World Economic Forum opening ceremony: remarks by CEO Carlo Messina

During the virtual opening ceremony of the World Economic Forum’s Davos Agenda 2021, Carlo Messina, CEO of Intesa Sanpaolo, introduced the world premiere of “See Me: A Global Concert”, a unique cinematic journey featuring orchestras and choirs in Beijing, Drakensberg, Florence, Kabul, Philadelphia, Vienna and São Paulo, with the cellist Yo-Yo Ma and Music Director Marin Alsop.

The concert was filmed on location despite the challenges of COVID-19 and was made possible with support from Intesa Sanpaolo.

Carlo Messina, CEO of Intesa Sanpaolo, remarked:

“It is a great opportunity to bring everyone together, even in this difficult and critical moment we are living, sending out messages of togetherness and hope.

“I strongly believe that the current pandemic has given all of us a clear sense of urgency and the need to act now, sensibly and pragmatically.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has proved that we are all facing global issues that require systemic solutions to be more effective. In such a complex and connected world, no single institution – and no single company – can solve all these problems; at the same time, every institution and every company should prioritize its contribution.

“As Intesa Sanpaolo, we reinforced our efforts to tackle the pandemic by donating over €100 million to strengthen Italy’s National Health System as well as supporting people in need by delivering more than 13 million meals, dormitory beds, medicine prescriptions and articles of clothing.

“We have a duty to leave a positive mark on the society around us and to support the transition towards social, cultural and environmental growth”.