After more than twenty years, Italy once again takes its turn for a semester at the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the most important international organization on the European continent to work for the defense of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, thereby contributing to promote security and stability in Europe.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Luigi Di Maio, participated today in Strasbourg at the solemn ceremony of transfer of power from the outgoing president to the new Italian president.
In his address for the occasion, the Minister illustrated the program of the Italian presidency, which will include more than thirty events, divided among three high-priority areas.
The primary goal will be to strengthen the action in favor of human rights and, in particular, the rights of women and children, who are particularly vulnerable to violence and discrimination, especially in the context of the pandemic.
In the second place, Italy will encourage a common effort in favor of the shared values and principles of the Council of Europe, with particular attention to protection of the cultural heritage as a way of valorizing the common identity of the member states, the intercultural dialogue and social inclusion.
Finally, during the semester of Presidency, Italy intends to foster the construction of a future centered on people, focusing on the issue of the risks and opportunities that the development and use of artificial intelligence will place on human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
During the ceremony, Minister Di Maio also presented the celebratory stamp dedicated to the Italian presidency, and inaugurated a special tram, decorated with the Italian colors, that will be active in Strasbourg through the entire Semester.