ALLATRA AT THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UN INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY
Participants of the conference “New Italians: Cultural Ambassadors of Milan and Their Countries of Origin,” Milan, Italy
Milan, Italy — December 16, 2025.
An international conference titled “New Italians: Cultural Ambassadors of Milan and Their Countries of Origin” was held in the Hall of Frescoes at Palazzo Isimbardi, the official seat of the Metropolitan City of Milan. The event marked the 25th anniversary of the United Nations International Migrants Day.
It took place within the framework of the “Milano Siamo Noi!” initiative, with the support of the Metropolitan City of Milan, in cooperation with FEURA, leading institutions, civil society organizations, and migrant communities that actively operate throughout the Milan metropolitan area.
Second on the right: Patrizia Adamo, CEO of RUMBA TV media program; Third on the right: Héctor Villanueva, initiator of the international campaign “Milano Siamo Noi!,” CEO and founder of the Exhibition of Peoples, Cultures and Solidarity, Milan, Italy
The ideological driving force, organizer, and main inspirator behind the conference was Héctor Villanueva, initiator of the international campaign “Milano Siamo Noi!,” CEO and founder of the Exhibition of Peoples, Cultures and Solidarity. For many years, he has been actively engaged in the migration field, promoting projects focused on integration, intercultural dialogue, and social cohesion. As part of the initiative, Héctor Villanueva co-moderated the conference together with Patrizia Adamo, CEO of RUMBA TV media program. Together, they set a strategic direction for discussion and successfully combined institutional, humanitarian, and cultural perspectives.
Dr. Diana Alessandra De Marchi, Advisor to the Metropolitan City of Milan on Labor, Social Policy, and Equal Opportunities; Paolo Romano, Regional Councillor in Lombardy; José Luis Darias Suárez, Consul General of the Republic of Cuba in Milan; Manfredi Palmeri, Chairman of the Commission on Institutional Issues of the Metropolitan City of Milan, and other participants of the conference “New Italians: Cultural Ambassadors of Milan and Their Countries of Origin,” Milan, Italy
Institutional Involvement
The conference brought together representatives of government authorities, diplomatic corps, journalistic community, as well as international and civil society organizations. The official part of the event featured addresses by the following speakers:
- Dr. Diana Alessandra De Marchi, Advisor to the Metropolitan City of Milan on Labor, Social Policy, and Equal Opportunities;
- Manfredi Palmeri, Chairman of the Commission on Institutional Issues of the Metropolitan City of Milan;
- José Luis Darías Suárez, Consul General of the Republic of Cuba in Milan;
- Paolo Romano, Regional Councillor in Lombardy.
Informative Agenda
The central focus of the conference was discussion of the role of migrants and “new Italians” as active contributors to the city’s social, cultural, and economic life, as well as their potential to serve as cultural ambassadors of Milan and their countries of origin, fostering sustainable intercultural connections.
In the context of global migration challenges, including humanitarian crises, armed conflicts, socio-economic instability, and climate change, participants emphasized the need to establish priorities grounded in respect for human dignity, inclusion, and protection of migrants’ fundamental rights.
The initiative was inspired by:
- Message of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, issued on the occasion of the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees (2025) and calling to establish societies capable of welcoming, protecting, and integrating people who migrate;
- Message of the UN Secretary-General on the International Migrants Day, highlighting the necessity of shaping global migration policies based on human rights and international cooperation.
Biagio Maimone, journalist, author, content creator, Communications Director of Bambino Gesù del Cairo Association, and Italian coordinator of the World Religious Tourism Network (WRTN); Nabil Bougaresh, participant of ALLATRA Italy; Vanella Consiglio, participant of ALLATRA Italy, and other participants of the conference “New Italians: Cultural Ambassadors of Milan and Their Countries of Origin,” Milan, Italy
Expert and Cultural Speeches
During the conference, special attention was paid to the role of communication as a tool of dialogue and social cohesion. A keynote speech was delivered by journalist Biagio Maimone who presented his book “Creative Communication for Social and Humanitarian Development,” where he explores communication as a foundation for a new humanism and ethically oriented social interaction.
The conference also featured contributions from members of professional and migrant communities, as well as cultural and artistic figures, including: Nabil Bougaresh, Fabio Messerotti, Gege da Silva, Grisel Leblanch, Duo Vento, JNUEVE / MLF Records, Keili Alvarado, Ascanio Cuba, Simona Advincula, Gloria Blancas, Enzo Filippi, Elisabela Batista da Silva, Claudia Mazzucco, Samia Ardaya, Carlos Gamarra, Ada Galano, Alessandro Veronesi, and others.
Participation and Contribution of ALLATRA
Nabil Bougaresh, representative of ALLATRA International Public Movement in Italy, took an active part in the conference. In his speech, he drew attention to the escalating global migration crisis aggravated by rapid increase in the frequency and severity of natural disasters, ongoing armed conflicts, and growing food insecurity. He also highlighted the potential impact of microplastics on migration dynamics in Mediterranean countries in the coming years.
ALLATRA International Public Movement and the team of ALLATRA TV received special awards in recognition of their active humanitarian and social engagement aimed at strengthening the values of human dignity, unity, and international cooperation.
Simone Advincula, Italo-Brazilian writer, President of the Italian Rotary Academy of Arts and Literature (ARIAL), radio host, and public figure; Grizel Leblanc, fashion designer and founder of Grisel Leblanc brand; Carlos Gamarra, lawyer, founder of the law firm Studio Gamarra & Assoc., President of PRINCIPI Association (promotion of trade between Peru and Italy); Gegê Oliveira, singer and leader of Forrozão Por Amor project, as well as other participants of the conference “New Italians: Cultural Ambassadors of Milan and Their Countries of Origin,” Milan, Italy
ALLATRA TV team also conducted a series of interviews with the event participants on the topics of integration, active civic engagement, and intercultural dialogue in present-day Milan.
Conclusions
The conference “New Italians: Cultural Ambassadors of Milan and Their Countries of Origin” became a significant international event, clearly reaffirming participants' commitment to the UN universal values promoted through the International Migrants Day. The event underscored the pivotal role of migrants as genuine cultural ambassadors, carriers of innovative potential, and active builders of strong social bonds that foster dialogue, mutual understanding, and sustainable development in society.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Héctor Villanueva for the invitation, high level of organization, and recognition of ALLATRA’s contribution to strengthening social cohesion, advancing integration, and promoting intercultural dialogue in Europe.
About ALLATRA International Public Movement
ALLATRA International Public Movement is an independent, volunteer-based organization dedicated to carrying out large-scale research in geodynamics and environmental issues. ALLATRA IPM is recognized for its interdisciplinary approach to the study of natural disasters, for promoting international scientific cooperation and advocating human rights and fundamental freedoms.
In recognition of its commitment to environmental protection and preservation of creation, ALLATRA International Public Movement was granted an Apostolic Blessing by His Holiness Pope Francis in 2024. In 2025, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV bestowed an Apostolic Blessing upon the President of ALLATRA and all its volunteers.
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