A day of reflection on the theme of Peace , a central topic in this historical moment at an international level, but which also has concrete implications at a local level.
This is what happened yesterday in Cagliari during the provincial Acli congress , which took place in the Caesar's Hotel.
"The ACLI can confirm their role as a bastion of social justice and solidarity, which are the fundamental values without which Peace is not possible. In a world marked by recurring crises and profound inequalities, even at a local level, our commitment can make a difference and must translate into concrete action to guarantee rights and dignity to all , especially the most vulnerable", the summary of the outgoing provincial president Giacomo Carta.
The day opened with the accreditation of delegates and guests , followed by a spiritual reflection led by deacon Ignazio Boi. Matteo Bracciali, national Acli delegate, greeted the audience with a speech in memory of Emilio Gabaglio and Domenico Rosati , Acli representatives who recently passed away. After the speeches of the Regional President Mauro Carta, the new coordinator of the youth of the Acli of Cagliari Marianna Laudi, the regional councilor Valter Piscedda and the councilor for Social Policies of the Municipality of Cagliari Anna Puddu, the debate opened.
Giacomo Carta took stock of the mandate just ended , highlighting the moments of personal and collective growth and highlighting the activities carried out during the four years of the mandate. Starting with the Civil Service projects, which involved over 130 young people, offering them an opportunity for personal and professional growth through volunteering. At the same time, the Punto Famiglia provided legal, psychological and family mediation advice, becoming a point of reference for families in difficulty. The "Genti de Bixinau - il vicino solidale" project encouraged neighborhood solidarity, offering concrete support to the elderly and vulnerable people. Also important was the "Vivere a lungo, vivere bene" project, aimed at improving the quality of life of the elderly through physical and social activities. There was no shortage of training initiatives, with courses ranging from the Italian language for foreigners, to languages, ceramics and computer literacy, promoting inclusion and development of skills. Finally, the Sportello Riparto was launched, in collaboration with the Movimento Consumatori, to help people and small businesses manage situations of over-indebtedness and regain economic stability.
Carta then underlined the crucial role played by Acli in a social context characterized by economic and demographic crises: «As emerges from the Mete report of CREI ACLI, the provinces of Cagliari and Southern Sardinia have suffered a significant loss of population, with 1,603 fewer people in Cagliari and 2,444 in Southern Sardinia between 2023 and 2024 – he said during his speech –. According to forecasts, by 2031 the province of Cagliari will lose over 16,000 inhabitants . The youngest age group (0-14 years) will decrease by 26.63%, the active population (15-64 years) will decrease by 10.99%, while the elderly population (65 and over) will increase by 26.66%. In Southern Sardinia, a population reduction of over 30,000 people is expected, with a 29.15% drop in young people and 16.40% in the active population, while the elderly population will grow by 15.61%. These data require serious reflection on the policies needed to reverse this trend and bring vitality back to our land. We need to work on two fronts: on the one hand, implement effective policies to support the elderly population , which is increasingly numerous; on the other, make Sardinia an attractive region for young people , so that they are not forced to emigrate in search of opportunities".
The president then remembered the figure of the historic Acli manager Tonino Tidu, to whom a touching musical moment was dedicated at the end of the morning.
During the Congress also the election of the thirty provincial councilors who will elect the president at the next council , twenty were elected by the congressional assembly and ten by the assembly of the Circle Presidents. The Women's Assembly then proceeded to the election of the new Coordination and the nomination of Rosangela Dessì as the new coordinator of the women of the ACLI of Cagliari.
(Online Union)
