ALLATRA Italy attended a formal ceremony celebrating Guayaquil’s independence and the opening of Ecuador’s new Consulate General building in Milan

Photo (center): Juan Carlos Castrillón Jaramillo, consul general of the Republic of Ecuador in Milan. Left: Nabil Bougarech, representative of ALLATRA Italy. Right: Alla Moskalenko, representative of ALLATRA Italy.

Milan, Italy — October 9, 2026. The ALLATRA Italy media team attended an official ceremony marking the 206th anniversary of Guayaquil’s independence and the inauguration of the new building housing the Consulate General of the Republic of Ecuador in Milan.

Organized by the Consulate General of Ecuador in Milan, the event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, local government officials, and representatives of civic, cultural, and business organizations. The gathering provided an opportunity to strengthen international ties, foster intercultural dialogue, and promote mutual understanding and cooperation among people from different countries.

For Ecuador, the anniversary of Guayaquil’s independence is a significant historical occasion symbolizing the pursuit of freedom, dignity, and self-determination. The opening of the consulate’s new premises in Milan marks another important step in enhancing consular services and strengthening bilateral relations between Ecuador and Italy.

What made the event particularly meaningful was its blend of historical remembrance, diplomatic engagement, and cultural exchange. Such gatherings help strengthen ties between nations, foster dialogue across cultures, and cultivate mutual respect.

During the event, the ALLATRA Italy media team interviewed distinguished guests to hear their perspectives on the importance of international cooperation, the role of diplomacy, and shared human values serving as a foundation for intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect for cultural diversity.

Among the interviewees were:

• Juan Carlos Castrillón Jaramillo—consul general of the Republic of Ecuador in Milan;
• Diana De Marchi—Milan city council member and advocate for intercultural dialogue and integration;
• Prof. Stefano Masullo—rector of ISFOA and expert in finance, management, and education;
• Héctor Villanueva—founder of Rumba TV and cultural director of the Milano Latin Festival, a prominent cultural figure promoting Latin American culture and intercultural dialogue.

Photo (left to right): Juan Carlos Castrillón Jaramillo, consul general of the Republic of Ecuador in Milan; Prof. Stefano Masullo, rector of ISFOA and expert in finance, management, and education; Nabil Bougarech, representative of ALLATRA Italy.

Photo (left to right): Diana De Marchi, Milan City Council member, chair of the Committee on Equal Opportunities and Civil Rights, and Metropolitan City of Milan councilor delegated to labor, social policy, and gender equality; Héctor Villanueva, founder of Rumba TV and cultural director of the Milano Latin Festival, a cultural figure promoting Latin American culture and intercultural dialogue; Nabil Bougarech, representative of ALLATRA Italy. 

The conversations highlighted the importance of diplomatic and community initiatives that help bridge cultural divides, foster mutual understanding, and build relationships based on mutual respect, encouraging productive cooperation.

The event contributed to advancing intercultural dialogue and strengthening ties among representatives of different countries.

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.

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