WAI participates in a moment of dialogue dedicated to children’s rights and the value of education
An institutional and cultural meeting in Rome sponsored by Assadakah, Libyan Arab School and Welcome Association Italy
Welcome Association Italy took part in an important discussion dedicated to children’s rights, education and dialogue between cultures, held in Rome on May 14, 2026 at the Libyan Arab School, Via Massaua 6.
The initiative, titled “Childhood in the Crosshairs – Symposium on Children’s Rights in Conflict Zones,” was held under the auspices of the Diplomatic Mission of the League of Arab States and was sponsored by theInternational Association of Italian-Arab Friendship Assadakah, the Libyan Arab School and Welcome Association Italy.
The event provided an opportunity for diplomatic representatives, institutions, the educational world, associations and civil society to meet, with the aim of drawing attention to the importance of child protection, the right to education and cooperation between communities.
The best interests of the child at the center of the dialogue
The symposium focused on the principle of the best interests of the child, invoked by international conventions and fundamental to every educational, social and institutional path.
Talking about children means talking about the future, responsibility, protection and trust. For this reason, the initiative aimed to create a space for shared reflection, in which the topic of childhood was addressed with care, respect and sensitivity.
The discussion highlighted how important it is to ensure that children and young people have pathways to growth based on education, listening, safety, dignity and opportunities for personal development.
School as a place of humanity and hope
Opening the proceedings was Dr. Najat Aqhiela, Principal of the Libyan Arab School, with a welcome address and a reflection on the role of education as a garrison of humanity.
School was recalled as an essential place of growth, encounter and continuity. Through education, children can find tools to understand the world, develop their skills and build relationships based on mutual respect.
In this sense, the Libyan Arab School was not only the venue for the meeting, but also a symbol of the value of education as a bridge between cultures, generations and communities.
High-value diplomatic and institutional participation
The initiative was attended by authoritative representatives of the diplomatic and institutional world, who contributed to the discussion with speeches dedicated to child protection, cooperation and the value of dialogue.
Participants included representatives of Arab and international diplomacy, including H.E. Muhannad Younes, Ambassador of Libya to Italy, H.E. Monica Robelo Raffone, Ambassador of the Republic of Nicaragua, Minister Counselor Inalvis Bonachea González of the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba, H.E. Enas Sayed Mohamed Aly Mekkawy, Ambassador of the League of Arab States, and H.E. Asmahan Al Toqi, Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen.
The presence of diplomatic representatives, educational institutions and associational realities gave the meeting a particularly important meaning: building dialogue, promoting awareness and strengthening a culture of responsibility toward the new generations.
The contribution of Welcome Association Italy
For Welcome Association Italy, Carlo Palumbo spoke, with an institutional greeting dedicated to the value of welcome, education and cooperation among communities.
WAI’s participation is part of the association’s drive to promote the inclusion, guidance and protection of people coming to Italy for study, training and personal growth.
The focus on minors and the right to education invokes a dimension that is deeply close to WAI’s mission: accompanying people on growth paths, fostering encounters between cultures and contributing to the building of more welcoming and aware communities.
Culture, poetry and music as tools of encounter
Cultural and symbolic moments were also planned during the symposium, with poetry readings and Arabic songs for peace by students of the Libyan Arab School.
These moments enriched the meeting, reminding us that culture, language, music and poetry can be valuable tools for dialogue and closeness.
The students’ participation gave additional meaning to the initiative, making visible the role of the younger generation as protagonists of paths of encounter, education and hope.
A recognition of the educational value
The ceremony also included a moment of special recognition to Dr. Najat Aqhiela, Head of the Libyan Arab School, for her efforts in promoting education, dialogue and cultural growth.
This recognition underscored the value of the school as a place of responsibility, education and openness to others.
A shared commitment to the next generation
Participation in this initiative confirms Welcome Association Italy’s focus on issues of education, inclusion, intercultural dialogue and child protection.
Meetings like this are valuable opportunities to unite different sensibilities and strengthen a common vision: to put the new generations at the center, enhance the role of schools and promote a culture based on respect, cooperation and shared responsibility.
Welcome Association Italy will continue to support moments of discussion and awareness, in the belief that education, welcome and dialogue are fundamental tools for building more inclusive, supportive and peace-oriented communities.
