Amb. Formosa at the launch of the 'Ukraine open to the world' initiative

(ANSA) - ROMA, 16 SET - The Ambassador of Italy to Ukraine Carlo Formosa spoke at the launch of 'Ukraine is Open to the World', the first high-level event promoted by the newly appointed Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, Mykola Tochytskyi. During the panel discussion, new approaches to promoting Ukrainian culture globally were discussed, with a focus on 'soft power'.
    In his speech within the main panel, Ambassador Formosa presented the Italian model of cultural diplomacy as a potential source of inspiration for Ukraine, emphasising how the Italian cultural industry has been able to find the intellectual and moral resources to thrive even after periods of conflict. "In the context of Russian aggression, which denies Ukrainian national identity, we understand the value of your culture and the importance of preserving and promoting it," said Formosa, recalling the Italian Patronage on Odessa as a vehicle for creating opportunities for cooperation also in the cultural sphere.
    Participants included the ambassadors of the UK and Japan, as well as US actor Michael Douglas, who praised the courage and unity of the Ukrainian people.