Florence’s New Social Renaissance in Defense of Human Rights

A “new Renaissance” is sweeping through the city of Florence, bringing with it a strong positive energy. Five centuries after the golden age that, under the leadership of the Medici family, reshaped the city and defined its central role in the Western world, Florence seems to be experiencing a new spring. This time, however, the context in which it expresses its uniqueness—becoming a beacon and guide for other cities in Italy and Europe—is not only cultural, but also deeply social. And I can’t help but feel both happy and proud, as someone who has made this city my home, to witness how various initiatives and collective actions in Florence are moving towards inclusion, the defense of rights, and the building of a more supportive community.

There are numerous associations working to make the city shine with a fraternal and inspiring light—pushing for a more just, open, free, and welcoming society. One example is COSPE, which, since 1983 from its historic headquarters in Florence, has been engaged in international cooperation, human rights, gender equality, environmental protection, social justice, and inclusion. Its national and European projects aim to strengthen skills, civic participation, and the protection of marginalized groups.

COSPE is also one of the key players behind the launch of the Protection Hub for Criminalized Activists, presented on June 17 at the Spazio Europa Experience in Rome with the participation of Future Rights.  The initiative is part of the European Net4Defenders project and seeks to monitor freedom of expression and dissent in increasingly restricted civic spaces, provide digital security training, legal and psychological support, and carry out European advocacy for a democratic, fair, and just society.

Rome, Net4defenders

In recent years, Florence has also seen the rise of young, dynamic organizations like Good World Citizen and ASIRI, which promote interculturality, human rights, and the social integration of migrants and refugees through inclusive initiatives.

Since its founding in 2021, ASIRI has embodied the dream of a place where young people of Latin American origin can find both roots and wings. Through initiatives such as the AsiriInforma center, the association offers free guidance on accessing education, work, and Italian language learning, fostering the social inclusion of second-generation youth.

At the same time, the vision of Good World Citizen has taken shape: a non profit organization with the ambition to promote intergenerational and intercultural cooperation and to cultivate “good world citizens for the common good,” regardless of nationality, culture, or religion. Good World Citizen stands out as a pioneer of active citizenship on a global and intergenerational scale: from workshops for second-generation youth to intercultural community-building programs, it represents a model of social innovation rooted in urban transformation and culture.

We can imagine ASIRI and Good World Citizen as weavers of shared experiences: on one side, an association offering a point of reference for young Latin Americans in Florence; on the other, a project that embraces a global sense of community and civic responsibility. Both work on common ground: valuing personal identity as a resource for the collective good, using education as a tool for inclusion, and dialogue as a driver of change.

In a city like Florence, ASIRI and Good World Citizen represent two emblematic faces of a new humanitarian solidarity: one starting with young individuals and their diverse roots, the other embracing the world as an interconnected community. Together, they symbolize the common good, inclusion, and shared hope.

Future Rights, which has often collaborated with COSPE, ASIRI, and Good World Citizen in the field of human rights, is based not in Florence but in nearby Pisa. And I like to think that the historic rivalry between the two Tuscan cities has now dissolved in the waters of the Arno River that flows through them both—making space for daily efforts toward a more inclusive and just society.

Beyond the work of associations, this energy is taking concrete form through institutional proposals that reflect a broader commitment. Just in recent months, a motion was presented in the City Council to declare Florence a “Refuge City for Human Rights Defenders.” The initiative aims to enhance both Italian and European experiences and offer protection to those facing criminalization for their activism.

And this is far from the end: the seeds of this new Renaissance were planted years ago through the perseverance of associations, volunteers, and public institutions. The fruits—like the Protection Hub, the Refuge City motion, cultural initiatives, and educational programs for thousands of students—are already visible. Others are sure to come, helping to define a new Renaissance not only for Florence but for all human communities that believe in human dignity, rights, participation, and inclusion.