THERE IS AN ITALY THAT COOPERATES
The Paths of Friendship
The Pavilion of International Cooperation at the Meeting 2023 | Hall C3

For the fifth consecutive year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) will be present at Meeting 2023 with a large international pavilion and an exhibition area dedicated to the themes of international cooperation and sustainable development.

In continuity with the previous editions of 2021 and 2022, the Pavilion will be titled "There is an Italy that cooperates," recalling the theme of "The Paths of Friendship," understood as roads and paths that ensure emergency and food supplies to countries in need, providing protection and security to those fleeing from wars and conflicts.

Also this year, MAECI coordinates the presence of important national and international partners, starting with CIHEAM Bari, a key partner of Italian Cooperation with numerous initiatives related to food security and rural development in the Mediterranean basin.

Welcoming you, you will find the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and international and national partners who, together with the volunteers of the Meeting, will guide you through the exhibition "There is an Italy that cooperates - The Paths of Friendship" to learn more about what Italy is doing through its development cooperation to promote fair access to food worldwide.

Guided tours can be booked on the Meeting App starting from August 1st.

Program | Pad. C3

MONDAY, August 21, 2023

2:00 PM
THE MARKETS AND THE FOOD OF THE CITIES OF THE FUTURE

Giaime Berti, co-chair Resilient Local Food Supply Chains Alliance; Massimo Pallottini, President Italmercati; Andrea Calori, President EStà - Economy and Sustainability; Fabrizio Marzulli, Deputy Mayor of Taranto. Moderated by Carmelo Troccoli, General Director of the World Farmer Market Coalition.

6:00 PM
THE TASTE OF EVERYDAY LIFE. WORK AND FULFILLMENT FROM SAN BENEDETTO TO TODAY

Stefano Berni, General Director, Grana Padano Protection Consortium; Alessio Mammi, Regional Councillor for Agriculture and Agri-food, Hunting and Fishing of Emilia-Romagna; Roberto Ravaioli, Curator of the Exhibition "The Taste of Everyday Life. Work and Self-fulfillment, from San Benedetto to today"; Diego Remelli, President of Goito Get Up; Fabio Saini, CEO and Technical Director of Laica Spa. Moderated by Camillo Gardini, President of Cdo Agroalimentare.

TUESDAY, August 22, 2023

2:00 PM
AZER, WHERE IT SEEMED IMPOSSIBLE

Alberto Mazzucchelli, Engineer and designer of the renovation of the AzerMonastery; Andrea Benzo, Special Envoy of MAECI (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation) for the protection of religious freedom and interreligious dialogue; Silvio Pasero, President of Banco Building - The Bank of Things; Hady Kobeissi, Project Coordinator of AVSI in Syria. Moderated by Davide Giuliani, Journalist.

In a place where it seemed impossible, twenty years ago, a group of Trappist nuns chose Azer as their path to follow in the footsteps of the early Christian monks for their vocational journey. This humble and discreet presence, deeply connected to the local community, combines work and prayer in the tradition of Benedictine spirituality. Despite the escalating horrors of war that have ravaged the country, leaving behind death, destruction, and poverty, this monastic community has become a symbol of openness and sharing for the Syrian people. Their existence resonates with the spirit of hope for all in the region.
This event delves into the nuances of the exhibition on the Azer Monastery, hosted within the International Pavilion. It narrates the story of this profound experience and how, with the support of numerous institutions, non-governmental organizations, and ordinary citizens, a faith centered on encounter and inclusivity can lay the foundation for the future. In a backdrop where the atrocities committed and the deep scars they've caused might seemingly deny the possibility of forgiveness, acceptance, and reconciliation.

WEDNESDAY, August 23, 2023

4:00 PM
SOCIAL FRIENDSHIP IN VENEZUELA

His Eminence Cardinal Baltazar E. Porras Cardozo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Caracas, Venezuela; José Manuel "Chema" Colmenarez, Director of the NGO Clinic, Barquisimeto, Venezuela; and Alejandro Marius, President of Trabajo y Persona, curator of the exhibition "The People's Doctor. Life and work of José Gregorio Hernández," Venezuela.

6:00 PM
THE SEA THAT HELPS

Chamseddine Marzoug, fisherman and founder of the Cemetery of the Unknown in Zarzis (Tunisia). Video message from director Giulia Bertoluzzi and screenings of excerpts from the documentary "Strange Fish." Video testimonies from Tunisian territories within the Nemo Kantara project. Moderated by Stefano Carbonara, International Coordinator of the Nemo Kantara project, CIHEAM Bari.

THURSDAY, August 24, 2023

2:00 PM
THE BOLDNESS OF AN IDEA THAT CHANGES LIVES

Introduction and moderation by Biagio Di Terlizzi, Deputy Director of CIHEAM Bari; Mara Semeraro, Coordinator of the FEED platform, CIHEAM Bari; Mohamedou Mohamed Abdallahi, Director of Toogga Sarl, Mauritania; experiences in Palestine and Syria to enhance resilience and food sovereignty (video messages); Matteo Biagini, Assistant Coordinator of the Nemo Kantara project, Tunisia.

4:00-5:00 PM
FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABILITY: COOPERATING TO GROW

Edmondo Cirielli, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Massimiliano Giansanti, President of Confagricoltura; Giangiacomo Pierini, Director of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability at Coca-Cola HBC Italia and President of ASSOBIBE; Giovanni Pomella, CEO of Lactalis. Moderated by Stefano Gatti, Special Envoy for Food Security, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.