ALLATRA Took Part in Assisi Pax International Assembly
Photo: Representatives of ALLATRA International Civic Platform from Italy with Padre Gianmaria Polidoro, founder of Assisi Pax International, and Luigi Sammarco, Vice President of Assisi Pax International
Assisi, Italy — June 27, 2026 — In the city of Saint Francis, the Assisi Pax International Assembly took place, marking the 30th anniversary of the international association founded in 1996 at the initiative of Padre Gianmaria Polidoro, a Franciscan priest, thinker, and public figure who has dedicated his life to promoting culture of peace, fraternity, and mutual respect.
For three decades, Assisi Pax International has been uniting people of different generations, cultures, and worldviews around the idea of peace as a conscious choice based on dialogue, respect for human dignity, and responsibility for a shared future. The Association’s work encompasses educational, cultural, and civic initiatives aimed at fostering mutual understanding among people and strengthening culture of peace.
The Assembly is one of Assisi Pax International’s key annual events. It brings together members of the Association, partners, and invited guests, creating a space for open dialogue, exchange of experiences, discussion of pressing challenges of our time, and identification of future directions for joint activities. Meetings of this kind help strengthen international ties and translate the ideals of peace into concrete initiatives and projects.
The 2026 Assembly carried special symbolic significance in light of the approaching 800th anniversary of the passing of Saint Francis of Assisi (1226–2026). During this anniversary year, Assisi becomes a place of gathering for pilgrims, public leaders, and representatives of religious, cultural, and international organizations from around the world, once again reaffirming its role as a globally recognized symbol of peace, fraternity, and spiritual unity.
The event organized by Assisi Pax International brought together members of the organization as well as invited guests and speakers from spiritual and civic communities, united by the values of dialogue, peace, and international cooperation.
Nabil Bougarech, representative of ALLATRA Global Research Center, delivered a presentation at the event.
Photo, left: Nabil Bougarech, representative of ALLATRA Global Research Center
In his speech, he emphasized the importance of international scientific and civic cooperation and drew attention to the inseparable relationship between humankind and nature — a theme that holds a central place in the spiritual legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi and is reflected in Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’.
Special attention was given to contemporary environmental challenges, particularly the issue of micro- and nanoplastics, which requires further scientific research, consolidation of efforts within the scientific community, and enhancement of international cooperation.
Photo: Padre Gianmaria Polidoro, founder of Assisi Pax International
As part of the Assembly, representatives of ALLATRA Italy had the honor of interviewing the founder of Assisi Pax International, Padre Gianmaria Polidoro, and the Association President, Dr. Gerardo Navazio.
Photo, center: Dr. Gerardo Navazio, President of Assisi Pax International; Photo, left: Margherita Visconti, member of the Governing Council of Assisi Pax International
During the conversations, they discussed the mission of Assisi Pax International, the spiritual heritage of the city of Assisi, the significance of the Franciscan tradition in the present-day world, the idea of a “civilization of peace,” humanity’s responsibility for preservation of creation, and the role of education and culture of dialogue in shaping society of the future.
Photo, from left to right: Daniela de Feo, Personal Representative of the President of Assisi Pax International; Margherita Visconti, member of the Governing Council of Assisi Pax International; Dr. Gerardo Navazio, President of Assisi Pax International; and Iryna Bezverkhnia, representative of ALLATRA International Civic Platform
A special moment for ALLATRA representatives was the presentation by Dr. Gerardo Navazio, President of Assisi Pax International, of a commemorative lithograph by artist Silvio Ciuccietti, created for the 800th anniversary of the passing of Saint Francis of Assisi, as well as a jubilee medal “In Service of Peace,” dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Assisi Pax International.
Photo, from right to left: Dr. Gerardo Navazio, President of Assisi Pax International; Margherita Visconti, member of the Governing Council of Assisi Pax International; Matilda Bellano, member of the Governing Council of Assisi Pax International; Iryna Bezverkhnia, representative of ALLATRA International Civic Platform; and Nabil Bougarech, representative of ALLATRA Global Research Center
The 2026 Assembly once again reaffirmed the enduring mission of Assisi Pax International: lasting peace begins with dialogue, mutual respect, and willingness to cooperate. Thirty years after its founding, the Association continues to bring people together around values that are especially meaningful today, reminding us that culture of peace emerges through daily actions, openness, and responsibility of every individual.
About ALLATRA
ALLATRA is an international civic platform 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
The ALLATRA Global Research Center is an independent research organization dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of critical environmental and health challenges facing humanity. Through rigorous analysis and interdisciplinary collaboration, ALLATRA produces comprehensive reports and documentaries designed to inform public understanding, policy discussions, and scientific collaboration on global challenges, including micro- and nanoplastic contamination, climate change, and geodynamic threats.
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