A festival to give voice to independent themes and realities of the area to try to throw the seeds of a network capable of being heard. As part of the Sustainable Development Festival, from 9 to 11 May 2025, in one of the most historical and fascinating neighborhoods in Rome, the first edition of Networks: meetings between culture, rights, environment. An event that promises to be a crossroads of ideas, thoughts and reflections on the most urgent themes of contemporaneity, fromsocial inclusion at the climatic crisispassing through the enhancement of culture and rights. An opportunity to explore the interconnections between the environment, culture and territory, with a focus on minor realities and often unheard voices, which finally find a space of sharing and debate.
Garbatella, the historical neighborhood that becomes the scene of reflection
The choice of Social Lab house As a stage of the event it is not accidental. This corner of Garbatella, a neighborhood that represents one of the historical identities of Rome, is a symbol of resilience and community. Villetta Social Lab is, in fact, a place that for years has distinguished itself for its ability to accommodate and stimulate initiatives that have put the inclusiveness and active participation at the center. Here, among the streets of a neighborhood known for its distinctive architecture and its lively social scene, 16 meetings will be held, which will see the participation of over 30 guests, including authors, experts and activists.
Monica Maggi: Happy book
One of the main phautrics of this festival is Monica Maggi, founder of the Libra Cultural Association and one of the minds behind the creation of networks. His story of books, which has opened his heart and mind to the world of independent culture, has always been marked by a strong social commitment. Its cultural association is in fact a place where literature is intertwined with the sensitivity to civil rights, the environment and social dynamics. Monica’s passion for culture is fueled by the desire to make reading an instrument of change, capable of sensitizing and uniting people.
His vision of networks was born precisely from this belief: to create a network that not only dialogues with great social and ecological issues, but which allows small cultural realities to be visible and appreciated. Through her constant commitment, Monica brought to Rome a festival that is not only a container of literary meetings, but a real opportunity for comparison on relevant issues for society.
An inclusive festival between books, debates and insights
The net seed program is a rich and varied fresco that unfolds over three days. From the round table on culture and sport, inclusion and accessibility, to the discussion on the climatic crisis and the circular economy, passing through book presentations and insights on mental health, accessible tourism, marginalization and poverty. Each meeting is designed to stimulate a critical and shared reflection, highlighting experiences, voices and solutions from different social corners.
With over 30 guests, the festival will touch themes ranging from culture to social, from the environment to human rights. The meetings and debates scheduled face urgent issues such as the climatic crisis, the circular economy, social inclusion, and accessible tourism. In particular, there will be events focused on Culture and literaturewith meetings that will see the participation of authors, journalists and activists, and on Environmentwith round tables dedicated to innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.
An important contribution to the initiative also comes from the online newspaper Guillotine.infoco-organization of the Festival, who will actively participate through moderations and insights on the central themes of the event.
Word of order: inclusiveness
A central aspect of Networks It is its ability to integrate minor and independent realities in a context of great social relevance. With the participation of social cooperatives, independent publishing houses and active realities in the environmental sector, the Festival offers a unique opportunity for visibility to projects which, albeit small, are able to produce a positive impact on society. The initiative also stands out for its attention to social realities, such as i Revolutionary autistic bartenders of the cooperative Giuliaparlawho will manage the Osteria dell’Orchia, helping to make the Festival an experience that goes far beyond the simple cultural encounter.
The synergy between the Garbatella district, the Social Lab villa and the cultural, social and environmental realities involved, as well as the patronage of the Town Hall VIII of Roma Capitale makes it Networks An example of how culture can be a powerful tool of change. As pointed out by Monica Maggi, the event does not only want to raise awareness, but to create a network of exchange and collaboration between the different voices of our country. An initiative that, if it is successful, could become an annual appointment capable of growing and attracting attention to national level, contributing concretely to achieving the sustainable development objectives.
Here the complete program
