June 17 – “The preservation of cultural heritage in Mediterranean countries affected by conflict: the CHUD Programme in Lebanon and the Italian Cooperation Agency experience” was the title of a conference held recently in the Odeion Hall of the Literature Department at the University La Sapienza in Rome. Promoted by the Italian Cooperation Agency and the Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR – Lebanon), in collaboration with the University La Sapienza of Rome, the conference aimed at presenting the results of the project, and discussing best practices and lessons learned. The Director-General for Development Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Giampaolo Cantini, and the Lebanese ambassador, Sharbel Stephan, opened the meeting, assisted by Professor Stefano Tortorella of La Sapienza University, who moderated and introduced the speakers. Cantini stressed that the protection and enhancement of cultural heritage, especially in countries affected by conflict and unrest, are priority areas of Italy’s development cooperation policy. Given the country’s considerable experience in art and culture maintenance, the project gives scope to mitigate tensions and encourage stability, while facilitating knowledge transfers by training young people and creating economic activities useful to overcome financial vulnerabilities and ensure a form of socio-economic development in the territory. Ambassador Sharbel Stephan highlighted the deep historical connection between Italy and his country, represented also by the Lebanon’s cultural heritage. Stephan sincerely thanked the Italian government for its commitment to Lebanon, noting that Italy was the largest donor in Europe and the third in the world after the United States and China; he also acknowledged the professionalism and quality of human resources in the various projects underway in the country.
