Italian culture was vibrantly celebrated at several recent events highlighting its rich heritage and progressive initiatives.
On February 24, 2025, the Italian Embassy in Singapore hosted the INSPIRING CITIES seminar, focusing on innovative urban planning and sustainable real estate projects. The initiative aimed to explore and promote the Italian urban planning model on large-scale projects, drawing the attention of high-profile investors and experts from various sectors. According to ANSA, the event was opened by Italian Ambassador to Singapore Dante Brandi, alongside Massimo Rustico, the Italian Ambassador to Malaysia. Among the notable speakers were Alberto Agazzi, head of International Markets at Generali Real Estate, and Manfredi Catella, CEO of COIMA, both of whom emphasized the importance of sustainable urban development.
One highlighted project was the Porta Nuova district in Milan, the first globally to receive both LEED and WELL certifications for community sustainability, showcasing Italy’s commitment to creating environmentally friendly urban spaces.
Justin Gabbani, CEO of Lendlease Investment Management, stressed the significance of developing inclusive and resilient environments. He presented Lendlease's approach to urban regeneration, advocating for partnerships between public and private sectors to drive innovation and address challenges posed by urbanization and demographic shifts.
Concurrently, Italian cultural representatives gathered at the Instituto Italiano di Cultura (IIC) in Buenos Aires on March 6, 2025, to commemorate International Women’s Day with the event 'Riscoprire le Voci Femminili Dimenticate dalla Storia.' This gathering featured discussions with three professional women—Michela Caiazzo, Adriana Bernardotti, and Leonor Osuna Izquierdo—who explored overlooked literary contributions by women throughout history. The dialogues sought to recover stories of female writers whose works have faced censorship due to their bold ideas.
Caiazzo, affiliated with the University of Buenos Aires, shared her extensive research on women’s emancipation between Italy and Spain. Bernardotti, with her diverse contributions to Argentine theater and history, highlighted the challenges faced by women articulators and their works. Osuna, a scholar of Spanish literature, has been significant in promoting visibility for historically obscured female authors.
Closing statements during the panel addressed the legacy of these writers and the continuous relevance of their narratives today, emphasizing the necessity of such dialogues to illuminate and celebrate women’s contributions to culture.
On another front, the Università del Litorale faced scrutiny over the marginalization of the Italian language within its faculties. Despite the university’s acknowledgment of occasional oversights, many official materials were reported as predominantly non-Italian, triggering concerns from the community over the institution's commitment to bilingualism.
University officials, responding to criticisms, noted steps being taken to improve language representation and support for Italian courses aimed at both staff and younger generations. They are also collaborating with EU institutions to bolster linguistic education and outreach, intending to create more inclusive environments reflecting the region's cultural diversity.
Meanwhile, on the culinary front, Italian culture flourished through the 'Italiano' events series running from February 26 to April 9 in Sydney, Australia. The series partnered with local businesses, featuring events focused on sharing traditional Italian dining experiences. Bondi’s Rocker and Randwick’s Cut Lunch Deli hosted special events highlighting authentic Italian cuisine.
Guests were treated to delectable antipasti platters and refreshing cocktails, capturing the essence of 'la dolce vita.' Specifically, Rocker offered curated tapas featuring prosciutto di parma and sundried tomatoes paired with exquisite wines, cultivating the spirit of summer gatherings cherished across Italy.
For just $49, the Rocker event combined generous culinary offerings with live DJs on select Sundays, promising vibrant afternoons filled with music and merriment.
Meanwhile, Cut Lunch Deli presented its take on Italian dining for $40, delighting patrons with their house-made focaccia and curated refreshments, including seasonal sandwiches available for limited time, fostering community engagement and culinary exploration.
Through these diverse initiatives, Italian culture continues to resonate around the world, celebrating both historical narratives and present-day expressions of Italian identity. Whether through culinary escapades or raising awareness of women’s literary heritage, the spirit of Italy thrives through these efforts, inviting participation and appreciation from communities worldwide.
These events not only serve to promote Italian culture but also act as meaningful platforms for fostering dialogue, innovation, and inclusivity, ensuring the legacy of Italian contributions to society endures.