The first Italofonia Conference opened at Villa Madama, marking a new effort to strengthen the international role of the Italian language. The event brings together political leaders, cultural institutions, and organisations committed to promoting Italian as a tool for cooperation and shared growth.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani welcomed delegates alongside Universities and Research Minister Anna Maria Bernini, Società Dante Alighieri President Andrea Riccardi, and Undersecretary for Education Paola Frassinetti. International guests include Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister Matej Arčon, Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu, Kosovo’s Foreign Minister Donika Gërvalla Schwarz, Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali, NIAF President Robert Allegrini, and UN Envoy for Road Safety Jean Todt.
The Italofonia conference aims to build a stable network of institutions and cultural bodies that support the Italian language in diplomacy, culture, and economics. Delegates will present the document establishing the new Italophonia Community, a framework designed to deepen dialogue and assist countries promoting Italian worldwide.
Officials say the initiative confirms Italy’s commitment to making its language not only an expression of heritage but also an instrument for peace, understanding, and development. Representatives from nations where Italian is an official or vehicular language are also taking part, together with international organisations that promote multilingualism.
Interest in Italian language is growing
Participation reflects growing global interest in Italian. Recent estimates suggest that about two million people study the language in 130 countries. Learners attend Italian and local schools, over 900 foreign universities, and courses offered by Italian Cultural Institutes and the Società Dante Alighieri. In 2024, the Foreign Ministry awarded more than 500 grants to support Italian teaching positions in around 70 countries, with funding exceeding €2.8 million.
Organisers hope the Italofonia Community will reinforce this momentum and create long-term partnerships that expand the international presence of the Italian language.
