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Lifelong Learning, Longevity And Innovative Tech: Rethinking Education At The BCCI 120th Anniversary Gala Dinner

FutureLearn, the leading UK-based online learning provider, attended a gala dinner celebrating the 120th anniversary of The British Chamber of Commerce for Italy (BCCI) on 23 October 2024 in Milan. As an event sponsor and Special Sustaining Member of the Chamber, FutureLearn joined this milestone event to mark over a century of the Chamber’s role in supporting and fostering trade and investment between the United Kingdom and Italy. 

As the Chamber’s flagship event, the gala brought together some of the most prominent figures from the Chamber’s business community, and offered a unique opportunity for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators from across the UK and Italy to discuss the future of education, global collaboration and innovation in learning. 

FutureLearn Executive Chairman, Lord Jo Johnson and FutureLearn Managing Director, Ian Howell attended the gala as representatives. The Rt Hon Edward Llewellyn OBE, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Italy and San Marino was also in attendance as the guest of honour and keynote speaker for the evening. 

The event featured greetings from Steven Sprague, President of The British Chamber of Commerce for Italy, The Rt Hon Edward Llewellyn OBE, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Italy and San Marino, Riccardo Smimmo, Vice Capo Missione, Ministro Plenipotenziario, Ambasciata d’Italia nel Regno Unito, and the Assessora Sport, Turismo e Politiche Giovanili, Comune di Milano, Martina Riva, as well as performances by the Chamber Choir of The British School of Milan and the renowned British baritone Tim Bagley plus a special tribute to Lord George Byron by British playwright Justin Butcher.

Sarah Varetto, EVP Communications, Inclusion & Bigger Picture of Sky Italia moderated a panel discussion during the dinner. On the panel, representatives from FutureLearn, Colt Technology Services and the BCCI, had an in-depth discussion around the central topic of longevity and education. 

Panellists explored lifelong learning, the role of technology to support learning (including the use of AI, virtual reality and MOOCs), learning in later life, cross-generational learning and mentorship, cultural shifts in attitudes to education and ultimately, what universities and corporations can do to support flexible learning.


With a growing number of shorter, stackable credentials (e.g. stackable microcredentials from Deakin University, Nottingham Business School and more), guests at this prestigious gala dinner were able to start rethinking traditional educational models and systems, with particular focus on a new educational model that sees people through multiple careers and technological transitions.

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