University of Udine and Montagna Leader, a pact for the mountains

The University of Udine and Montagna Leader have formed a pact for the mountains, particularly those of Pordenone . Rector Roberto Pinton and Roberto Sonego , president of the Local Action Group that promotes the endogenous and sustainable development of rural and mountain areas, have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on training, research, and development activities in and for the mountains, particularly those of Western Friuli.

The goal is to outline a joint work program that can bring benefits in terms of social, cultural, and economic growth to the Pordenone mountains and the regional mountain areas, especially for young people. The protocol is for three years and will be implemented through individual projects. Also present at the signing were the University's scientific advisor for the agreement, Mauro Pascolini , delegate for the Cantiere Friuli project, and the director of Montagna Leader, Pier Giorgio Sturlese .

The University of Friuli and Montagna Leader are committed, in particular, to: promoting and supporting training, teaching, research, and innovation activities; strengthening and implementing strategies for the socioeconomic development of mountain areas; carrying out public awareness-raising and dissemination initiatives on mountain issues; and jointly developing projects to access national and international funding.

"The University of Udine," rector Roberto Pinton emphasized, "has become a point of reference at the local, national, and international levels for education and research, and is also strongly committed to knowledge transfer, also thanks to the Cantiere Friuli project. This agreement will allow us to strengthen our shared commitment with all local institutions, particularly for the economic, social, and cultural development of the mountains, in this case the Pordenone area, with a particular focus on the role of younger generations."

For Montagna Leader President Roberto Sonego , "the ultimate goal of this collaboration is to envision a future in which living in the mountains isn't a limitation, but a valuable choice. The agreement signed with the University of Udine is an important first step toward realizing this goal."

This agreement, explains Professor Mauro Pascolini , "consolidates a long-standing collaboration that has led to the establishment of the Friulian Dolomites Mountain School, several partnerships within European programs such as Interreg Circacibum, the GIM project dedicated to youth entrepreneurship, and several other projects aimed at making these areas virtuous examples of local development. This is a concrete result of Cantiere Friuli's ongoing co-planning efforts with the local community."