Communication is a fundamental tool for raising awareness of the importance and impact of development cooperation initiatives and programs. Italian Cooperation promotes knowledge of its goals and activities through events, social media, and collaboration with journalistic organizations.
In particular, Italian Cooperation organizes and coordinates information and communication campaigns that encourage active citizenship and generate public awareness—especially among young people and families—on major global issues, international development cooperation, and Italy’s commitment to helping address key international challenges.
EVENTS
In close coordination with DGDP (Directorate-General for Public and Cultural Diplomacy), DGCS promotes activities and events aimed at increasing awareness of the commitment of Italian Development Cooperation, with particular attention to younger audiences, students, and families. Within this framework, DGCS organizes numerous events, diverse in format and target groups. Here below some examples:
A) COOPERA – NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION
The national public conference, provided for by Article 16, paragraph 3 of Law 125/2014, is convened by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to encourage citizen participation in shaping development cooperation policies. The Conference represents the main forum for public debate among the various actors of the Italian international cooperation system—from public institutions to local authorities, from civil society organizations to national, regional, European, and international partners—with the aim of sharing strategies, defining priorities, and assessing the results of Italian Cooperation, fostering dialogue and transparency. The next edition of the Conference will take place in 2026.
Last edition: Coopera Conference 2022
B) RIMINI MEETING FOR FRIENDSHIP AMONG PEOPLES
Since 2019, through participation in the “Rimini Meeting,” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has presented to the wider public Italy’s foreign policy and international cooperation initiatives. Thanks to a dedicated pavilion, whose theme aligns with that of the Meeting, The Ministry showcases the work of Italian Cooperation and its national and international partners, illustrating projects carried out in partner countries both in the field of development and in response to emergencies and humanitarian crises.
Visit the Meeting of Rimini 2025 page to learn more about MAECI’s participation in the 2025 edition, dedicated to major global humanitarian crises: https://www.meetingrimini.org/edizioni/edizione-2025/cooperazione-internazionale-2025/
C) #INSIEMEPERGLISDG
Since 2020, The Ministry has collaborated with FAO (the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization), the UN SDG Action Campaign, the European Commission, CIHEAM Bari, and Save the Children Italy in organizing and promoting the traveling awareness campaign on development cooperation and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), “#InsiemepergliSDG.” Through interactive installations in the main squares of major Italian cities and activities organized in collaboration with local partners, #InsiemepergliSDG informs citizens—especially students and families—about the commitment of Italian Cooperation and its partners in contributing to the achievement of the SDG, and how everyone can contribute to sustainability. Since 2020, the campaign has reached Bari, Bergamo, Brescia, Cremona, Milan, Naples, Prato, Rome, Siena, Teramo, Trieste, and Pescara, engaging millions of people.
SOCIAL MEDIA
In coordination with DGDP, the Directorate General for Development Cooperation manages an X page and a Facebook page, through which it promotes and ensures visibility for themes and activities related to Italian Development Cooperation. These include initiatives approved by the Joint Committee, international days dedicated to issues linked to development cooperation, and major events on international cooperation organized by the Ministry.
MEDIA PARTNERSHIP
DGCS – in agreement and coordination with DGDP – establishes media partnerships to showcase the initiatives and activities of Italian Cooperation both in Italy and abroad. In recent years, partnerships have been launched with RAI and the social platforms TORCHA and WILL MEDIA.
