Hello everyone,

My name is Luigi Sannino, and I am the President of the Istituto Culturale Astrofili Spezzini® APS, a cultural institution recognized by the Italian Ministry of Culture and based in La Spezia, Italy.

Our organization believes that astronomy is much more than the study of the Universe. It is a powerful tool for education, social inclusion, scientific literacy, and sustainable development.

Every year we organize dozens of public outreach events, educational activities for schools, citizen science projects, and research programs in collaboration with national scientific institutions. Our observatories welcome thousands of visitors and hundreds of students, offering opportunities to experience science through direct observation of the sky.

One of our main goals is to make astronomy accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, young students, and communities that have limited access to scientific education. We strongly believe that observing the sky inspires curiosity, critical thinking, international cooperation, and respect for our shared planet.

I joined this course because I would like to learn how astronomy can further contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and to exchange experiences with participants from around the world.

I look forward to learning from all of you.

Best regards,

Luigi Sannino
President
Istituto Culturale Astrofili Spezzini® APS
Italy 🇮🇹