Add the Gazzetta del Sud as a source
Strengthen relations between Southern Italy and the Mercosur countries through territorial diplomacy, research, training and internationalisation. With this objective, the “Calabria-Mercosur” series of seminars began at the University of Calabria, promoted by the Consulate of Uruguay in Calabria, whose consular district includes Southern Italy, with the exception of the islands.
The proceedings were opened by Angelo Macilletti, chancellor of the Consulate of Uruguay in Calabria, who brought institutional greetings from the Honorary Consul Alfredo Sguglio, promoter of the initiative. Macilletti highlighted the value of the seminar cycle as a place for discussion between Italian and Latin American universities, institutions, businesses and territories.
The inaugural meeting, dedicated to intelligent territories and the development of the Rio de Janeiro area, was entrusted to Professor Facundo Villar, director of the Observatory for Public Policies of the Universidad Provincial de Ezeiza of Buenos Aires and official of the Fundación Metropolitana. During the report, the territorial transformations of Argentina and Uruguay, the economic, demographic and infrastructural asymmetries were analysed, as well as the prospects linked to innovation, sustainability and territorial governance.
Among the topics addressed also the role of intelligent territories and tourism as tools to enhance the natural, cultural and identity heritage and promote a more balanced development within the Mercosur space.
In the conclusions, Consul Alfredo Sguglio underlined the value of territorial diplomacy as a tool for connecting institutions, universities, businesses and local communities. He also explained that the Consulate has already started consultations in the area to promote greater knowledge of Mercosur and create new export and import opportunities between Calabria, the South of consular competence and the South American countries.
The meeting was also attended by the Rector’s delegate for Internationalization Paolo Zimmaro, Damiana Costanzo, director of the “E. Tarantelli” Library and director of the II level Master in Management of the Green Transition and Climate Risks, and Professor Maria Mazzuca, deputy director of the same Master, who highlighted the link between internationalisation, sustainability, finance and climate risk management.
Also present were the students of the “Culture and Internationalization” path, promoted by the spin-off of the University of Calabria Smart City Instruments, engaged in an internship program dedicated to territorial diplomacy and international cooperation. The series of seminars will continue with new appointments dedicated to territorial development, energy, agriculture, tourism and economic relations between Southern Italy and the Mercosur countries.