Today, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Benedetto Della Vedova, has spoken at the inauguration ceremony of the “Dante.Global” digital platform, in the presence of the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella.
The platform has been designed and created, in partnership with the Foreign Ministry, by the “Dante Alighieri” Society, chaired by Andrea Riccardi, to enhance the promotion of the Italian language and disseminate Italian culture worldwide, as part of the initiatives commemorating 700 years since the death of Dante Alighieri. “A fundamental anniversary for history, for our language and therefore for the cultural identity of our country” – Deputy Minister Della Vedova has remarked. “The dissemination of the Italian language is to all intents and purposes a foreign policy tool, because it is through our language – he added – that our culture, our values and our world view come to be. This is why culture and language are two priority areas in the framework of the strategy adopted to promote Italy and its brand abroad, as well as an extraordinary lever of soft power. Our language, like our art, design, cuisine and music,” – Deputy Minister Della Vedova continued – “is one of Italy’s characteristics that make it unique and appreciated across the world, together with its products and lifestyle. Today’s event also confirms the importance of the long-standing collaboration between the Foreign Ministry and the Dante Alighieri Society in promoting our language and culture worldwide. It is a fruitful collaboration and dialogue, which we are wholeheartedly committed to keeping up, especially at times like the present. In this difficult period for all cultural and creative activities – Deputy Minister Della Vedova concluded – promoting Italian abroad requires even greater commitment in coordinating different initiatives and players.”
