In a recent guest lecture at The American University of Rome, Alessandro Pinto, founder of the Italian American Sports Foundation (IASF) and a visionary in integrating sports with social responsibility, shared his experiences and insights on using athletics as a force for global good. Pinto, whose career spans decades of groundbreaking initiatives, encouraged students to consider how their own career paths could intertwine with positive social impact.
Pinto’s lecture focused on sports' profound influence on communities, offering students a unique perspective on humanitarian engagement through non-traditional avenues. “Sports are more than games,” he noted, “they’re platforms for change.” Pinto’s career exemplifies this ethos—he was instrumental in establishing partnerships between organizations like the International Olympic Committee and the United Nations, and spearheaded initiatives such as "One Goal for UNICEF," using sports events to raise funds for children in need.
For aspiring event planners and those interested in social responsibility, Pinto offered practical guidance from his years of experience. He shared his “10 Golden Rules” for successful event planning, emphasizing adaptability, effective networking, and attention to detail.
A particularly impactful moment of the lecture came when a student asked, “What inspired you to work in event planning?” Pinto responded thoughtfully, “The real question is what inspires me to keep working in this industry.” His passion, he explained, stems from a desire to contribute to meaningful change.
Pinto’s lecture at AUR was more than a recount of his accomplishments; it was a call to action. He encouraged students to think beyond traditional career paths and consider how they might use their skills to make a positive impact. His message was clear: the potential to drive change exists in every field, and students have the power to make a difference through dedication, adaptability, and vision.
Layla Jaff, AUR senior Business student and department student assistant, contributed to the creation of this article.