeholder engagement as a transversal commitment to “strengthen partnerships with enterprises and institutions, enhance knowledge transfer, and align programs with societal needs” (pp. 19–37). It also introduces quantitative targets for new partnerships and donor relations supporting innovative teaching and public engagement initiatives.
Operational Structures for Stakeholder Engagement
Università IULM coordinates its stakeholder engagement through a structured system of offices, associations, and institutional units, ensuring that every stakeholder community is represented and actively involved in the university’s academic, cultural, and social mission.
- Companies and private sector partners – engaged through the MondoIULM Association; the Career Service & Corporate Relations Office; the Special Projects and Partnerships Offices; the IULM Communication School; and the Marketing & Advertising Area
- Public institutions and governmental bodies – engaged through the MondoIULM Association, the Third Mission Office and the International Affairs & Rankings Office
- Cultural organizations and creative industries – connected via the MondoIULM Association, the Special Projects Office, the Third Mission Office and the Marketing & Advertising Area
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society – involved through the Third Mission Office, the Youman Platform, and the Special Projects Partnerships Office
- Students and graduates – represented and supported by the Student Council, the Career Service & Corporate Relations Office, the Orientation, Tutoring & Counseling Office, the IULM Communication School; the Study Abroad Office and the Library & Documentation Centre
- Alumni network – coordinated through the IULM Alumni Association (ALIULM)
- Schools and teachers – reached by the Orientation, Tutoring & Counseling Office
- International universities and research institutions – engaged by the Study Abroad Office, the International Affairs & Rankings Office, and the Youman Platform.
- Local community and citizens – involved through the Third Mission Office, the MondoIULM Association, and the Marketing & Advertising Area.
- Media and communication agencies – connected through the Marketing & Advertising Area,
- Academic and administrative staff – supported by the Human Resources Office
- Suppliers, banks, and service providers – managed by the Finance, Budget & Procurement Office
- Multilateral organizations, and research centres – coordinated through the Youman Platform, the International Affairs & Rankings Office, and the Special Projects and Partnerships Office.
Community and Territorial Engagement
IULM maintains an active civic presence in Milan’s Barona district and beyond through its Third Mission strategy and public cultural activities:
- IULM for the City: free lectures and events open to citizens on social, cultural, and ethical themes;
- TAM TAM – Museo diffuso della Comunicazione: permanent outdoor exhibition integrating art, architecture, and communication in the local urban fabric;
- Noir in Festival, AI.Motion Festival, and Sognielettrici: public cultural events enhancing urban participation;
Università IULM ensures that local stakeholders in the university, including local residents, local government, and civil society representatives (including refugee related groups), have a meaningful mechanism for participating in the university decision making and governance processes.
Governance Representation
The University Statute explicitly defines stakeholder participation within the Board of
Directors, the University’s highest governing body responsible for strategic, financial, and institutional decisions.
According to Article 8 of the Statute, the Board is composed of members representing all components of the university community and the broader social and institutional context. Among them:
- A distinguished external personality, of non-academic background, “capable of ensuring the University’s connection with civil society and the world of culture, communication and media”, designated by the Academic Senate. This role is currently held by Dr Daniele Manca, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Corriere della Sera, representing the national media and cultural sector.
- A representative of the diplomatic service, designated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, currently Dr Simon Carta, ensuring institutional dialogue with governmental and international organizations.
- A representative of the MondoIULM Association, elected by the Board and nominated by the Association itself. MondoIULM brings together 30 companies, public institutions, and cultural organizations, serving as IULM’s formal interface with the business and civic community.
This composition guarantees that external stakeholders—industry, civil society, media, and diplomacy—hold deliberative voting rights and contribute directly to strategic decisions, including the University’s budget, policies, and partnerships.
Additional Mechanisms for Stakeholder Engagement
Beyond formal representation on the Board, IULM has established structured platforms to ensure regular consultation and co-design with external partners:
- The Third Mission Office coordinates participatory initiatives with local cultural institutions, NGOs, and civil society, integrating their input into project planning and community programs (IULM for the City, TAM TAM – Museo diffuso della Comunicazione).
- The MondoIULM Association contributes to policy discussions through advisory meetings with the Rectorate and the Board, aligning academic innovation with labour-market and social priorities.
- The UNHCR Inclusive University Manifesto, signed by IULM, formalizes collaboration with refugee-support organizations, ensuring that people with international protection status participate in university life through scholarships, counselling, and representation mechanism.
- The Strategic Plan 2025–2027 embeds stakeholder participation across governance levels, requiring “continuous consultation with institutional partners, enterprises, and civic organizations” to co-design academic and research development strategies.
Università IULM has a publication of the university's principles and commitments on organized crime, corruption & bribery, detailing explicitly the university’s maintenance of a robust, legally grounded governance system to prevent, detect, and sanction any form of organized crime, corruption, or bribery, ensuring full integrity, transparency, and compliance across all its operations.
Formal Policy Framework
The University’s ethical and legal commitments are codified in the “Modello di
Organizzazione, Gestione e Controllo” (Organizational, Management, and Control Model), adopted by the Board of Directors.
This model establishes:
- A comprehensive set of organizational, management, and financial control procedures aimed at preventing offences such as corruption, bribery, fraud, and organized crime;
- An independent Supervisory Body (Organismo di Vigilanza, OdV) empowered to monitor compliance, conduct investigations, and report directly to the Board of Directors;
- A mandatory Code of Ethics, which defines the values, rights, and responsibilities of all members of the IULM community and external contractors, ensuring ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability;
- A detailed disciplinary system applicable to faculty, staff, executives, and external partners, providing for sanctions in case of violations, up to termination or contract cancellation;
- A structured risk assessment and mapping process identifying activities potentially exposed to corruption or criminal risks, and the related control protocols.
Whistleblowing and Reporting Mechanisms
IULM updated its integrity system by adopting a digital
Whistleblowing Procedure, compliant with Legislative
Decree 24/2023 (EU Directive 2019/1937).
The platform allows all members of the IULM community and external collaborators to report suspected
violations anonymously and securely, guaranteeing full confidentiality and protection from retaliation.
Reports are received exclusively by the independent Supervisory Body (OdV) via dedicated digital channels and are handled under a formalized operational protocol that includes:
- secure, encrypted communication systems;
- verification, investigation, and documentation of each report;
- mandatory non-retaliation and protection measures for whistleblowers;
- sanctions against false or malicious reporting.
Implementation and Oversight
The OdV, operating with full autonomy and independence, ensures:
- periodic monitoring of compliance and reporting to the Board of Directors;
- training programs for academic and administrative staff on ethical conduct and legal responsibilities;
- annual reviews of the Model’s effectiveness and updates based on new legislation and risk assessments;
- disciplinary enforcement under the integrated IULM Code of Ethics and the national labor law framework.
Università IULM as a body has a policy on supporting academic freedom (freedom to choose areas of research and to speak and teach publicly about the area of their research), which explicitly guarantees the freedom of research, teaching, and expression through formal institutional and legal commitments enshrined in its Statute and supporting governance documents.
Formal Policy Framework
Article 4 of the University’s Statute fully safeguards the freedom of teaching
and research.
It establishes that all faculty members and researchers enjoy autonomy in their scientific and
educational activities, within the framework of the Italian Constitution (Article 33) and the European Charter for Researchers (2005/251/EC).
The article affirms that the University:
- recognizes and protects the independence of thought and inquiry of its academic staff;
- guarantees that teaching and research are conducted without political, religious, or economic interference;
- ensures that staff and students may freely disseminate the results of research and participate in public debate.
Implementation and Institutional Practices
IULM reinforces these principles through:
- its IULM Code of Ethics, which explicitly upholds “intellectual independence, scientific rigor, and the free expression of ideas as fundamental to the University’s mission”;
- a transparent research governance system, ensuring faculty autonomy in selecting research topics, methodologies, and collaborations within national and international frameworks
- open publication policies, encouraging faculty to publish without prior institutional approval and to participate in public dissemination and media commentary related to their expertise;
- editorial independence in all University-affiliated journals and publishing series;
- ethical review procedures that protect academic integrity without limiting freedom of inquiry.
Università IULM has a publication of university financial data ensuring financial transparency and accountability, in compliance with Italian Legislative Decree 33/2013 (“Amministrazione Trasparente” framework) and with the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) open data requirements.
Public Access and Governance
- The University’s Statute (Articles 8–9) and the Regolamento di Ateneo per l’Amministrazione, la Finanza e il Controllo assign the Board of Directors full responsibility for the approval of the annual and multi-year financial statements (Bilancio d’Esercizio). In compliance with national legislation (D.Lgs. 33/2013, D.Lgs. 39/2010, and Law 240/2010), all university financial statements are subject to independent external audit.
- the MUR (Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca) national database (see “Gettito della contribuzione studentesca”) reports financial data for all Italian universities, including IULM under Milano – Libera Università di Lingue e Comunicazione IULM.
Research and Third Mission Income (Strategic Plan)
Also, IULM has published in its Strategic Plan 2025–2027 details about research budget and income and third-mission revenues, which have shown a steady upward trend due to the growth of competitive grants and partnerships.
Research Budget
|
Year |
Budget |
|
2022 |
623.000 € |
|
2023 |
678.000 € |
|
2024 |
738.000 € |
Research income
|
|
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Commissioned research projects |
650.381,00 € |
376.670,00 € |
412.580,49 € |
|
Competitive research projects |
457.307,57 € |
438.677,22 € |
636.678,78 € |
Università IULM actively provides specific expert advice to local, regional, national, and international government bodies, through policy guidance, participation in committees, and provision of evidence, contributing to the formulation of public policies and institutional strategies on sustainability, intercultural communication, digital governance, and education.
Strategic partnerships and collaborations with public institutions demonstrate IULM’s ongoing commitment to policy dialogue and evidence-based governance.
International and national partnerships:
- FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: IULM collaborates with FAO on education and communication for sustainable food systems. This includes joint research projects and the International Winter School on Food Safety, Sustainable Development and Behavioural Change, focusing on behavioural change communication for food security.
- UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development: Through its adherence to the Decade of the Sea Manifesto, IULM promotes policy awareness on ocean sustainability, supporting UN initiatives with events and workshops on ocean literacy and environmental governance.
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI): IULM supports governmental internationalisation and cultural diplomacy initiatives through projects such as Invest Your Talent in Italy and the MAECI–MIUR–CRUI internship programmes, contributing to Italy’s global education and diplomacy strategies.
Engagement with government and public administrations:
- IULM collaborates periodically with the Municipality of Milan to provide input on student housing and urban development policies, contributing data and strategic analysis to inform local housing solutions and sustainable campus planning.
- The project “Interculturalità e Anagrafe”, developed with the Municipality of Milan – Civil Registry Office, provided training and guidelines for public officials to improve intercultural communication and citizen engagement in local administration.
- The Roundtables on Arabic Language Education in Italy (2024) gathered representatives from the Ministry of University and Research and regional school authorities to shape national strategies for linguistic inclusion.
- The European AI Act conference (2025) brought together European Parliament representatives, jurists, and academics to discuss Italy’s role in the implementation of the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act, highlighting IULM’s advisory role in digital ethics and governance.
- Through the Convention between IULM and the Carabinieri Corps, the University provides scientific and communication expertise to support institutional strategies on legality, security awareness, and ethical governance.
- In 2024, IULM hosted a regional policy roundtable with the Lombardy Regional Council and the Assessor for Innovation on Open Innovation and Territorial Competitiveness, providing academic input for regional innovation and research policies.
- The University’s active participation in the Milan Green Week positioned IULM as a knowledge partner for municipal sustainability policies, contributing to the city’s environmental governance agenda.
Policy dialogue through academic events:
- The conference “Green Deal: Actions and Innovations for Sustainability at the Local Level” a discussion addressing policy-makers about the implementation of the European Green Deal as a key EU strategy to tackle environmental challenges and advance the transition to a green economy.
- During the IULM Sustainability Week 2024, national and local policy-makers were invited to campus debates on climate policy, education for sustainability, and just transition.
- The webinar “Turismo e Clima” explored policy implications of climate change on the tourism sector, with representatives from regional authorities and environmental agencies.
- The conference “Young people, voting and the future”, organised by the IULM Student Council and national institutions at the Senate of the Republic, in Rome, promoted youth participation in democratic life and electoral education.
- The Italian Cuisine Week in the World – Seminar by Professor Vincenzo Russo in Oman involved IULM’s cooperation with the Italian Embassy in Muscat and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, contributing to cultural diplomacy and public communication initiatives abroad.
- The conference “Transizione 5.0: Governance, Impresa e Sostenibilità”, featuring IULM Rector Valentina Garavaglia and national policy-makers, contributed expert insights to the debate on Italy’s green and digital transition policies.
- Through research dissemination events such as “False ESG Narratives” and “Professioni della Sostenibilità”, IULM contributed to national discussions on ESG transparency, corporate ethics, and sustainability regulation.
Research-Based Policy Advice
In addition to institutional partnerships and events, Università IULM provides expert advice to public institutions through commissioned and competitive research projects (ricerca in conto terzi e competitiva).
Recent initiatives include Predisposizione questionari e analisi dei dati per la stima della domanda multimodale integrata AMT Trenitalia, Linee guida per lo sviluppo turistico della destinazione Luino, “SISS – Sustainable Innovation in Services”, and “AI Magister – Artificial Intelligence and Society (PNRR)”, developed in collaboration with national ministries, regional authorities, and public agencies to inform policies on digital transformation, inclusion, and circular economy.
Departmental research further supports public institutions through projects such as Dentro la permacrisis: un’analisi qualitativa della rappresentazione mediale del conflitto in medio oriente, GIG UP 2, Creatività urbana, eredità coloniale e politiche di patrimonializzazione in Africa Occidentale, Arte gratuita. Guida ai monumenti pubblici di Milano, and I valori della controcultura nell’era della deglobalizzazione. Una mappatura dell’impegno politico attraverso arti e media, addressing key policy issues such as digital democracy, cultural governance, and public communication ethics.
Through these collaborations, IULM positions itself as a trusted
knowledge partner for policy-making, providing governments and institutions with research, communication expertise, and platforms for intercultural and sustainable dialogue.
The University’s active role in applied research and public consultation reinforces its contribution to evidence-based policy development at the local, regional, national, and
international levels.
Università IULM actively provides outreach, general education,
upskilling and capacity-building to policy- and law-makers and and public officials on relevant topics including education, economics, law, technology, migration and displacement, and climate change through conferences, professional training, and public engagement initiatives.
These initiatives also cover sustainability, digital governance, AI regulation, intercultural communication, and social inclusion and contribute to evidence-based public policy and the strengthening of institutional capacities at local, national, and international levels.
1. IULM Flow Talks and Policy-Oriented Webinars
Through its IULM Flow Talk platform, the University organizes open-access webinars targeting decision-makers, corporate leaders, and public sector representatives.
The 2024–2025 cycle included sessions on sustainability
communication, ESG transparency, and climate governance, featuring national and international experts such as One Ocean Foundation’s representatives and IULM faculty in strategic communication.
The series serves as a neutral platform for dialogue among academia, policymakers, and private sector stakeholders.
2. AI Governance and Digital Policy Capacity-Building
In 2024, IULM hosted the high-level conference “The European AI
Act”, which convened members
of the European Parliament, jurists, and researchers to discuss the implications of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act for Italian and European governance systems.
The event provided public officials and policymakers with tools to interpret the new regulatory framework for AI ethics, risk management, and algorithmic transparency.
Complementing this, the conference “Che Genere di
AI” examined gender bias
and human rights in artificial intelligence, further supporting digital policy literacy among institutional audiences.
3. Environmental Governance and Climate Policy Education
IULM continues to contribute to climate and sustainability policy dialogue through international representation and collaborative events:
- At COP28 (Dubai), IULM participated in discussions within the Italian Pavilion, where Professor Stefania Romenti presented on strategic communication for climate action, emphasizing youth participation and intergenerational dialogue.
- The University’s role at EXPO 2023 reinforced this mission: its research centres, including CIMASC and the Behavior & Brain Lab, organized a congress on eco-consciousness and environmental communication, offering guidance to public administrators and sustainability practitioners.
- During IULM Sustainability Week 2024, policymakers, regional representatives, and corporate leaders participated in thematic sessions on climate literacy, ESG regulation, and green innovation, fostering cross-sectoral dialogue.
4. Tourism, Urban Policy, and Local Government Training
As part of its collaboration with local institutions, IULM organized the webinar “Turismo e
Clima”, addressing the policy implications of climate change on regional tourism
strategies.
The University also contributed to Milan Green Week
2024, enhancing public awareness and training for municipal policymakers and planners on sustainable urban development and environmental governance.
5. Policy Communication and Institutional Dialogue
Through the event “False ESG
Narratives” and the forum “Professioni
della Sostenibilità” (2024), IULM trained policymakers and communication professionals on ESG
compliance, corporate ethics, and anti-greenwashing communication under EU standards.
Moreover, the roundtable “Young People,
Voting and the Future”, held at the Senate of the Republic in Rome, engaged lawmakers and youth representatives in developing inclusive democratic participation frameworks. IULM also organized and hosted the Roundtables on Arabic Language Education in Italy (2024) aiming at training representatives from the Ministry of University and Research and regional school authorities to shape national strategies for linguistic inclusion.
Università IULM regularly undertakes policy-focused and commissioned research in collaboration with local, regional, and national government departments and bodies, contributing to the development, evaluation, and communication of public policies in sustainability, tourism governance, digital transformation, and social inclusion.
1. Policy Innovation through Competitive and Commissioned Research
In 2024, IULM consolidated its role as a research partner for public institutions through several competitive and commissioned research projects designed to inform public decision-making and governance models.
Among these:
- Linee guida per lo sviluppo turistico della destinazione Luino – a policy-oriented research initiative supporting regional and local authorities in designing frameworks for sustainable tourism and the circular economy.
- SISS – Sustainable Innovation in Services – focused on developing policy models for the green transition in public services, with direct application to institutional management and regulation.
- AI Magister – Artificial Intelligence and Society (PNRR) – part of the national PNRR programme, this project contributes to digital policy and AI governance, aligning with the European Union’s AI Act objectives.
- Predisposizione questionari e analisi dei dati per la stima della domanda multimodale integrata AMT Trenitalia – developing data collection tools and analytical models to optimise integrated public transport planning, support equitable revenue sharing, and promote inclusive and sustainable mobility
These projects strengthen the University’s collaboration with national ministries, regional administrations, and public agencies, translating academic research into policy innovation and applied governance tools.
2. Research Dissemination and Institutional Dialogue
IULM complements policy-oriented research with dissemination initiatives that promote continuous exchange between academia, institutions, and policymakers, fostering evidence-based governance and regulatory literacy.
Key 2024 events include:
- The AI Act European Conference – convening members of the European Parliament, national jurists, and academics to discuss the Italian implementation of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act.
- False ESG Narratives and Professioni della Sostenibilità – national conferences exploring ESG regulation, corporate ethics, and anti-greenwashing communication, supporting the development of public and corporate sustainability policies.
- The Milan Green Week 2024 – research-based collaborations with the Municipality of Milan providing policy recommendations on environmental sustainability.
- The Young People, Voting and the Future conference, held at the Senate of the Republic, advancing public debate on youth participation, electoral engagement, and democratic innovation.
3. Integration of Research and Policy for Sustainable Governance
Through these initiatives, IULM establishes itself as a knowledge and innovation partner for public administrations and international bodies, contributing to:
- Evidence-based policy design in sustainability, communication, and tourism.
- Development of ethical frameworks for digital governance and artificial intelligence.
- Inclusive public communication strategies to improve transparency and civic participation.
- Training and dialogue platforms for policymakers, students, and institutional leaders.
Università IULM as a body provides a neutral platform and "safe" space for different political stakeholders to come together to frankly discuss
challenges, promoting open, inclusive, and respectful dialogue among academia, government, civil society, and the private sector, in line with its mission to foster peace, justice, and strong institutions.
The University’s structure, academic programs, and events are designed to create safe, pluralistic and inclusive
spaces for debate on social, political, and cultural challenges, supporting the principles of academic freedom,
freedom of expression, and institutional transparency.
1. Governance Structure Ensuring Pluralism and Neutrality
According to Article 8 of the IULM Statute, the University’s Board of Directors includes representatives of the entire academic community and the broader institutional and civic context, ensuring balance and inclusiveness in governance.
Among its members:
- A distinguished external personality “capable of ensuring the University’s connection with civil society and the world of culture, communication, and media,” currently Dr. Daniele Manca, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Corriere della Sera, representing the national media and cultural sector.
- A representative of the diplomatic service, designated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, currently Dr. Simon Carta, ensuring dialogue between IULM and national and international institutions.
- A representative of the MondoIULM Association, which brings together 30 companies, public institutions, and cultural organizations, formally linking the University to the civic, business, and institutional ecosystem (MondoIULM).
This structure guarantees institutional pluralism and a neutral governance space where public, private, and social actors engage on shared challenges.
2. IULM Flow Talks: a Safe and Open Space for Public Dialogue
The University’s main platform for open debate, IULM Flow Talk, offers a neutral and international forum where scholars, journalists, policymakers, and citizens discuss current global issues, from AI ethics and sustainability to democracy and communication.
The series is accessible to the public both on campus and online, embodying IULM’s commitment to academic neutrality and freedom of expression.
Each talk encourages constructive confrontation of ideas and promotes mutual understanding across ideological and professional boundaries.
3. Dialogue Between Institutions, Policy-Makers, and Society
In 2024–2025, IULM consolidated its role as a bridge between academia and institutions by organizing conferences and events that foster public dialogue on democratic participation, digital transformation, and sustainability:
- AI Act European Conference – a national debate with members of the European Parliament, jurists, and scholars on the implementation of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, providing a neutral space for discussing AI governance and ethical frameworks.
- Young People, Voting and the Future – held at the Senate of the Republic, this dialogue between students, academics, and legislators explored youth participation in democratic life and civic engagement.
- Settimana della Sostenibilità IULM 2024 – an annual campus-wide forum where experts, public officials, and companies discuss the intersection of policy, communication, and climate action, in a context of institutional neutrality.
- False ESG Narratives and Professioni della Sostenibilità – national events that brought together regulators, enterprises, and communication professionals to examine transparency, corporate accountability, and the ethical dimensions of sustainability policies.
Through these initiatives, IULM promotes constructive policy dialogue and inter-institutional trust, advancing the public understanding of governance, inclusion, and responsible communication.
4. Neutral Forums for Cultural Diplomacy and Global Cooperation
The University also fosters intercultural and international dialogue through its public engagement activities and partnerships:
- The conference “Green Deal: Actions and Innovations for Sustainability at the Local Level” provided a safe academic environment for discussions about the implementation of the European Green Deal as a key EU strategy for addressing environmental challenges and advancing the transition to a green economy.
- Participation in Milan Green Week 2024 created public spaces for civic and policy dialogue on urban sustainability.
- The University’s collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs during The Italian Cuisine Week in the World – Oman Edition engaged policymakers, diplomats, and academics in cultural exchange and soft diplomacy through education and research.
5. Commitment to Freedom of Expression and Academic Debate
Aligned with international best practices, IULM is committed to maintaining freedom of speech, freedom of academic
inquiry, and open civic discourse as foundational principles of its mission.
Public lectures, student debates (such as the IULM Debate Club) and community forums reinforce the University’s identity as a safe environment for expression and an independent arena for public reasoning.
In this context, contrasting viewpoints are welcomed as opportunities for dialogue, respect, and critical thought, central to IULM’s educational and civic purpose.