The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Edmondo Cirielli, spoke today at the Conference launching the new UNESCO Chair in Education, Gender Equality, and Climate Action, held in English, at the University of Naples L’Orientale. The candidacy for the new UNESCO Chair, submitted by the Neapolitan university as part of the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme, is the result of a rigorous and competitive process, strongly supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Within the framework of this program, which – with 1,000 UNESCO Chairs worldwide – promotes global interuniversity cooperation and commitment to inclusive education, social justice, and environmental sustainability, Italy is a leading player with 44 Chairs hosted throughout the country.
“The internationalization of the Italian university system is a priority for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as it is a key driver of our country’s economic growth and an effective foreign policy tool,” the Deputy Minister stated, explaining that the initiative fits fully within the framework of the Italian development cooperation strategy, which recognizes universities’ central role in promoting the 2030 Agenda and developing human capital in partner countries.
The collaboration between the Foreign Ministry, academic institutions, and UNESCO promotes virtuous synergies between research, education, and social development. Specifically, the project supported by the UNESCO Chair at L’Orientale University aims to study the gender impact of climate change and strengthen the role of women and local institutions in sustainable development processes.
“This initiative is part of a broader cooperation strategy that sees the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation engaged in several large-scale projects, with funding exceeding €70 million in 2024, demonstrating the importance placed on culture, research, and education as levers for international growth and intercultural dialogue,” the Deputy Minister explained, illustrating the many projects developed, including those under the Mattei Plan in Africa.
