St. Augustine unites Italy and Algeria: WAI’s role in Mediterranean intercultural dialogue
Introduction
The participation of Welcome Association Italy (WAI) in the conference “St. Augustine Joins Italy to Algeria. Two peoples for peace” represents a significant moment within the initiatives promoting intercultural dialogue in the Mediterranean.
The event, sponsored by Assadakah – International Association of Italian-Arab Friendship and sponsored by the Embassy of Algeria, brought together diplomats, religious representatives, scholars and experts, recalling the importance of cooperation between the two shores of the Mediterranean.
WAI brought a perspective related to daily experience with thousands of international youth who choose Italy to study, helping to make intercultural dialogue a real, lived experience.
Why St. Augustine is a bridge between Italy and Algeria
A shared cultural heritage
The figure of St. Augustine represents one of the deepest links between North Africa and the Latin world.
Born in Algeria, educated between Carthage and Milan, he embodies the essence of a Mediterranean that, historically, has always been a crossroads of exchanges, ideas and dialogues.
Why it is so important today:
- It is a figure shared, recognized and valued on both sides of the Mediterranean.
- It represents cultural mobility, a pillar of contemporary relations.
- It symbolizes a common heritage that unites rather than divides.
Reflecting on St. Augustine means recognizing the common cultural roots between Italy and Algeria and the possibility of building new forms of exchange through culture and education.
Carlo Palumbo’s (WAI) speech: culture, youth and cooperation
The central themes of the intervention
Carlo Palumbo, Deputy Secretary General of Welcome Association Italy, emphasized how the experience of international students demonstrates every day the power of dialogue between cultures.
“Every international student brings with them a history and a vision. Italy becomes a meeting place for different paths, and this enriches our country and our society.”
Main points of his contribution:
1. The Mediterranean as an educational space
The Mediterranean, in WAI’s vision, is not just a geographical place, but a human environment where different identities meet and recognize each other.
2. Students as bridge builders
Student mobility fosters lasting relationships between Italy and countries of origin, creating spontaneous networks of cultural and human cooperation.
3. Culture as an instrument of peace
Promoting knowledge, acceptance and dialogue is a concrete investment in the future of relations between countries.
“Peace comes from mutual understanding, and understanding comes from meeting.”
A major institutional presence
The conference brought together high-profile diplomatic and cultural figures, including:
- H.E. Inas Mekkawy, Delegate of the League of Arab States in Italy and to the Holy See
- H.E. Mohamed Khelifi, Ambassador of the Republic of Algeria
- Talal Khrais, President of Assadakah
- Representation of the Maronite Patriarchate
- Monsignor Abdo Raad, founder of the Annas Linnas Association.
- Silvana Brusamolino, writer and Middle East expert.
The speeches highlighted the importance of interreligious dialogue, cultural cooperation and the enhancement of the historical and identity ties that unite Italy and Algeria.
Conclusion: a step toward a more united Mediterranean
Welcome Association Italy’s participation in the conference on St. Augustine is a concrete contribution to the promotion of intercultural dialogue.
The association confirms its commitment to the:
- Supporting shared educational and training paths
- Foster encounters between young people from different cultures
- Collaborate with institutions, religious communities and cultural realities
- Promoting a Mediterranean capable of dialogue and building lasting relationships
WAI will continue to work so that students, institutions and communities can come together and recognize each other as part of a common future.
