(ANS – Rome – September 16, 2026) – The elective assembly of Forma Nazionale was held on September 11, 2026, at the headquarters of the Italian Bishops’ Conference (CEI). Forma Nazionale is the Italian national association that brings together Christian-inspired vocational training organizations working in the social and employment sectors.
The meeting marked a leadership transition. After 12 years at the helm of the association, Paola Vacchina stepped down and handed over the presidency to Fr. Giuliano Giacomazzi, SDB, a Salesian and Director-General of the National Centre for Salesian Works – Vocational Training and Continuing Professional Development (CNOS-FAP).
The Assembly unanimously thanked Paola Vacchina for the dedication and rigor she demonstrated during more than a decade of service, consistently placing the common good of vocational training and the collective interests of the sector above institutional affiliations.
At the same time, the new President and Executive Committee were encouraged to continue overseeing and coordinating organizations at the national level, promoting vocational training, collaborating with the world of work, and representing the sector in relations with public and private institutions.
Upon accepting the appointment, Fr. Giacomazzi expressed his deep gratitude for the trust placed in him:
“I accept this role with confidence, knowing that I can count on a close-knit team in which everyone gives their very best. We are all certain that vocational training represents a real driver of development for young people, especially the most vulnerable, as well as for adults.”
Executive Committee
Chair:
Fr. Giuliano Giacomazzi
Vice Chairs:
Paola Vacchina – ENAIP
Stefano Mastrovincenzo – IAL
Members of the Executive Committee:
Sr. Manuela Robazza – CONFAP
Federico Pendin – CSL
Antonio Borea – CONFCOOPERATIVE
Riccardo Giovani – CONFARTIGIANATO
Marco Muzzarelli (permanent invited member) – CONFAP
Secretary-General: Dario Odifreddi – CSL
Auditor: Giorgio D’Antoni – EFAL
The Challenges of Transition and the Value of Work
The Assembly opened with an address by Fr. Bruno Bignami, Director of the National Office for Social Pastoral Care and Work of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), who highlighted the value of the association’s relationships.
“Our relationship with Forma and with vocational training inspired by the Church’s Social Doctrine is beneficial to us, because it enables us to maintain a living connection with the world of work and with those in vulnerable situations,” he said.
Fr. Bignami then referred to paragraph 156 of Pope Leo’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, recalling that technological innovation, automation, and artificial intelligence must be guided by social criteria centered on protection, reskilling, and the dignity of the individual. Referring to the papal document, he called for a commitment to continuing formation so that work may truly become “safer, more creative and more dignified.”
The contribution of Andrea Simoncini, representing the Ministry of Labour, was also well received. He called for a change in perspective when assessing the sector’s impact:
“Cross-referencing data with the Mandatory Reports (CO) from the labor administration confirms a job placement rate of 70 percent. Almost all the contracts entered into are fixed-term, apprenticeship, or permanent contracts, refuting the narrative of precarious or marginal employment.”
With the election of Fr. Giuliano Giacomazzi, SDB, Forma Nazionale renews its commitment to safeguarding vocational training programs while placing the dignity of work and social inclusion at the center of its mission.
Source: Don Bosco Italia