ALLATRA at the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

28 March 2026

Milan, Italy. March 21, 2026 — As part of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, a conference titled “Word as a Tool of Peace, Truth, and Justice” was held at the Ghilardotti Hall of Palazzo Pirelli, the seat of the Regional Council of Lombardy.

Photo: First on the right — Nabil Bougaresh, participant of ALLATRA Italy; second on the right — Héctor Villanueva, initiator of the international campaign “Milano Siamo Noi!”, director and founder of the Exhibition of Peoples, Cultures and Solidarity (Milan, Italy); third on the right — Paolo Romano, Regional Councillor of Lombardy; first on the left — Biagio Maimone, journalist, writer, content creator, Communications Director at the Bambino Gesù del Cairo Association, and coordinator of the World Religious Tourism Network in Italy

The initiative, organized by Héctor Villanueva and Regional Councillor Paolo Romano, opened with official remarks by Romano who emphasized the importance of public dialogue in countering all forms of discrimination.

Francesco Caroprese, Vice President of the National Order of Journalists, also delivered welcoming remarks, highlighting the crucial role of mass media in raising public awareness about racism and discrimination. According to him, ethical and responsible journalism is a key tool in combating stereotypes, prejudice and disinformation, and fosters a more informed society.

A video address by Mattia Peradotto, Director General at UNAR (the National Office Against Racial Discrimination under the Italian Prime Minister’s Office), was of particular significance. In his speech, he stressed the need for shared responsibility between institutions and civil society and the importance of this international day as a moment for collective reflection and renewal of commitments.

Special attention was given to the topic of employment. Marcello Guadalupi, a qualified tax law expert and representative of the social enterprise Milano PerCorsi Srl, delivered a presentation highlighting the strategic role of businesses in integrating people with migrant backgrounds. He noted that access to employment is one of the key tools in ensuring dignity, independence, and full participation in society.

During the meeting, Héctor Villanueva, CEO and founder of the Exhibition of Peoples, Cultures and Solidarity, and initiator of the “Milano Siamo Noi!” project, emphasized the importance of dialogue among peoples, cultures, and ethnic groups as the foundation for peaceful and sustainable coexistence.

Among the speakers was also journalist and writer Biagio Maimone, Communications Director at the Bambino Gesù del Cairo Association, who offered a thoughtful reflection on the social and ethical role of communication. He noted that words are never neutral: they have the power to both unite and divide. In his view, conscious communication is an act of responsibility that helps affirm the dignity of every individual and build a more just society.

Speakers also included Juan Carlos Castrillón, Consul General of Ecuador in Milan; Federico Bottelli, Chair of the Housing Policy and Neighborhoods Committee of the Municipality of Milan; as well as representatives of public, cultural, and professional organizations actively engaged in integration processes.

As part of the conference, a presentation was delivered by Nabil Bougaresh, representative of ALLATRA International Public Movement in Italy. In his speech, he emphasized that every individual plays an important role in building an open, multicultural, and just society through everyday actions, respect for others, and active dialogue.

“Every action taken in the name of mutual understanding and dialogue brings us closer to a more just and peaceful future,” the ALLATRA speaker noted, adding that the fight against discrimination requires concrete action, cooperation, and individual responsibility.

During the presentation, the audience was also introduced to the activities of the ALLATRA Global Research Center as well as other international initiatives of the Movement, aimed at advocating human rights and addressing climate and environmental challenges.

Photo (left): Anzhelika Moskalenko, participant of ALLATRA Italy and the Red Ribbon initiative, at the conference “Word as a Tool of Peace, Truth, and Justice,” Milan (Italy)

The team of ALLATRA International Public Movement from Italy participated not only as speakers, but also as active media partners at the event, covering the conference, interviewing participants, and documenting key ideas aimed at strengthening intercultural dialogue and promoting humanistic values.

The conference served as a platform for open and constructive dialogue on how to build a just and sustainable future.

About ALLATRA

ALLATRA is an international organization with a research center in the United States (ALLATRA Global Research Center), engaged in the comprehensive analysis of climate and environmental changes, the study of the impact of micro- and nanoplastics, and the promotion of intercultural cooperation and the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms.

In recognition of its commitment to environmental protection and preservation of creation, ALLATRA received an Apostolic Blessing from His Holiness Pope Francis in 2024. In 2025, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV likewise bestowed an Apostolic Blessing upon the President of ALLATRA and all its volunteers.

About the ALLATRA Global Research Center

ALLATRA Global Research Center brings together scientists, researchers, and specialists from different countries to study global challenges, including natural disasters, geodynamic changes, micro- and nanoplastics, and human rights. The Center publishes science-based analyses and recommendations for researchers, policymakers, the media, and the public.

For media inquiries, please email us at [email protected]