At a press conference in Rome on 17 November, Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani announced the inaugural ‘Conference of Italophonia’, a new diplomatic forum aimed at uniting countries and regions where Italian is an official or working language. The gathering, to be held at Villa Madama on 18 November, will see the formal adoption of a charter creating the Community of Italophonia.
While largely cultural, the initiative has concrete mobility dimensions. The Foreign Ministry confirmed that participants will explore mutual recognition of professional qualifications, simplified visa channels for researchers and students, and expanded scholarship funds. Italy already supports over 500 Italian-language programmes in 130 countries; officials said a dedicated mobility fund could double that number by 2028.
![Foreign-minister Tajani launches ‘Community of Italophonia’ to strengthen ties with 70-plus countries]()
Business implications include potential fast-track permit arrangements for Italian firms investing in member states and enhanced consular cooperation for dual citizens. Employers may benefit from a larger pool of Italian-speaking talent abroad, while expatriate Italians could see streamlined document services through joint consular desks.
Analysts view the conference as part of Italy’s broader ‘Diplomazia della Crescita’ strategy, which links cultural diplomacy with trade and investment. If the Italophonia charter delivers on its mobility pledges, companies should monitor forthcoming bilateral agreements that could ease secondments and student-intern visas.
While largely cultural, the initiative has concrete mobility dimensions. The Foreign Ministry confirmed that participants will explore mutual recognition of professional qualifications, simplified visa channels for researchers and students, and expanded scholarship funds. Italy already supports over 500 Italian-language programmes in 130 countries; officials said a dedicated mobility fund could double that number by 2028.
Business implications include potential fast-track permit arrangements for Italian firms investing in member states and enhanced consular cooperation for dual citizens. Employers may benefit from a larger pool of Italian-speaking talent abroad, while expatriate Italians could see streamlined document services through joint consular desks.
Analysts view the conference as part of Italy’s broader ‘Diplomazia della Crescita’ strategy, which links cultural diplomacy with trade and investment. If the Italophonia charter delivers on its mobility pledges, companies should monitor forthcoming bilateral agreements that could ease secondments and student-intern visas.
