“Italy’s engagement for the safeguarding of cultural heritage isn’t limited to cultural, monumental, architectural and natural properties. It also includes the most representative elements of our country’s traditions, which are the fruit of its genius and creativity.”, the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Angelino Alfano thus commented the inscription of the Art of Neapolitan Pizzaiuolo, whose tradition is passed down from one generation to the other, on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.
Many thanks to the 2 million Italians who signed the #pizzaUnesco petition and contributed to this important result. « UNESCO has recognized the cultural and social dimension of this traditional savoir-faire, which brings to the world one of the most healthy and fulfilling specialties, capable of bringing people together notwithstanding social, economic and cultural gaps, as well as an Italian word that can convey emotions without need for translation ».
This important result was reached during the yearly meeting of the Committee for the Safeguarding of Cultural Intangible Heritage which takes place on the island of Jeju in the Republic of Korea. It also comes right after the “Week of Italian Cuisine” in the world, with a whole range events promoting Italy’s wine and food traditions at the international level as key examples of our culture and of Italy’s trademark.
« The key features of Naples’ pizza – quality, identity, land, biodiversity, culture, sustainability – are the same of Expo Milano 2017 – recalled Minister Alfano – They are the symbol of Italy’s excellency in the world and of our professionalism in a sector which makes our country famous all around the world».
This important success for Italy’s cultural diplomacy adds up to the numerous results obtained at UNESCO over the past year ; our election as Chair of the 39th General Conference of UNESCO for 2017-2019 and to the Committee for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in the Event of Armed Conflict ; the implementation of the Strategy for Reinforcing UNESCO’s action for the Safeguarding of Heritage and the Promotion of Cultural Pluralism, promoted by Italy ; the inscription of 4 Italian cities to the Creative Cities Network (Alba, for gastronomy, Carrara, for craftsmanship, Milan, for literature and Pesaro, for music), and of the Venetian works of defense and of the ancient beech forests in the World Heritage List.
