Panel talk at WDCC 2025, 26.09, Shanghai

On Friday, September 26th, the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce (CICC), in collaboration with Research Lab for Sustainable Business and Cultural Bridge, D&I, Tongji University, successfully hosted the panel talk “LEADERS’ TALK - Italy: Sustainable Design Excellence - Leaders of Italian Companies in China share implemented strategies and direct experiences” that took place at Huangpu Riverside, Shanghai in the framework of WDCC 2025 (World Design Cities Conference).

• The talk was held within the framework of WDCC 2025 as part of “Italy: Sustainable Design Excellence – Temporary Museum of Italian Industrial Excellence in China”.
• Attendees, both online and offline, explored how Italian industries embed sustainability into production, services, and strategies to drive success, innovation, and revenue.
• Panels showcased Italy’s leadership in environmental and social sustainability, presenting real-life cases at European and global levels.

Panel 1: “Sustainability and brand’s DNA; exploring the interconnections, empowerment, and impacts of sustainability on design, business ecosystems, and the value chain.”

• Bracco – Yijia Zhou, Head of Communication
• Luxottica - Milena Cavicchioli, VP, Marketing, GC Essilorluxottica
• Santoni - Riccardo Stiglich, CEO office member
• Pelliconi (Suzhou and Changzhou) - Lorenzo Bali, Deputy General Manager

Panel 2: “Sustainability and success: discussing how sustainable technologies, processes, products, and services contribute to a company’s DNA, excellence, innovation drive, and long-term success.”

• Natuzzi – Daniele Tranchini, Chief Marketing & Communication Officer, who participated by sending a recorded video
• Alfa Romeo - Niccolò Zamboni, Head of Marketing & Customer Experience
• Carel China - Luciano Marzaro, Managing Director
• Icona Design Group - Enea Colombo, Global General Manager

Both panels were moderated by Professor Avril Accolla, Tongji University & CICC Board Director.

The event concluded with a networking aperitif at the Temporary Museum of Italian Industrial Excellence in China.

A big thank you goes to WDCC, Tongji University, the attending companies, and all the participants who made this event a success.

As always, the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce continues to support Italian companies with targeted events that not only promote Italian excellence, but also provide opportunities for updates, networking, and strengthening relationships with local authorities, supporting Italian businesses in their growth and success in the Chinese Market.