The Italian foreign ministry will hold its annual Africa Day at 10:30 on Tuesday 27 May 2014. The event coincides this year with the 41st anniversary of the Organization of African Unity, which became the African Union in 2002.
Minister Federica Mogherini will deliver the opening speech, and Under-Secretary Mario Giro will close the event. Invited guests will include the Heads of Mission of the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, scholars, scientists and persons associated with cultural spheres and the African continent.
This year’s theme, “Cooperation for sustainable development”, falls within the framework of the Italy-Africa Initiative launched by the Farnesina in December 2013 to boost relations between Italy and a growing continent that offers major opportunities. The choice of focus on scientific cooperation was prompted by the conviction that the dissemination and strengthening of scientific research at local level can ensure sustainable development over the long range. Italy intends to make its contribution by organising sector meetings to facilitate the exchange of information, knowledge and peer-to-peer contacts.
During the institutional session, the Trieste World Science Academy (TWSA) will award an African scientists particularly distinguished for contributing to the progress of science at the service of sustainable development. A brief scientific seminar organised by TWAS will follow, with speakers including eminent scientists of international note.
Online accreditation system. Journalists, photographers and TV crews interested in following the event should:
– complete the interactive form available athttp://mae.accreditationsystem.info/ITA/Indice.asp
– attach all required documentation (if not already submitted) to the form, in digital format
Required documentation:
– a letter from your media organisation
– for foreign journalists in Italy: a note verbale issued by the Embassy in Rome of your media organisation’s country.
If you are unable to complete the online accreditation procedure, please send your applicationby fax, on your media organisation’s letterhead, to the Foreign Ministry’s Press and Institutional Communication Service (tel. 06/3691.3432 – fax 06/3691.2122).
Accredited members of the press will be admitted at the rear entrance to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Via Macchia della Farnesina – beginning at 9:30.
