At Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome, the secretary general of the General Council of Italians Abroad, Maria Chiara Prodi, and the president of the National Museum of Italian Emigration Foundation, Paolo Masini, signed a memorandum of understanding designed to deepen cooperation between the two institutions.
The agreement was formalized during a meeting of the executive committee and immediately set the stage for a more structured partnership. The protocol outlines a series of joint initiatives focused on protecting and promoting Italy’s migration heritage, including archival, documentary, and visual materials.
Both organizations plan to work together on historical and scientific research, as well as museum development projects, combining expertise to present the story of Italian migration in a more comprehensive way. The initiative aims to bridge past and present, highlighting both historical movements and the realities of today’s global Italian communities.
Education is another key pillar of the agreement. The two institutions will develop training programs that connect schools with professional experiences, offering opportunities both in person and remotely. These programs are expected to reach a wide audience, with the goal of engaging students across Italy and abroad. Officials emphasized that creating multiple perspectives on migration is essential, reflecting the diversity of individual stories and community experiences that span more than 150 years of Italian diaspora history.
The agreement also underscores the importance of Italian communities worldwide, estimated at over 80 million people of Italian descent. Representatives of Italians abroad are seen as a vital network that can support cultural initiatives, research projects, and public outreach. Strengthening these connections is considered crucial for maintaining a living link between Italy and its global diaspora.
Following the signing, the two sides held an initial operational meeting to identify priority projects and timelines. Early initiatives include collaborative exhibitions, educational content, and storytelling projects that explore themes ranging from migrant associations to cultural contributions in host countries.
Prodi highlighted how the collaboration will quickly move from planning to action, with concrete programs already defined. Masini emphasized that Italian emigration represents one of the country’s most powerful collective narratives – a story that connects generations and continues to evolve today. Through this partnership, both institutions aim to transform that narrative into a dynamic resource for education, research, and cultural exchange.
