GENERALI GROUP MAGAZINE SINCE 1893 04

NUMBER

series 11 series

14 Suspended cities

2 Focus on environment

26 Margherita Hack: a life among the stars

40 An expedition to the North Pole

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44 40 34 19 30 37 26 22 32 14 10 2 6 4 NUMBER0 feature

Focus on environment Generali Group’s sustainability strategy

“Achieving long-term sustainable growth” and “encouraging a lower environmental impact” are two closely related pillars of Generali Group’s sustainability strategy. Economic growth cannot be sustainable if social values linked to quality and availability of primary natural resources such as water, air and soil, are compromised by careless management, which can threaten the quality of life of future generations. For this reason, Generali has decided to carry through an important international project to introduce an Environmental management system designated EMS.

EMS: a tool for continuous improvement EMS comprises those aspects of business management that relate to the organisational structure, and the responsibilities, procedures, processes and resources (human, technical and financial) defined and implemented for the management of environmental problems arising from business activity. The ultimate aim is constant and continuous improvement of environmental performance through the adoption of a

first, the “environmental aspects” were identified, the areas that have the greatest environmental impact index

 Generali intends to contribute to the development of an environmental culture bearing the stamp of sustainability

management model based on an iterative cycle of 4 principal phases: planning (Plan), implementation (Do), verification (Check) and action (Act). In following such a scheme, defining goals and procedures is not enough; when plans have been implemented it is also important to verify whether expected results have been achieved, and thus whether the system is functioning as intended, and to intervene with timely corrective actions where ineffectiveness is identified.

The GEMS project A number of sequential steps have been taken to identify a system structure that will meet the Group’s particular needs. First, the environmental aspects were identified, in other words those areas that most typify the Group’s activities and which therefore have the greatest environmental impact. Aspects directly linked to the conduct of business (direct aspects) include the consumption of natural resources (e.g. paper, water and electric power), waste generation (paper, IT materials etc.) and emissions of substances that influence global climate change, principally greenhouse gases. The ones on which Generali can exert some influence by taking appropriate measures (indirect aspects) include those associated with supplier activities, issuing companies, clients and the wider community. Generali can make an important contribution to educating and informing these stakeholders, thus encouraging the development of an environmental culture bearing the stamp of sustainability. index

 feature

Defining Environmental Policy was the first important step in the implementation of GEMS (Generali Environmental Management System). The Policy “establishes the guiding principles underlying Generali’s actions to protect the environment and prevent pollution, and defines the Group’s goals and the tasks it must set itself in order to achieve them”. It lays down commitments relating to climate change, lower consumption of natural resources, and continuous and transparent communication with all of the Group’s stakeholders, internal and external alike.

The commitments to improvement established in the Environmental Policy have been reformulated as Group Goals and Objectives; these set standards for the companies worldwide, which will define specific programmes to meet them, locally identifying possible areas of action and available resources (think globally, act locally). In the short and medium term, Generali’s principal goals include greater use of renewable energy and reduced consumption, increased separate waste collection, and the involvement of suppliers in environmental protection. Generali also intends to encourage eco-responsible attitudes in clients by offering “green” products.

Education and communication are key factors in integrating the environmental aspects of Generali’s activities, and are common to all implementation stages of Gems. Internally, this is a matter of continuously educating and informing

Group goals and objectives set standards for the companies worldwide index

 the solid foundations of the Environmental Management System are a prerequisite for obtaining long term effective results

employees, increasing their awareness of the impact of their work and empowering them to play a more active role in environmental protection. Externally, communication is fundamental to the spread of the environmental culture that Generali seeks to promote.

Future commitments and expectations From the very start of this project, the wide cultural diversity of the various countries in which Generali operates has required great commitment. Nevertheless, solid and lasting foundations have been built over a few months for gradual development of the System, which should produce beneficial results in the longer term. The next steps will involve constant monitoring of results measured through ad-hoc key-performance and management indicators, to adjust the System and define new improvement targets as necessary. In this way, one of Generali’s principal stakeholders, the environment, will be “listened to” and, above all, cared for.

Barbara Campisi Consuelo Bossi Materials and Natural Resources Department, index

 the interview

Life is all about people

interview with Paolo Frapiccini, CEO of Europ Assistance Italia Ph. Marco Scarpa index

 On July 6 the Board appointed change, and to see things from you as Chief Executive Officer different perspectives. of Europ Assistance Italia, an important day in your Is this a personal modus professional career. vivendi that also applies to It was definitely an important professional life? moment, not only in the I think so, because I believe professional sense but also that people around you, at for personal reasons, since work and elsewhere, can this job has brought me back always help you to improve. to . They can be a stimulus, perhaps holding views that Do you feel close ties to your are different from your own, country of birth? views that you can profit from. Basically I think that while the Very much so. Although my organisation and hierarchical family lives in , I’m from structure of a business or Recanati in Italy’s Marche office are important, the region, and I feel strong “for the best results people can make a success of an enterprise ties to this area and to my depends on individuals. A roots, but even more so to difference by the way they interact” business needs to have certain my parents, who did so much rules to function properly, but for me. At the end of senior for the best results people can school I knew that my leanings make a difference in the way were towards subjects like they interact. When there is maths, , chemistry three years during which I I wanted something different genuine co-operation between and English, and I wanted worked in sales first in Greece from life, I wanted to measure different functional areas, to take a degree course that and later in Scandinavia myself against others day everyone benefits, and both would give me a wide range of and England. However, it by day, to have business the business and its clients possibilities. A friend of mine eventually dawned upon me objectives and work in a team receive added value. who had gone to the Turin that I didn’t know much about to achieve them, and things of Polytechnic spoke about his economics, so I decided to that kind. Ultimately, then, the human experiences in such glowing return to my studies. I took factor is important even in terms that I decided to enrol a one and a half year Master Would it be fair to say professional life. on a civil engineering course course in economics at the that as an engineer you I think it counts for a great there. My parents supported Bocconi School of Business have swapped narrow deal, although you can’t me and gave me this great Management, which opened specialisation for a broader make progress unless you are chance, and I owe everything up other opportunities. After view? technically prepared. When to them. finishing the course I joined Yes, I think that’s true. In I assess a manager I have American Express in London, some ways I think I’m rational to think about leadership as What was your first job? where I arrived in 1989. and down-to-earth, but the well as goals. Anyone who is It was with Miroglio Tessile further my time studying competent and technically at Alba. It was a very It must have taken some engineering – which I call my prepared can attain pre-set important first step because courage to start again from rational period – was fading objectives, but not everyone it took me to a successful fresh… into the past, the more I has leadership qualities. To entrepreneurial operation To be honest I found pure was beginning to appreciate my mind if you get the results, that had a very wide range of engineering too restrictive the great pleasure that but you can’t work in a team working relationships with a very early on. After graduating philosophy and literature can and haven’t encouraged network of foreign commercial I went to work in a very bring, and I return to them collaboration or provided

and manufacturing companies, successful consultancy in whenever I have the time. I growth opportunities for index and was already investing Turin, but realised after one have always been convinced everyone, then you haven’t in China. I lived in Alba for week that it was not for me. of the necessity to accept completely achieved your

 theinterview

objectives. In my experience centre of affairs, and to through every product that in my view and deserve the motorway with three children those who make the fastest introduce change when also links every strategy and chance to prove it. in the back and you haven’t a progress are those who have required, continually offering every new idea, no matter clue on what to do, or if you marked leadership qualities. new products that promptly which of our business areas Your mission statement have a medical emergency, I recently read an article address real needs. Certainly it belongs to. I would like to declares that assistance perhaps when you’re abroad, by Alberoni about personal some of them are less see managers having more must be timely and effective, a Europ Assistance operator fascination. It struck a chord successful than others, but the opportunities for growth, and have a human face. Will at the other end of a phone with me because it dealt with important point is that there since I have seen a number of the human aspect survive can be of great help, or even the matters we’re discussing. is a common thread running people who are very talented the changes brought by seem like a life saver, and the The word “fascination” technology? human aspect is absolutely comes from the Latin fascina, The human element is essential. which has connotations of “I’m from Recanati fundamental to assistance wrapping, and fascination is in Italy’s Marche services; you can’t ignore Before long all customers something that draws you the fact that it’s all about will be familiar with the in and envelops you. Some region, and I feel people. That’s how it was new technologies. Will that people show this quality strong ties to this fifty years ago when Pierre change anything? very clearly, and can often area and to my Desnos developed these new It means that we will need to inspire others and create roots, but even services in France, and that’s be prepared. followership with just a how it remains, even though look or a word or two at the more so to my the tools and the methods But will they have different right moment. It’s a quality parents” have changed. If you’re sitting requirements? that we often think of as in a broken-down car on a I don’t think so, because empathy.

What were your impressions of Europ Assistance when you first arrived? It’s a young company, 40 years old last year, which has built its success on understanding its clients and always reacting innovatively to their requirements. I realised from the start that this constant attention to the client is part of the company’s DNA and brings a competitive advantage, because a happy customer is unlikely to leave or look elsewhere.

How would you sum things up after six months? Have you come across anything that has particularly surprised you? I must say that I’ve been particularly impressed by

index the ability of managers to come up with strategies that put the client at the

 in my view and deserve the motorway with three children ultimately life is about However, we’re drifting into Alongside: chance to prove it. in the back and you haven’t a people rather than robots the realm of philosophy; a view of Piazza Leopardi clue on what to do, or if you or technology; needs and perhaps it’s a topic of at Recanati Your mission statement have a medical emergency, expectations may change a conversation for the next declares that assistance perhaps when you’re abroad, little, but it’s a person who interview! must be timely and effective, a Europ Assistance operator makes the final decision, and and have a human face. Will at the other end of a phone as far as possible, that’s how Elisabetta Delfabro it has to be...but then, people the human aspect survive can be of great help, or even can’t decide everything. the changes brought by seem like a life saver, and the technology? human aspect is absolutely The human element is essential. fundamental to assistance “life is about people services; you can’t ignore Before long all customers rather than robots or the fact that it’s all about will be familiar with the technology; needs new technologies. Will that people. That’s how it was and expectations fifty years ago when Pierre change anything? Desnos developed these new It means that we will need to may change a little, services in France, and that’s be prepared. but it’s a person how it remains, even though who makes the final But will they have different the tools and the methods decision” have changed. If you’re sitting requirements? in a broken-down car on a I don’t think so, because index Ph. Marco Scarpa fromthegroup

GP Generali de la Comunitat Valenciana The Lion impresses the Spanish public in an outstanding event index Although staging an event is opportunities and provides a familiar to them. perhaps the most demanding new showcase for Generali. form of communication for Primarily this is because Let’s make the picture a little a company, there is nothing our activities in the world clearer. As a follow-up to to match it for immediate of MotoGP bring us to the sponsoring Ducati, Generali impact. A publicity campaign, attention of a huge, young decides to be title sponsor of a logo, and all the values at age and potentially new the final World Championship they represent, can be united public, certainly a varied one, event in Spain, which is in one physical location which is emotionally involved called the GP Generali de la and presented to the public and therefore particularly Comunitat Valenciana. Little in a thrilling atmosphere receptive. more than a month after the that would be difficult to Consider the figures: 175,240 announcement of an important reproduce in more restrained spectators over the two days Group restructuring in Spain, circumstances. A well planned of the event, 730 accredited with Estrella Seguros and event takes account of all journalists from 32 countries, Vitalicio Seguros merging in these elements, exploiting and 657,265 web visits, live Generali España, Generali co-ordinating them to make television coverage in 207 presents a powerful image an impact that will live long countries, and around 13 to the Spanish public. As a in the memory. The Company million television viewers piece of theatre it’s perfect, has been sponsoring Ducati in Spain and Italy alone. with the Company Lion above Racing since May 2009, with Secondly, it’s because the the starting grid and an the Lion sitting alongside the characteristics of the MotoGP impressive visibility to the historic Borgo Panigale brand brand and the Generali media. Everything, the curves, logo. As we emphasised in the brand merge in a process of the best viewing angles, the previous issue, this strategy automatic association on the announcer’s voice, the bikes, is founded on shared values, part of spectators when they the leathers of the Ducati brings significant business see the Lion in a context that’s riders, the Umbrella girls – everything is co-ordinated. And it works: it’s a picture of little more than a month after the quiet strength, confidence, announcement of an important Group dominance almost, and refinement. restructuring in Spain, Generali presents a powerful image to the Spanish public But if the event comes across primarily as spectacular, it also has another quieter and more telling dimension. Those who have the principal responsibility for driving the Group’s business forward – the CEO, managers and the sales network – are following every detail of the event at close quarters, assembled in the VIP Village where Generali entertains important guests. An occasion of this kind is the result of a series of choices to share and communicate, it

allows people to come together index in a pleasant and informal atmosphere with time for a fromthegroup

little constructive reflection; Group’s Spanish companies it offers new opportunities co-operate in the area of IT, and stimuli; it symbolises the administration, accounting, pride of working in Generali finance, human resources Group; above all it means co- and claims processing - all operation the company’s back-office operations – we are now facing We discuss these things a more important merger The commercial networks than the previous “dual” with Jaime Anchústegui, exercise: the integration of have so far been successfully brand and more effective in Chief Executive Officer technical functions and above managed under the double facing the challenges of the of Generali España. After all, the organisation of sales model of Vitalicio and insurance market place. In the important operational territories and networks, Estrella, but now need to actual fact, the Valencia event integration of recent years, which will end in June with the be co-ordinated in a single takes place before the market which has seen Generali creation of Generali España. strategy, under one brand launch of the Generali brand, and with a single vision of but it is a great boost to the the future. The networks sales networks, our guests “we are now facing a more important merger are taking a positive and here at GP Generali, as they exercise, which will end in June with the optimistic approach to the observe the Group’s strength: merger, in the knowledge this is Generali’s future in formation of Generali España” that agents will be handling Spain! Jaime Anchústegui a strong brand that will be significantly more powerful Alessandra Gambino

Left: Generali España CEO Jaime Anchústegui (second from left), Sergio Balbinot and Valter Trevisani with a few representatives of the Spanish commercial organisation in front of the Generali area outside the Ricardo Tormo circuit

Right: Sergio Balbinot, CEO of Assicurazioni Generali, and Valter Trevisani, deputy general manager, with Alessandro Cicognani, new team manager of Ducati

index Racing

Photo. Milagro - Truglio

12 The integration of Estrella and Vitalicio market. The creation of a single entity will produce greater synergies that are unattainable with the current operational by Sergio Balbinot, CEO of Generali Group model, and will make it possible to develop a plan for significant The merger of Estrella and Vitalicio will give birth to a company growth based on one sales network and one Generali brand. with over 3.2 million clients and a business turnover of 2,575 With a single commercial strategy and a single brand in Spain million euros, representing a market share of 4.7%. The new we shall have a stronger strategic position in what is the Group’s company will benefit from an extensive distribution network fourth most important foreign market, achieving a more dynamic that will give it a strong position in both retail and business sales force and improved client service. The Valencia event has sectors. been the first of a series of initiatives designed to reinforce the Generali brand in Spain, and in view of the large number of The greater operational and commercial efficiency of Generali spectators at the circuit and the prominence awarded to the GP España will boost the Group’s competitiveness in the Spanish by the Spanish press, I am confident that the Lion of Trieste will be more immediately recognisable in the Iberian market.

The integration of our activities in Spain marks the completion of a comprehensive restructuring plan that has involved our “the Valencia event has been the first of a German, French and Italian companies in recent years, and series of initiatives designed to reinforce the has provided constant gains in operational efficiency and Generali brand in Spain” effectiveness, to the benefit of our profitability. It has also been assisted by the Group’s strategy of using the particular strengths and characteristics of individual countries to best advantage. index

13 fromthegroup

Tales of long journeys, frozen images of moments that will never return because, like the passage of time, nothing Writing with light remains unchanged for ever. Magical moments caught in a camera’s lens, that speak of different cultures and the photographs of the take us to landscapes of dreams. Like paintings, the photos entered in the photography competition “Città “Suspended cities” competition appese a un filo. Il giro del mondo in 20 aule (Suspended Cities. Around the world in 20 classrooms)” show intense moments of captured time gloriously presented in blazing colour, subdued tones, or black and white. Much is left to the observer’s imagination, which can wander freely wherever thoughts lead it. There are views of famous

index cities and the historical buildings that grace them, but also less familiar details that lead observant eyes to new insights within the “captured” scene. Photographs

14 27 November 2009, at the Mogliano Veneto Conference Room: award ceremony for the photography competition The jury: Lodovico Floriani, Pedro Martins, Elena Cannataro, Andrea Baradel, Italo Zannier, photographer Fulvio Roiter (President)

“The literal meaning of photograph is ‘Writing with light’. That is what I try to do, find meaning through light”

“Photography is the language of today. It’s not possible for an event to take place without there being an image. We photographers are interpreters, story tellers possessing a special sensitivity that allows us to enshrine the essence of a fact in a single image. Personally, I photograph to inspire, to convey my inner feelings, and to expose my state of mind.”

Fulvio Roiter

Left: LISBONA - NUVENS Photo: Alvise Bonazza

Above right: LONDRA - TATE Photo: Renzo Zanetti TOKYO - MEETING A GEISHA Photo: Massimo Novello index

15 that take on a life of their classrooms of the Academy own and offer more than at the Mogliano Veneto and mere images to express Trieste sites. the competition’s leitmotif - city stories: we see Rome, The acute observers who Trieste, Milan and Venice, entered this competition, Vienna, Berlin, Brussels, sponsored by the Generali Paris and London. There is Group Innovation Academy more: New York, Beijing, and the Mogliano Veneto’s Tokyo, Sydney, Lisbon, “Circolo Ricreativo Athens, Madrid, Barcelona, Aziendale – Gruppo Generali Lugano, Prague and Italia”, have succeeded Amsterdam. These cities in catching the moment, will give their names to the breathing life into images of index

16 Above left: Above right: PARIS - AUBE SUR LA SEINE LONDon - TRANSFORMATIONS Photo: Francesco Di Pol Photo: Annalisa Pizziga LISBONA - THE VASCO DE GAMA TRIESTE - SEA, PANORAMA BRIDGE Photo: Laurentiu Claudiu Alimpie Photo: Giampaolo Berno

a city’s soul that they reveal very simplicity. They reveal in snapshots of its daily worlds of gentle light, life. They notice details that harsh glare and iridescent escape those who have no colours in images that time to stand and stare, and seem totemic to our eyes; capture silent microcosms in their very immobility of an alternative reality that they attain a state of allows us to fantasise, and becoming. Each snapshot to dwell in rediscovered is a harmonious visual harmony. A host of scenes account of movement vividly portray subjects of and colour in which the every kind that are elevated spectator finds a union to iconic status and of spirit and place, body rendered “immortal” in their and soul, and music and index

17 movement, like a wave rolling back and forth to unknown destinations and reminiscences of a past.

Competitors took on the role of historian, researcher, poet or writer, to produce photographs in which emotional qualities are tinged with a delicate lyricism. Colour photographs display the city’s natural adornments alive in their own light, resplendent in their being; black and white photographs show “different” cities, and reveal details, people and water features that take possession of the images to make them meaningful and familiar; and others reveal clearly the extent to which that “click” has influenced the photographer’s life. There are shots of hidden corners that engage the observer’s mind in a constant quest for the spirit’s needs; intriguing in their use of novel angles, techniques, processing methods

and fluorescent colours, they raise a smile and set the imagination free to travel to unknown destinations. The over 550 entries from Generali Group employees reveal a passion for photography as a tool with which to experience reality and hold it in perpetual motion. These are not static images: they are ablaze with the artist’s work and soul by virtue of their magnetic power.

Federica Martufi

Above: ATHENS - ATENE BY NIGHT Photo: Massimo Vidotto BAD THOUGHTS REMAIN AT THE TEMPLE

index Photo: Nicola Fasolato SYDNEY - CHILDS WAVE AT THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE Photo: Matteo Sponchiado

18 society

Let’s halt this pointless slaughter

the new activities of the ANIA Foundation for Road Safety

1,380 road users killed in accidents involving two-wheeled burden in terms of social costs, amounting to at least 30 billion vehicles, 288 more if bicycles are included; 543 deaths recorded Euros each year (source: Aci-Istat 2007). on weekend nights (source: Aci-Istat 2008). It’s a slaughter of Under the banner of the ANIA Foundation for Road Safety, an the innocents which, on average, claims 86 victims aged under organisation set up by the insurance industry in 2004, motor

15 each year, and is the principal cause of death among young insurance companies are addressing this problem by promoting index people. Apart from the pain and suffering inflicted on those projects and initiatives to reduce traffic risks for all road users. The directly and indirectly involved, it also imposes a significant target for 2010 is to reduce deaths by half.

19 society

The ANIA Foundation has Good news: the ANIA initiatives been working to reduce road traffic risks through Another original initiative, Black Point, will practical initiatives and use information provided by the public, and support for driver education subsequently confirmed by local police and since it was first created, experts in this particular area, to maintain updated paying particular attention maps showing criticalities on the entire Italian to young drivers. Each road network, from pot holes, to bad roads and insurance company has dangerous junctions. The websites of Generali and how can it be also created the post of Ina Assitalia will link to the relevant banner which brought home “road safety person”, anyone can use to enter information. to drivers that evidence of a commitment 20 times more to promote new prevention In another project, Truck Tour, which is directed strategies, not only through primarily at drivers of heavy vehicles, CB radio people are killed financial support but also kiosks have been set up at sites such as motorway on the roads each by drawing on the ideas service stations, freight depots and ferry ports, year than died and experiences of the where drivers typically break their journeys. They in the Abruzzo companies involved. can use the kiosks to obtain news of training courses, receive invitations for eye tests, and hear earthquake? One of the principal other information. Their breaks tend to be of an obstacles to improving ideal length for this kind of activity, and drivers road safety is driver apathy can also use simulators to experience particularly towards the daily toll on the roads. How can it be brought dangerous driving situations and compete to home to drivers that 20 times more people are killed on the win prizes of safe driving courses and discount roads each year than died in the Abruzzo earthquake? This vouchers from the SNAV ferry company. very problem is being addressed through the Io dissuado (Human speed hump) publicity campaign, which seeks Finally there is the Guido con prudenza (I Drive to educate as many people as possible about dangerous safely) initiative addressing the drink-driving behaviour, such as speeding or drink driving, that is all too issue, which seeks to reduce “Saturday night often the cause of fatal road accidents. The thousands of slaughters” by persuading young people of the people who turned up to form a “chain of human speed need to appoint a non-drinking “designated humps” in Rome on 11 October 2009 were demonstrating their driver”. It is reinforced at Christmas time by conviction that drivers must be constantly reminded of the the Brindo con prudenza (I drink and toast need to abandon irresponsible driving habits. safely) campaign, which features a designated In these pages we record some of the successful initiatives driver called Bob who can be recognised by an launched by the insurance industry through the unfailing identification device; if Bob passes a breathalyser dedication of the ANIA Foundation. The future will see us test on leaving the discothèque the traffic patrol deeply committed to programmes of road safety education rewards him with a free entry voucher for the designed to help children and young people to develop a following weekend. sense of personal and social responsibility.

Aldo Coli Riccardo Petrarulo road safety persons for the Generali Group index

20 Heading the article and on this page: two images from the “Io dissuado” campaign which culminated in the Rome’s demonstration on 11 October 2009, in which thousands of people formed a “chain of human speed humps”. index

21 culture

Tell us about the exhibition Generali’s educational projects, from “Radici del presente” to “Salvagranaio”

There have been previous articles about the events organised for the Company’s 175th anniversary, but nothing has yet been written about developments arising from the educational exhibition Radici del presente (The Roots of the Present) staged at Generali’s Trieste headquarters and at Mogliano in 2007.

After Roman artefacts from the 1st century BC were unearthed during excavation work for the Generali building in Rome’s Piazza Venezia at the beginning of the 20th century, it was decided to display them in an educational exhibition designed to give young people a sense of the continuity of Italy’s cultural history and help them to understand the close links between the past, the present and the future. It led to a stimulating and well designed project that made extensive use of interactive activities and went beyond the conventional idea of an exhibition. Teachers and students invited to attend were sent a kit that allowed them manage their visits autonomously, free to roam

index at will around the ad-hoc arranged exhibits at the two Generali sites.

22 Positive responses from the agricultural origins of the sources. Visits will not be The educational students and teachers led economy). Upon its launch, in passive affairs. There will be a to the idea of producing a March 2010, it will allow young number of interactive activities analysis questionnaire to record their people to visit Genagricola’s to challenge visitors’ skills in The impact of students’ opinions, which could then Ca’ Corniani farm. It will look understanding, forecasting, visits on their opinions and be analysed to assess the at agriculture from various thinking, describing and knowledge was investigated educational value of their angles and trace mankind’s planning, as they look for by means of a questionnaire experiences. The results were journey from the dawn of solutions that will lead to entitled Raccontaci la tua published, along with an agriculture to the present day, improvements in the current mostra (“Tell us about the account of the exhibition and examining how the land can be situation. exhibition”) which used an its archaeological exhibits, in exploited with an intelligent iconic language to allow and sustainable use of energy a volume entitled Radici del Deborah Zamaro students to describe their presente, mostra didattica feelings. promossa dal Gruppo Generali The results revealed that (“Roots of the Present, students achieved a good an educational exhibition understanding of the themes sponsored by Generali of the Radici del presente Group”), which relates visitors’ exhibition. experiences and describes what the exhibition meant to them. Most young people enjoy learning about the past as it is Having been persuaded by typically presented in school the success of this venture history lessons, but often fail to continue its educational to appreciate its relevance activities for the young, to life today. Raccontaci la Generali has embarked tua mostra made it clear that

on a new project entitled students did recognise the index Salvagranaio: le origini agricole influence of the past on daily dell’economia (Salvagranaio: life; the exhibits helped, on

23 left: student responses to the questionnaire instruction “indicate at least three emotions that you experienced during your visit to the exhibition”

Below and on the previous page: images from the book Radici del presente, mostra didattica promossa dal Gruppo Generali index one hand, to create a dialogue the majority of visitors. The with the history of a city such responses of one student, who as ancient Rome, and on the declared a wish to discover other to reveal the daily lives ancient relics and create a of those who lived in that part museum, suggest that many of the city 1800 years ago. It students may have been also confirmed the educational stimulated to look beyond value of Radici del presente, knowledge and the mere which displayed interesting acquisition of facts about the and well-documented exhibits objects on display. In his case Meeting to present the Salvagranaio: le origini agricole of such variety that teachers knowledge had evolved into a dell’economia project. Present: Giuseppe Perissinotto, have been able to introduce need for action expressed as a President of Genagricola, Roberto Leoni from the Ministry of them into school subjects, desire to exhibit his own finds. Public Education, representing Minister Mariastella Gelmini, and using a variety of teaching The results of Raccontaci la Daniela Beltrame, General Director of the Education Department methods to remind students of tua mostra were presented of . what they learnt during their at the 11th European Congress visit. of Psychology held in Oslo All directors of education from the Region and the Provinces of Examination of the in July 2009. The Congress Treviso and Venice were invited to the event in the Baroncini questionnaires showed that recognised the scientific Room of Generali’s Trieste headquarters. Each received the curiosity and interest were methods used and the book Radici del presente and the kit for the new Salvagranaio international scale, as well project. as the results, of Generali Group’s commitment to teachers and promoting culture in the young. students were sent a kit that Anna Rita Orlando allowed them to visit the exhibition autonomously

the feelings most commonly described by students. The positive nature of the feelings reported, and the students’ striking ability to recognise and express these feelings in the questionnaires, confirmed that Radici del presente provided intense and moving experiences. In terms of motivation, interest and learning (viewed as new knowledge gained through an understanding of the objects on display) the greatest benefits were felt by students aged between 10 and 12 index years, who in fact made up 26 index culture FOTO GIOTTO ENTERPRISE A life among the stars

Margherita Hack describes her passion for space and her love for the environment

Margherita, I’ve brought you the last issue of our magazine; meeting Mario Gerolamo Fracastoro, the young assistant at looking around, I have the feeling that you like books… the department led by the great physicist . He I certainly do, I get a lot of pleasure from reading. Many astonished me by eagerly accepting my proposal. Later on I documents come to me by e-mail, but with paper you can pause, understood why – it was his first thesis. go back, mark it – in short, it gives you more time to think. So you finally managed to get an experimental thesis? We are dealing with issues relating to eco-sustainability, and Yes, this young assistant, who I met again at the Arcetri you care strongly about the environment. observatory, taught me how to use the telescope and develop I’ve always had a love of nature, perhaps because my father photographic plates, and generally showed me the ropes. I used to go along at night to make observations, with him at first, but passed on his own passion for it to me when I was a child. then alone, and it was very rewarding to feel responsible for Unfortunately we are now seeing changes that are having a a telescope that was quite small by world standards, but cost profound effect on the stability of the environment. Average millions of lire nevertheless. temperatures have risen by one degree in little more than a century, and ocean warming has caused changes to life in the The scientific community has no borders. No doubt you have seas and disrupted the food chain, to say nothing of the melting friends all over the world… glaciers. Scientists are divided, as we might expect, with some very concerned and others believing that these are naturally Yes, I lived through that wonderful time in the late sixties when recurring phenomena. It’s certainly true that our planet has space research really took off, and anyone working in the field undergone similar climate changes in its history, but I believe was invited to collaborate with others in order to maximise that there is now a variety of concomitant causes, of which one observation times. E-mail didn’t exist, and I remember telephone – atmospheric emissions of carbon dioxide and methane – is the calls, faxes and magnetic tapes travelling around the world. It result of human activity. was an exhilarating period with wonderful friendships. It was also a good time for Italian astrophysics, which was in a rather moribund state at the time, and the chance to work closely with If I may abruptly change the subject... what turned you to the the world’s foremost experts was crucially important for us. stars? I enjoyed studying physics at my school, the liceo classico Galilei in , and decided to continue on that path. I came to astronomy by chance, as I wanted to specialise in electronics, “Italian astrophysics was in a rather the emerging science at the time, but the head of department moribund sate at the time, and the thought otherwise and gave me a thesis in electrostatics. This chance to work closely with the world’s meant a summary thesis, because it was an old subject. It set index me thinking about other possibilities, and a chance cropped up foremost experts was crucially important” to study astronomy at the astrophysics observatory. I remember

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The sharing of knowledge at Basovizza, in the Karst and experience was important region behind Trieste, and then. Do you think that is still by the following year we had true? installed a radio telescope I am convinced of the benefits for solar observation. During of studying and working in that time, helped by the research abroad. However, life Physics Centre, we organised is not easy for young scientists international symposiums today, because they are often which were attended by on short term contracts for some of the world’s leading years on end. I was fortunate; astrophysicists, and were despite the war, I was on important in raising the temporary contracts for just profile of the Observatory two years after graduating. In abroad. Nowadays there is 1947 I was already employed less activity here, and much of it is educational, because as an assistant and in the Italy is a member of ESO following year I successfully (European Organisation for applied for a permanent post. Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere) which What brought you the has extremely powerful and greatest satisfaction in your specialised instruments in academic career? Chile’s Atacama Desert. These Without doubt it was obtaining include the world’s largest university professorship, telescope, which has four which was still often thought eight-metre mirrors. to be beyond a woman’s capacities, and running the How has modern technology Trieste Observatory. It was changed things since when wonderful to see it develop, you began work? as it didn’t amount to much From a certain point of view when I arrived. There was one there have been enormous very small telescope which gains in our ability to see was scorned even by amateur further and to process data astronomers. I immediately accurately and rapidly; we set about recruiting more are discovering objects that staff, and we started to grow were previously unknown and in numbers and importance. finding unexpected features We had instruments for in familiar objects. It was observing the variable stars also beyond imagining that and for radio-astronomy, we would be able to capture and before that we found a images of the early universe. suitable observation site away We can now see it as it was from the city lights that made thirteen and a half billion it impossible to complete Margherita Hack, astrophysicist and world renowned populariser of years ago, and we have a science, was born in Florence (her surname comes from her Swiss some projects. series of images at various paternal grandfather) but is now Triestina by adoption. The first woman epochs that enable us to study to direct an Italian observatory, she has had over 250 articles published When did that happen? its evolution. On the other in foreign journals and has written numerous books. Her many awards It must have been in 1968. hand, perhaps we are less include the Premio in 1980 and the Premio Cultura

index della Presidenza del Consiglio in 1987. In her younger days she was a We found a large piece of inclined to think about these fine athlete, twice winning third place in the at the Italian regionally-owned land that matters, but we have to get championships seemed perfect for our needs used to these new ways.

28 Weren’t all those things I have lived in Trieste now known when you were for around forty years, longer studying? than I’ve lived in all other “I have lived in Trieste now for more than Absolutely not! Course cities put together. I remained forty years, longer than I’ve lived in all notes of the time contained in Florence until 1954, when other cities put together” perhaps twenty pages on I was 32, and then worked classical astronomy, and at a subsidiary site of Brera possibly two hundred on the Observatory in Brianza, at stars, their classification, Merate to be precise, for and the things that could be 10 years, during which I observed. There was virtually spent long periods of time in nothing on cosmology and the America, the Netherlands and galaxies, which are the things France. I became Professor in that attract most attention 1964, and have lived in Trieste nowadays. In the following ever since. I now think of decades we discovered almost myself as a Triestina, even if everything about the stars, my accent still reveals traces about how they form, evolve, of my origins! age and die. We now believe that there is very little left to Elisabetta Delfabro find in this field.

Do you have a favourite star? It’s difficult to pick just one... perhaps the ones I studied, the strange stars that showed certain anomalies that we attempted to explain through spectral analysis. Epsilon Auriga for example - the star Epsilon in the Aurigae constellation. The brightest stars are named after the first letters of the Greek alphabet, and this was the fifth brightest. I was able to study it for some time at Mount Palomar in California at the end of the fifties. I had a theory that its anomalous properties were in fact caused by an invisible hot companion, and was able to confirm it in 1978 when a satellite containing instruments for spectral analysis was launched. It detected a small hot star in the neighbourhood of Epsilon Auriga. On these pages,

some photographs of index What does Trieste mean to Margherita Hack taken at her you? home in Roiano, Trieste

29 lowimpact

Happy green year! let’s leave a green trail to help our planet

index “The symbolism – and the substantive significance – of planting a tree has universal power in every culture and every society on Earth, and it is a way for individual men, women and children to participate in creating solutions for the environmental crisis.”

Al Gore, Nobel Peace Prize winner, 2007

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Notes for the ethics of sustainability 31

nearby weeds: they compete with tree roots for moisture and nutrients; they also might harbour pests and diseases. Protect the tree from animals if necessary. roots out. To avoid planting too deep, make sure the soil line of the seedling is above the level of the surrounding ground. 4. Fill in the hole. Pat the soil around the base of the root ball. 5. Water thoroughly. A slow stream of water will settle the soil. 6. Take care of your tree. Remove 1. Dig a hole. It should be at least twice the width of the root ball. 2. Take the tree out of its container. Carefully cut off broken roots and slightly loosen the root ball. 3. Place the tree in its new home. Always lift the tree by the root ball, not by the trunk. Spread the Let’s get planting! get Let’s A few simple suggestions for planting a tree of your own as your personal contribution to nature: site, Paola Cabas n editorial_ www.unep.org/

). m We could then use our facilities to highlight the initiative with photographs of your trees and accounts of your experiences, and to predict how dense our Group’s wood will be by the end of the year. – objective reached! To make your own contribution to this project, visit the billiontreecampaig where there is wealth of practical information and news, plus a form in which you can record your commitment to plant your tree and register it when you have done so. The editorial staff would welcome news of your contributions, which can be sent to ( communication@generali. co 6 5

) the ,844,789 5 , which was mid-December: Ed. ( figures were impressive and encouraging: 9,09 promised and 7,427,436,9 trees already planted Wangari Maathai, Nobel Prize winner and founder of the Green Belt Movement, UNEP had set itself the ambitious goal of having 7 billion trees planted by the end of 2009, one for every person on the planet. Governments, industry, businesses, non-governmental bodies, associations, schools and countless individuals dirtied their hands in the cause at thousands of sites. At the time of writing The idea of planting a tree has been part of a campaign that UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme, a UN organisation that encourages environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources) has been promoting all over the world since 2006. Assisted by the Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign conceived and championed by soul, the instinct and need for direct contact with earth and nature. . bollettino of solidarity towards the earth and colleague as protagonist - a gesture an initiative that sees the individual reader side because this is something with ancient roots in man’s length, and many scientists would certainly come up with more or less doomsday predictions about climatic trends, but I believe we can set environmental and political arguments to one countryside, in the vegetable garden of a family member, in our own garden, or in a friend’s, or in any suitable and convenient spot. Why? We could debate this at great Do what? Plant a tree. Who? Each one of us, singly or sharing the moment with our dear ones. How? By getting our hands dirty. Where? Outside the house, in the attention to the environment and to see the individual reader and colleague as protagonist - a gesture of solidarity towards the earth, to help green the environment and the land around us. One year after its rebirth we would like to celebrate the magazine’s birthday by proposing an initiative to underline the magazine’s change by deciding to reduce, re-use and re-cycle every day. We have discussed this in previous issues and have supported the cause in the editorial policy of the re- vamped Each of us can protect the environment and fight climate index High profile communication

The story of Genertel’s campaigns – value for money, convenience and dependability

Genertel’s market approach is unique among Italy’s direct insurers. It positions itself as a company offering value for money, convenience and dependability, with a strong focus on delivering high quality services and client satisfaction in a context of fierce price competition. Its advertising campaign, using photography by Oliviero Toscani, has portrayed these qualities over the years, and has evolved with its target audience - young people who use the Internet to find information and, increasingly, to buy goods and services.

The “ti amo (I love you)” campaign is launched in 2005; Genertel’s declaration of love for its clients is written in large clear characters, with the company logo framed in the “O” of “ti amo”. The (translated) message “I love you because I am the first on-line insurance, and first love is never forgotten” reflects its direct personal relationship with the public. The relationship is what counts.

Lifestyles change in the years that follow, and in 2007 the “il futuro (the future)” campaign shows Genertel’s clients as modern and up-to-date, using technology to improve life, making intelligent use of time and money, and looking for high quality services to address real needs. From telling the client “I love you” and showing its own face, the company now shows profiles of its clients, the objects of its love.

During 2008, a year of change in a particularly difficult market, Genertel launches the “guida il futuro (drive to the future)” campaign that features a young woman’s face framed in the large “G” of the logo, representing a crash helmet. Her face was felt to embody the values of Genertel’s clients, people who make knowledgeable decisions and take advantage of innovation with an eye on value for money.

2009 is a watershed year in which La Venezia Assicurazioni is rebranded as Genertellife, Italy’s first direct life insurance company, completing the Group’s foray into the direct market. The new advertising campaign “voglio una vita... (I want a life… )” focuses on the life aspirations and desires of Genertel’s and Genertellife’s clients. After more than ten years there is a move back to radio and television, with advertisements phrased in simple and direct language that voices the hopes and desires of a young public familiar with new technology. The campaign slogan is expressed by various characters: the motorcyclist looking for a rock lifestyle, the young woman aching for a bit of colour in her life, the youth who wants a life that’s worth writing about. They can all insure themselves with a direct company that offers dependability, convenience, and value for money. index Michela Bembich

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United we conquer

Generali Trophy evolves under the banner of solidarity

the 2009 event was organised to improve Ph. Giampaolo Berno

- environmental conditions for approximately index fifty children isbona - L scoperte

alle

onumento M Since 2007, Group employees in Portugal have assembled each year for a day of outdoor activity in pursuit of the Generali Trophy. The programmes of the first two years consisted of events for groups of 7 or 8, designed to test their skills in self-organisation, spatial orientation and psycho-physical tasks, and to foster a spirit of competition. Such events were considered important for the development and professional growth of employees, who were principally concerned to be good team members.

The Generali Trophy has since been remodelled focussing even more on the development of relationship skills among participants by encouraging feelings of solidarity within the groups, as well as a degree of cohesion and inter-dependence. The unequivocal utility and social importance of concrete objectives of this kind increase stimulus and motivation, and it is important to exploit their positive effect on employee morale, which involves pride in belonging to a company that counts social concern and moral values among its objectives.

The 3rd Generali Trophy meeting, held in Lisbon on 20 June 2009, was organised with humanitarian and social objectives to the fore. It permitted over 150 employees of Generali Portugal to apply their creativity, group spirit and solidarity to the task of improving environmental conditions for approximately fifty children, some orphaned and others from deprived families, living at a children’s home and orphanage in Monsanto.

Five groups were formed - Play Park (painting and decoration), Teaching Plot, Orchard, Gardening, and a Support Unit responsible for planning work activity. Each was given specific tasks to perform under a well-defined work plan and

Left: a view of Lisbon, in a photograph from the The objectives of Generali Trophy

“Suspended cities” competition index (see the article on page 14 of █ To improve communication between work groups this issue) █ To create and consolidate team spirit

█ To motivate work groups

█ To reinforce group cohesion

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was observed by a team of The 2009 Generali Trophy, specialists who could intervene with its focus on celebrating if necessary. All the volunteers feelings of solidarity, allowed showed a spirit of harmony colleagues of daily working life and teamwork that ensured to share an intense experience a successful day in which the that will lead to still closer various work groups offered bonds and confirm that… co-operation and assistance united we conquer! to each other in a natural and spontaneous manner, as if they Under plans for 2010, had always worked in this type the emphasis on social of environment. The volunteers responsibility will be completed their assigned maintained, although the tasks about an hour ahead of event may be developed to schedule, exhausted but in include themes of ecological good heart, and conscious and interest as well as of human proud of having participated solidarity. in something of genuine importance. Assur della Torre Four new zones were created in the allotted space:

█ a play park, decorated by the participants and equipped with a large stock The 2009 event of toys financed by employee Location: Monsanto Children’s Home and Orphanage. donations; Objective: to restore and renovate, in one day, land fallen into █ a teaching plot, already disuse because of lack of resources. planted with various pulses;

█ a large garden with shaded areas, plus chairs and tables for studying, playing, or simply relaxing in the open air;

█ an orchard with an irrigation system installed as part of the task. On this and preceding pages: some images from the Generali Trophy day in Lisbon index

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When education unites people

the ideals of the United World Colleges

“Through international education, experience and community service, United World Colleges enables young people to become responsible citizens, politically and environmentally aware, and committed to the ideals of peace and justice, understanding and cooperation, and the implementation of these ideals through action and personal example”.

This is the mission statement of the United World Colleges, legally recognised international institutions that provide a rich and stimulating environment for the final two years of secondary education. The Colleges offer advanced educational programmes that encourage mutual understanding among young people of different races, religions and backgrounds, foster commitment in social service and develop a spirit of initiative and adaptability through extra-curricula activities.

the study programme follows the syllabus of the International Baccalaureate, which is

accepted as an entry qualification by leading index universities worldwide Further information on the

index United World College of the Adriatic can be found at www.uwcad.it

38 Independence of Venezia Giulia, supported by thought a large number of scholarships is offered the Italian Government, with to students aged between 16 and 19, Mr. Belci as its first president. The first United World College, He is now the honorary Atlantic College, was created who are selected on merit by 130 national president, Ambassador in Great Britain in 1962, and Commissions Bonetti now being the promoted the ideas of German president. Since 1983 the educator Kurt Hahn, who College has occupied part of the castle of Duino, where moved across the Channel SPAIN nepal vietnam the Trieste Karst meets the from Germany in 1933 after canada hong kong sea. Generali is one of publically criticising a Hitler guatemala a number of private speech. He was convinced bolivia australia benefactors that of the importance of SOUTH AFRICA CZECH REPUBLIC albania have supported contact between young its development people of diverse over the years. cultures, believing that it would develop This was the their critical faculties fifth United and independence of World College, thought. and the first to be established There are now outside an thirteen colleges English speaking in four continents, country; it is with sites in Bosnia also unique in Herzegovina, Canada, not occupying Costa Rica, Great an isolated Britain, Hong Kong, campus. In fact India, Italy, Norway, LITHUANIA it is located at KAZAKHSTAN canada indonesia the Netherlands, sri lanka SLOVAKIA a meeting point india Singapore, the United of three extremely States, Swaziland and different cultures Teaching is in English, with all where such an initiative would Venezuela. Though inspired – Latin, Slav and Germanic. Colleges offering a preliminary make a particular impact: the by common principles and Every year its students, intensive course. Teachers Province of Trieste, which had ideals, each College respects roughly 180 in total from lived through the agonies of the cultural, national and are recruited from around the around 80 countries, prove World War II and lay adjacent geographic aspects of its world to ensure that students themselves to be among the to a border that at one time are exposed to a wide variety most capable of the entire particular location. The most symbolised the Iron Curtain of teaching methods. movement, consistently recent inauguration of a dividing Europe. One of the winning a large number of College was at Maastricht in first Italian politicians to scholarships to the most 2009. The College of participate in this dream was prestigious universities of the Trieste parliamentarian the Adriatic Europe and America. A large number of Corrado Belci, Under-Secretary scholarships is offered to In 1971, Gianfranco Facco for Foreign Trade. students aged between 16 Bonetti, First Secretary at the Roberto Rosasco and 19, who are selected on Italian Embassy in London, After years of preparatory merit by special Commissions visited the Atlantic College in work, the United World operating in 130 countries; South Wales, and formed the College of the Adriatic was the Italian Commission is led idea of introducing its ideals founded (and its first academic index by the Head of State acting and atmosphere into Italy, year was inaugurated) in in an honorary capacity. having in mind a location 1982 by the Region of Friuli

39 society

an ambitious itinerary, a present-day odyssey of 3,500 km by a most unconventional means of transport: a Rozière balloon

An expedition to the North Pole to help the planet

From the Svalbard Archipelago to the Alaskan coast, by way of the North Pole: an ambitious itinerary, a daily odyssey of 3,500 km by a most unconventional means of transport: Rozière balloon. This is the challenge that Jean-Louis Etienne has set

index himself for the Génération Responsable initiative, which was launched in 2008 by Generali France to encourage responsible behaviour and limit the environmental impact of human activity.

40 Jean-Louis Etienne, a doctor, was born in 1946 and has undertaken a number of expeditions to some of the planet’s most vulnerable and mysterious places. He made a solo journey to the North Pole in 1986, hauling a sledge for 63 days, and spent 4 months drifting on sea ice in his Polar Observer capsule in 2002.

The expedition The Generali Arctic Observer mission is scheduled to depart endurance flights. Now aged 70, he was awarded the honour in early April. Precise dates cannot be given at this stage and responsibility of building the craft that will overfly the Pole. because of uncertainties about the weather. In the meantime For practical reasons he gave it an elongated shape, this being the balloon, which uses both hot air and hydrogen for lift, the best compromise between the required carrying capacity will undergo a series of test flights in February, while the and the need to fly at an angle that will prevent a build-up of experts of the support team will leave for the Norwegian snow. island of Spitsbergen in March. “The fact that I shall be alone in the gondola doesn’t mean it’s a solo voyage. Quite the Other leading cast members are flight co-ordinator Christophe opposite; the balloon is the product of remarkable teamwork”, Houver, expert meteorologist Luc Trullemans, who will monitor comments Etienne. First among equals in the supporting the balloon’s position and progress, Gérard Guérin, who has

cast of this venture is Don Cameron, who has been building already participated in an Antarctic venture with Jean-Louis, index balloons for all conditions, from Polar to Sahara, since the and Elsa Pény-Etienne, who is bound to the explorer, not only Sixties, and holds the greatest number of world records for by this project, but also by marriage.

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The scientific … and the The commitment of The website www.generation- responsable.com provides a aspects… educational ones Generali France medium for discussion and “My intention in this “The best justification for Génération Responsable is not allows voluntary workers adventure, which is worthy these ventures is probably merely the title of an initiative; and organisations to come together, inspired by a shared of a Jules Verne novel, is the intention to make them it is a permanent commitment commitment to promote to draw attention to the instruments for educating by Generali, involving a series solidarity and sustainable retreat of the sea ice, the young people”. Etienne of projects, personalities development. consequences for native views the adventure and and concrete actions, to populations and Arctic bio- the scientific aspect as two increase awareness of our Alessandra Podestà diversity, and the possible sides of the same coin: the duty to pursue sustainable chaotic effect on the world’s first is the stuff of dreams, development on behalf of climates”. With these words inspirational to the young, future generations. Insurers Jean-Louis Etienne sums and will help to communicate suffer the consequences of natural events linked to up the purpose of this the scientific aspect that climate warming, and need unprecedented initiative. might otherwise be difficult to assume a vigilant role The world of science to convey. The intrepid in preventing risks to the still lacks objective data champion of Generali Arctic environment. This expedition on the zone around the Observer, who views himself is fully compatible with the North Pole, a sensitive as a link between the world commitment of Generali region that is crucial to the of science and the general France, since it will inform the planet’s stability. During public, has organised a vast public and furnish important the expedition there will educational programme in scientific observations. Jean- be constant monitoring of partnership with the French Louis Etienne personifies the atmospheric levels of CO2 for Ministry of Education, as well values of Generali France: the Laboratoire des Sciences as a number of European courage, pioneer spirit, skill, du Climat et l’Environnement programmes. In order to dependability, responsibility (LSCE), and of the Earth’s increase public awareness of and effectiveness. He trusts magnetic field for the Paris the initiative, French football collective intelligence to find Institute of Earth Physics star Zinédine Zidane has the solution to environmental and the CEA-LETI Institute agreed to back the expedition, problems, just as Generali in Grenoble (one of the and met Jean-Louis Etienne relies on its employees’ main European electronic before he embarked for intelligence for future research centres). Spitsbergen. progress.

Jean-Louis Etienne personifies the values of Generali France: courage, pioneer spirit, skill, dependability, responsibility and effectiveness index Ph. Francis Latreille Technical Details:

Volume of helium: 2,220 m3 Volume of the hot air cone: 500 m3 Balloon height: 28 metres Diameter: 16 metres Fuel supply: 360 kg of propane, sufficient for 15-20 days of sustained flight

“my intention in this adventure, which is worthy of a Jules Verne novel, is to draw attention to the retreat of the sea ice and the consequences for native populations and Arctic bio-diversity” Jean-Louis Etienne index

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There’s no such place as too far away

A virtual walk from Cologne to Trieste combining health and solidarity index Central stands out among record in an online application play area, where specialised many kilometres to generate German insurers for its focus that displayed their positions educators will be able to the sizeable donation. “About on health, with employee at any time during this virtual assist up to 30 children. 90% of Central employees health ranking alongside the journey. Any distances Until now we could cater for took part in this exercise, an satisfaction and well-being covered by cycling or just half this number”. The extremely high percentage, of approximately 1.7 million swimming were also converted donation will also help to pay and about double what we clients. into steps and entered into the for a third part-time educator expected” comments Hellman. system. Some fit triathletes to assist the two already The fact that nearly all On 14 September, 1173 working at Central managed to employed. employees are concerned to employees of Central complete the journey in just a maintain their health through Krankenversicherung set few weeks. There was no prize Ambassadors of the daily activity is an important out to walk from Germany on offer, just the knowledge company brand matter that deserves to Italy, aiming to cover the for all walkers that they had recognition in corporate distance from Cologne to done something positive, not The virtual walk attracted strategic thinking. The daily Trieste, the Group’s principal only for themselves but also an astonishing number of activities of each employee base, in three months. But for others, because Central participants, who walked can significantly help the at journey’s end they were donated 1 eurocent to the still in their city on the Cologne Children’s Hospital Rhine, not at the Adriatic for every kilometre completed. coast. They had completed walkers to the virtual destination of Trieste a virtual walk organised by Help for sick children Central’s Health Management had to take at least 10,000 steps every day team (Betriebliches From September to December Gesundheitsmanagement). participants covered a “Our aim was to make our combined total of 777,436 colleagues appreciate the km, about 19 times the importance of daily exercise circumference of the earth. to health; we wanted to show This collective effort resulted that even in the working day in Cologne Children’s there is ample opportunity to Hospital receiving 16,000 exercise and keep fit” states euros (including generous manager Jens Hellman. The donations from employees message has taken root: and rounding up by the since September employees company), the latest of a have been more inclined to series of donations arising use stairs instead of lifts, and from initiatives organised by many take a lunchtime walk keen company’s employees. around the block. Some no “We are very grateful for this longer use the internal post, generous support, which preferring to deliver their will enable us to finance our correspondence personally. clown-doctors” states Gerd- Thomas Gemein, chairman of 10.000 steps towards the hospital board. A group of animators visits the hospital Trieste wards five times a week, Walkers to the virtual helping the children to forget destination of Trieste had their illnesses for a moment, to take at least 10,000 steps and this donation will allow every day, and were given a visits to continue. “This

digital pedometer to enable financial support”, continues index them to keep track of their Gemein with satisfaction “will daily totals, which they could also allow us to create a new

45 society

company to achieve a good position among private health insurers. “Employees who employees have been more likely to use the take care of their own health stairs rather than the lifts, many of them take are perceived to understand the concerns of our clients. a lunchtime walk around the block, They demonstrate an empathy and some no longer use the internal post towards clients that fosters trust and a feeling of being in safe hands at all times. As important ambassadors models, important though for the company brand, that is. Managerial decisions they personify the model have direct effects on that clients expect of health employee health, positive or specialists”, explains Joachim negative”, stresses Hellmann. von Rieth, CEO of Central. A continuing management culture of concern for health An enterprise in good is therefore a significant health aspect of the group’s entire work model. “A contribution Employees, also, can enjoy of this kind helps employees the benefits offered by to see working at Central as Central, which specialises in enriching. In order to achieve health and has an extremely this objective, there is no such effective health management place as too far away” he team of 9 members, concludes. established in 2009. The exemplary and active support Nicole Nemecek that the team receives from Hauke Schättiger management and the board is a decisive factor in the success of its activities. “Managerial function goes beyond providing role

Central donated 1 eurocent

index to the Cologne Children’s Hospital for every kilometre completed

46 Ph. Lorenzo Pinton - oma - R omano R ortice V index

47 Front cover: Published by TOKYO - MEETING Assicurazioni Generali S.P.A. A GEISHA Piazza Duca degli Abruzzi, 2 Photo: Massimo Novello 34132 Trieste, Partita Iva 00079760328

On the first and last pages: Editorial directors New York - Fog Buildings Lodovico Floriani Attilio Invernizzi Photo: Giacomo Bortoluzzi Elena Cannataro

Photographs from the Editor in chief “Suspended cities” Roberto Rosasco 040 671.121 competition [email protected] (see the article on page 14) editorial office Group Internal Communication Group Human Resources Division, Italy [email protected] editorial staff Paola Cabas 040 671.552 [email protected] Elisabetta Delfabro 040 671.122 [email protected] Alessandra Gambino 040 671.149 [email protected] Alessandra Podestà 040 6799.153 [email protected] editorial assistant Cinzia Ortolan 040 671.542 [email protected] shipping management Rossana Flegar 040 671.103 [email protected]

Graphics and page settling Giotto Enterprise - Trieste English version Eurologos - Trieste index