“For a Democratic and Sovereign Lebanon”: institutional dialogue at Palazzo Madama and prospects for cooperation between Italy and Lebanon
Rome, Feb. 23, 2026 – Welcome Association Italy took part in the press conference “For a Democratic and Sovereign Lebanon,” held at the “Fallen of Nassiriya” Hall of Palazzo Madama, at the initiative of Senator Stefania Craxi, Chairwoman of the Senate Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.
The initiative represented a moment of high political and symbolic value, dedicated to an in-depth discussion on the situation in Lebanon and the country’s institutional, economic and social prospects in a complex regional context. The choice of the parliamentary venue underscored Lebanon’s centrality in Italy’s Mediterranean agenda and the attention of Italian institutions to the country’s stability and sovereignty.
Lebanon Embassy’s contribution to institutional dialogue.
Among the speakers, H.E. Carla Jazzar, Lebanon’s Ambassador to Italy, offered a particularly outstanding contribution, clearly outlining the challenges and opportunities Lebanon faces in the current phase.
The Ambassador’s speech reiterated the value of international cooperation, Lebanon’s role as a central player in the Mediterranean, and the importance of constructive support geared toward institutional stability and development.
The presence of the Embassy of Lebanon in an Italian parliamentary setting was a concrete sign of openness and willingness for dialogue, strengthening a framework of bilateral relations based on mutual respect, transparent confrontation and cooperation.
A path already started: dialogue with Welcome Association Italy
Welcome Association Italy’s participation in the conference is part of a path of institutional interlocution previously initiated with the Embassy of Lebanon.
At a recent meeting at the diplomatic headquarters, the Association shared a technical report on the performance of Lebanese students in Italy, which was compiled through the analysis of residence permits for study purposes and data on the association community.
The document-already the subject of direct discussion with the Embassy-provides a structured analytical basis useful for:
- Understand the evolution of the Lebanese student presence in Italy
- Identify emerging administrative and academic needs
- Fostering more effective coordination between institutions and associational realities
- Building accompanying pathways geared toward the protection and enhancement of students
During the meeting at the Embassy, H.E. Carla Jazzar expressed attention and sensitivity to the plight of Lebanese students in Italy, recognizing the centrality of the younger generation in strengthening relations between the two countries.
The Palazzo Madama conference thus stands in continuity with this dialogue, strengthening a path that integrates political, diplomatic and academic dimensions.
Lebanon and the academic dimension: the role of the younger generation
Lebanon is historically a country with a strong cultural and university focus, with an internationally prominent academic system and a tradition of openness to Europe.
At a time of institutional and economic transformation, student mobility represents not only an individual opportunity, but also a tool for bilateral cooperation and building lasting relationships.
Students are a natural bridge between the civil societies of the two countries; investing in their protection, orientation and integration means strengthening the human capital that fuels the dialogue between Italy and Lebanon.
The role of Welcome Association Italy in the Mediterranean dialogue
Welcome Association Italy works every year to support thousands of international students, accompanying them through the administrative paths related to residence permits for study purposes and encouraging their integration into the Italian university system.
Alongside this activity, the Association promotes cultural diplomacy initiatives and moments of institutional discussion involving universities, academic associations and diplomatic representations.
Participation in the “For a Democratic and Sovereign Lebanon” conference confirms the Association’s commitment to supporting a structured dialogue with the Embassy of Lebanon, geared toward enhancing the role of the younger generation as a strategic element of bilateral relations.
The statement
“The institutional discussion hosted today at the Senate of the Republic confirms how Lebanon is a central interlocutor in the Mediterranean framework. The dialogue initiated with the Embassy of Lebanon, also through the sharing of a technical analysis on the presence of Lebanese students in Italy, represents a concrete step towards a cooperation that puts the new generations at the center. We are convinced that stability, training and human capital are key elements to strengthen solid and future-oriented relations.”
– Carlo Palumbo, Deputy National Secretary Welcome Association Italy
Cooperation that looks ahead
In an international context marked by complexities and geopolitical transformations, the dialogue between Italy and Lebanon remains essential for the stability of the Mediterranean.
The Lebanese Embassy’s commitment to keeping open spaces for discussion and collaboration is an element of great institutional value.
Welcome Association Italy renews its willingness to continue a path of constructive cooperation, believing that the enhancement of student communities and dialogue between institutions is one of the most effective levers for strengthening ties between the two countries.
