The Palazzo Vecchio. Photo: Shutterstock
The heart and origin of the Renaissance, Florence, is set to be the backdrop of a new project. Announced today, the Renaissance Awards have been launched by Eco-Age, the president of Tuscany, Eugenio Giani, and the Mayor of Florence, Dario Nardella, to recognize the work of young leaders in sustainability at an international level. Held in the iconic Palazzo Vecchio, the award seeks to honor the work of emerging changemakers in their fight for a world that is “socially just, economically inclusive, environmentally restorative, and technologically balanced.”
It is these four tenets that form the central theme of the awards. Socially Just aims to explore how the principles of human rights, access, participation, and equity are crucial to this cause, and Environmentally Restorative ensures businesses work to secure a biodiverse future. Meanwhile, Economically Inclusive means that there is an inclusive market economy ensuring fair access and better economic opportunities to all. Technologically Balanced aims to achieve sustainability in collaboration with technology and implementing lasting solutions to protect biodiversity.
Vogue Arabia Sustainability Editor-at-Large and Eco-Age founder Livia Firth. Photo: Courtesy of Eco-Age
Livia Firth, co-founder, and creative director of Eco-Age and Vogue Arabia’s Sustainability Editor-at-Large says, “The drive, solutions and energy of young activists coming together to tackle the crisis in nature and climate is spellbinding. I knew from the outset that I wanted to help create a project that celebrated world-changing young leaders across disciplines, and I knew that we should pay homage to this second renaissance from Florence.”
Held in partnership with Method, Lavazza, and Mastercard, the event aims to bring to the forefront novel technological advancements in sustainability, which is almost a sharp contrast to its historical location. The award will be presented in the form of an NFT donated by the strategic partner Method. Instagram will also premiere its Virtual Green Carpet, featuring inspiring messages to the leaders from influencers to musicians, actors, and artists, among others.
The event will have its global premiere on October 11. It will be captured in a movie format by Grammy-nominated director Giorgio Testi, and will feature A-listers inside Palazzo Vecchio, with the help of augmented reality. This provision will also work to complement the Renaissance art inside the Palazzo Vecchio, for the first time ever.
