Major Events

The “Major events” section lists some of the meetings, conferences and other events in which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has a played a leading role in Italy and other countries. As well as formal institutional meetings and cultural events and exchanges, the MFA also engages with young people, the world of art and social initiatives. Its aim is to enhance and promote Italy’s image abroad through frequent interaction with institutional and other actors. The Ministry also seeks to raise public awareness on issues such as human rights and immigration, for example through its on-going campaigns against female genital mutilation and the death penalty.

In addition to “exceptional” events such as World Food Day, the Ministry’s participation as guest of honour in the 73rd International Fair in Thessalonica and Expo 2008 in Zaragoza, the MFA also takes part in regular scheduled events. Each year, for example, it organises an official conference in Rome for Italy’s ambassadors abroad and the directors of our network of Italian Cultural Institutes.

• G8
• Italian Cultural Institute New York: “Ancient Codex & Documents”
• 6th Conference of Italian Ambassadors in the World
• Olive Group - VI° riunione informale dei Ministri degli Esteri dei Paesi mediterranei della UE (Taormina 15-16 dicembre 2008) (in translation)
• Young Italians in the World Conference – Rome, 10-12 December 2008
• Doha International Conference (28 November -2 December)
• The Conference of Italian Cultural Institute Directors (Rome, 20-22 November 2008)
• Italian Language in the World Week (20-26 October 2008)
• International Book Fair in Guadalajara
• World Food Day (16 october). Ducci, the official Italian celebrations
• The Aksum Obelisk: the return trip
• Italy and the 73rd International Fair in Thessaloniki
• Italy with the UN Against Hunger in the World
• Italy at the 2008 Zaragoza EXPO
• The Ministry’s Art Collection