On the occasion of National Sports Day, the Italian Foreign Ministry reaffirms its commitment to promoting the Sistema Italia internationally through sports diplomacy, an increasingly important instrument for supporting economic growth, showcasing Italy’s excellence and promoting the values of dialogue, inclusion and peace around the world. “Sport is an outstanding expression of Italian talent and an effective tool for promoting Italy abroad. Through sports diplomacy, we support growth, promote our areas of excellence, foster dialogue among peoples and contribute to the building of peace,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani.
For the past three years, sports diplomacy has been an integral part of the international action of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Through its diplomatic-consular network, the Italian Cultural Institutes and in cooperation with the Minister for Sport and Youth, the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), the Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP), Sport e Salute, sports federations, universities and the business community, the Italian Foreign Ministry promotes initiatives supporting the sports industry value chain and major international sporting events. Among these is the Italian Sport Day Around the World, which involves more than 300 diplomatic-consular missions and Italian Cultural Institutes. Sport also plays a central role in cultural diplomacy and international dialogue initiatives, such as the recent Africa Day 2026, dedicated to the role of sport as a tool for dialogue, inclusion, education and shared growth between Italy and the African continent.
Sport is also a significant driver of economic development. The sector generates approximately EUR 32 billion in added value, accounting for nearly 1.5% of Italy’s GDP, while exports of sports goods exceed EUR 4.7 billion. Within this framework, the Italian Foreign Ministry supports the promotion of Made in Italy by leveraging major international events hosted in Italy, beginning with the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games and the America’s Cup in Naples in 2027. These events represent strategic opportunities to strengthen the presence of Italian companies in international markets, attract investment and further enhance Italy’s image worldwide.
