Solidarity Diplomacy is the activity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation aimed at complementing traditional diplomatic action with solidarity initiatives. These activities are coordinated by the Ecclesiastical Advisor and Chaplain of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Msgr. Marco Malizia, and are designed to promote humanitarian, social, and cultural projects.
Main Activities
- Community Kitchen
Every month, the Foreign Ministry’s canteen opens its doors to people in need, offering a hot meal and a moment of welcome and listening. The initiative draws inspiration from the example of Sister Paola D’Auria and her genuine spirit of charity towards those in need.
- Italy for Sudan
On December 25, 2025, the “Italy for Sudan” initiative, implemented by the Italian Development Cooperation, got underway with the delivery of 25 tons of humanitarian aid for 2,500 students attending schools for children of displaced families. The assistance programme is part of Italy’s ongoing humanitarian commitment to Sudan since the beginning of the terrible conflict in the country.
The initiative does not end with the flight on December 25 – welcomed in Port Sudan by Michele Tommasi, Ambassador to Khartoum, and Msgr. Marco Malizia, Ecclesiastical Advisor to the Minister – but is part of a broader and more structured intervention that will see further aid sent by sea over the coming months to the 53 camps for displaced persons in Port Sudan and the surrounding areas. .
- Jubilee of Diplomacy
On Saturday 13 December, the first Jubilee of Italian Diplomacy was held in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican. The day – a historic one for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – began with the Jubilee Pilgrimage and the passage through the Holy Door. Those present then attended Holy Mass, celebrated by Cardinal Secretary of State Parolin, and the papal audience.
Almost 5,000 people took part in the celebration, including Foreign Ministry’s staff, Ministry’s collaborators and their families. The initiative served to strengthen the traditional ties between Italian and Vatican diplomacy, which share a common commitment to peace and dialogue in international relations.
- Collaboration between a prestigious retail brand and volunteer organisations
A collaboration agreement is in place for the free transfer of products, mainly food, between a well-known supermarket chain and volunteer organisations to support people in need.
- Charity collections
Every month, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation organises collections of food, hygiene products, baby items, school supplies and clothing to support individuals and families in need.
- Medical Conferences
Organized under the agreement between the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, these conferences foster the exchange of knowledge and expertise in the fields of medicine and public health.
