MSC Foundation hosts day of training and workshops at Global Youth Tourism Summit

Captains for a Day: 130 children and youths from over 60 countries around the world learn from experts about nautical technology and sustainability, then celebrate their achievements

Focus Area: Education

The MSC Foundation and MSC Group were key partners of the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s first ever Global Youth Tourism Summit, held in Sorrento between the 27th of June and 3rd of July.

The Summit builds on the recognition that sustainable development and peace cannot be achieved unless we involve young people and create the conditions that allow them to reach and unleash their full potential. Bringing together 130 delegates from over 60 countries worldwide, the Summit empowered youth to play an active role in the tourism sector by providing a platform for discussing innovative ideas, visions and proposals for the future of sustainable tourism, sharing their thoughts and learning together.

The MSC Foundation, MSC Cargo and MSC Cruises delivered key support, enabling the young delegates to gain hands-on experience of sustainable cruising and nautical technology. Opening the doors of the state-of-the-art MSC Training Center in Sorrento to the Summit, they provided a 1-day programme of training sessions and workshops called Shipping & Tourism as Drivers of a Sustainable Future.

Here, the young delegates were welcomed by Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the MSC Group Cruise Division, Global Chair of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and Chair of the Executive Committee and Board Member of the MSC Foundation. Motivational speeches followed from Prof. Alessandra Priante, Director of the UNWTO Regional Department for Europe, Daniela Picco, MSC Foundation Executive Director, Capt. Salvatore Cafiero, Director of Deck & Engine at the MSC Training Center, and Matteo Mancini, Youth Entertainment Senior Manager of MSC Cruises.

The training sessions and workshops led by MSC experts started by brainstorming the names and concepts of future Teens Club activities on the next-generation ship MSC World Europa, powered by liquified natural gas. The delegates then enjoyed the challenge of practical sessions on a ship bridge simulator led by top MSC Captains, berthing an MSC Cruises ship in the Port of Naples. This was followed by a workshop on how to tie nautical knots from the bowline to the fisherman’s knot, traditionally the cornerstone of a mariner’s training. The participants could also visit the Seaman’s Table to follow the history of nautical instruments from the sextant, compass and binoculars to the advanced technology on MSC ships today.

Completing the sessions, the delegates learnt about the sustainability practices and environmental technologies with which the MSC Group is continually reducing its environmental footprint and delivering on its commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050. The MSC Foundation’s nature conservation and humanitarian programmes were also presented, focusing in particular on its multiple efforts to restore valuable marine habitats and species.

A high-profile Buffet Gala Dinner at the MSC Club ended the day with inspirational speeches by Master of Ceremonies Alessandra Priante, Pierfrancesco Vago, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, Mayor of Sant’Agnello Piergiorgio Sacristani, Mayor of Sorrento Massimo Coppola, CEO of Cruise Lines International Association Kelly Craighead and the Italian Minister of Tourism, Massimo Garavaglia, and UNWTO Ambassador for Responsible Tourism Valeria Mazza.

During the speeches, UNWTO General Secretary Zurab Pololikashvili conferred the role of UNWTO Ambassador for Sustainable Tourism on Mr. Pierfrancesco Vago in recognition of his contribution to sustainable tourism.

The evening continued with presentations of Knot Master Awards to the 6 delegates who most distinguished themselves in the knot workshop and certificates of attendance for all who took part, given by UNWTO Ambassador for Responsible Tourism Didier Drogba, Captain Salvatore Cafiero and MSC Foundation Executive Director Daniela Picco.

"Restoring the health of the sea and its inhabitants is a vital priority for the MSC Foundation and youth education plays a key role,” commented Daniela Picco. “MSC is therefore delighted to have contributed to the tremendous success of the first Global Youth Tourism Summit, which provides the perfect platform to nurture future leaders in sustainable tourism".