ROME, JUNE 23 – Antonio Tajani, the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation, delivered a poignant speech at the General Council of Italians Abroad (CGIE)
conference on Friday June 23, at the Farnesina Palace. This speech came as a conclusion for a 5 daylong annual conference of the CGIE that started on Monday 19 th of June. Minister Tajani highlighted the significance of the CGIE and shared his connection as someone who began living abroad at a very young age. He also addressed a ground-breaking tourism project aimed at Italians living abroad.
The Minister commenced his speech by expressing his deep appreciation for the CGIE, emphasizing its importance not only on a governmental level but also on a personal level.
Tajani himself has a unique connection to the topic, having begun his life abroad at the
tender age of just five months, due to his father being in the army. This personal experience undoubtedly gave him a profound understanding of the challenges faced by Italians living outside their homeland.
A new project called ‘Il Turismo delle Radici’ (Roots Tourism)
Tajani introduced an innovative project called ‘Il Turismo delle Radici’ (Roots Tourism),
which is part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). This initiative is specifically dedicated to Italians living abroad, offering a unique form of tourism centered around cultural, linguistic, and economic enrichment. This project is of huge importance, since there are 6 million Italians abroad (Italian descendants included). The concept of ‘Roots Tourism’ revolves around the profound connection between Italian communities abroad and their ancestral origins. It recognizes the historical migration patterns that have brought diverse Italian populations to various countries worldwide, fostering a strong emotional and relational bond. The project aims to strengthen these bonds through meaningful experiences, encompassing language, traditional cuisine, and the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Italy.
Tajani shared his plans to attend the memorial of a significant historical disaster in Marcinelle on August 8th. The tragic incident took place on August 8, 1956, at the Bois du Cazier coal mine in Marcinelle, Belgium. It resulted from an underground electrical fire that trapped a large number of miners, many of whom were guest workers from Italy. Tragically, they succumbed to smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning before rescue efforts could save them. A total of 262 miners lost their lives in the catastrophe, which remains etched in the collective memory of Belgium. Tajani expressed deep empathy and personal connection to this event, highlighting the fact that most of the affected Italians hailed from southern regions of Italy.
(Alessandro Cucchi)
