As detailed in its 2020 Strategy “A Partnership with Africa”, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) has detailed scenarios for the African continent and the role of Italy in genuinely contributing to the further development and well-being of African states and societies. Specific attention has been directed to thematic priorities (such as peace, security, human rights, development cooperation, migration and mobility,commercial, cultural, scientific and environmental collaboration). The Strategy has also identified four geopolitical areas of intervention (the Mediterranean, Horn of Africa, Sahel and Southern Africa) requiring diversified and multidimensional approaches. Overall, building upon the notion of Value Oriented Diplomacy, this Strategy represents syncretism for Italy, between its vision of Africa and, at the same time, the perception by Africa of our country: trust and mutual respect, leading to concrete and virtuous initiatives which pursue the key goal of promoting peace and stability within African communities as well as their sustainable development.

The need to foster this dialogue with Africa is part of the overarching collaboration with the European Union aimed at forging a new, shared partnership apart from the outdated “benefactor/beneficiary” dynamic. The overarching goal isto “build bridges” to the benefit of European and international partners in addressing great global challenges and opportunities, such as peace and security, governance and human rights, migratory phenomena, investments andcooperative development, climate change and sustainability cultural and scientific cooperation.

Furthering the implementation of this Strategy and the achievement of expected objectives require the sharing of common knowledge and approaches, as well as a common language. Hence the need for training and education initiatives as vehicle for transmitting profound messages and multilateral approaches. Jointly organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and School of Government at Luiss Guido Carli (SOG), the Executive First Level Master in Global Public Diplomacy and Sustainable Development represents an advanced academic and professional training program aimed at the consolidation of therelationship between Africa and Italy with a global and multilateral approach.