Cultural Diplomacy in the Mediterranean Region

International Conference
 

Conference Overview

In the contemporary Mediterranean region, the need for mutual cross-cultural understanding has never been more compelling. The widespread use of cultural differences as a tool to galvanize conflicts has repeatedly shown its potential in exacerbating relationships at both a domestic and international. Nevertheless, the power of art and culture as a tool for cultural diplomacy, once underestimated and set aside in favor of more traditional forms of diplomacy, is experiencing an encouraging rise in the Mediterranean region. Thanks to the efforts of governments and civil society organizations, several projects are currently been implemented, fostering both mutual understanding and respect, while creating new opportunities for cultural products to reach a wider and diverse audience.

The Conference will explore this topic in depth by bringing an interdisciplinary mix of experts, artists and practitioners to discuss the present and the future of cultural diplomacy in the Mediterranean region. The analysis of specific case studies in the field of art and cultural heritage will enable participants to enhance their understanding of this important issue and further encourage initiatives in this area.

Programme
Opening addresses:

• Gihane Zaki, Director of the Egyptian Academy in Rome
• Sebastiano Maffettone, Dean, Department of Political Science at LUISS Guido Carli
• Sergio Fabbrini, Director of the Luiss School of Government and Professor of Political Science and International Relations at LUISS Guido Carli

The Euro-Mediterranean cultural cooperation:

• Francesca Corrao, Full Professor of Arabic Culture and Language, Faculty of Political Science, LUISS University Rome; President of the Fondazione Orestiadi in Gibellina (Sicily) and Dar Bach Hamba in Tunis
• Hassan Abu Ayoub, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco in Italy
• Khalid Al-Akwa, Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen in Italy
• Enrico Granara, Career Diplomat, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs 
• Farrokh Derakhshani, Director of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture

Good Practices:

• Suad Amiry, Director of the Riwaq Centre for Architectural Conservation 
• Lucia Gotti Venturato, Founder and President, Associazione Sole Luna - Un Ponte tra le Culture
• Lorenzo Romito, Founder of Laboratorio d'Arte Urbana Stalker
• Francesco Alicino, Researcher, Libera Università Mediterranea
• Lorenzo Kihlgren Grandi, Fellow, United Nations Alliance of Civilizations 

Closing remarks:

• Francesco Rutelli, Honorary President of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy; Former Italian Minister of Culture

Cocktail

Concert of traditional and contemporary Mediterranean folk music