The 2026 Conference of Directors of the Italian Cultural Institutes has come to a close in Verona!
Four intensive days (20–23 July) at Palazzo Maffei, Palazzo della Gran Guardia and the historic Teatro Filarmonico brought together the Directors of the 88 Italian Cultural Institutes operating across 63 countries: a global network that promotes the Italian language, arts and creativity beyond Italy’s borders every day.
This was the first Conference since the reform of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, which has placed cultural promotion at the heart of Italy’s strategies for economic growth and the internationalisation of the *Sistema Italia*.
In his closing address, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, reflected on four days that amounted to a true marathon of ideas, dialogue, projects and shared ambitions, all aimed at strengthening the promotion of the Italian language and culture around the world, in the full awareness that culture is also a driver of economic growth.
This year’s Conference reaffirmed the vital role of culture as a catalyst for development, dialogue and diplomacy. Our thanks go to all the Directors who, every day and across the globe, carry forward this extraordinary mission.
