Mattarella: “Culture is a beacon of peace and dialogue”. The President attended the ceremony for the 100th anniversary of the University for Foreigners of Perugia

The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, participated yesterday, 12 February 2025, in the Inauguration ceremony of the new academic year of the University for Foreigners of Perugia, celebrating the hundredth anniversary of the founding of this historic academic institution. The event took place inGreat Hall of Palazzo Gallenga, the beating heart of the university, in the presence of institutional authorities, law enforcement, professors, students and guests from different parts of the world.

The solemn atmosphere was inaugurated by the Mameli Anthem, performed by the orchestra of the Mariotti Classical and Musical High School of Perugia, and continued with a series of speeches that underlined the historical and cultural significance of this celebration.

The words of Rector De Cesaris: an invitation to international dialogue

The rector of the University for Foreigners of Perugia, Valerio De Cesaris, opened the ceremony, which recalled the origins of the university, founded in 1921 with the first courses in higher education dedicated to Franciscanism and Etruscology, and officially established in 1925 with a Royal Decree as the “Royal Italian University for Foreigners”. “For a century, this university has been a bridge between different cultures and a place of cultural diplomacy, helping to promote the Italian language and culture in the world”, the rector stated, emphasizing the educational and social value of the university.

The rector then drew attention to some critical issues that risk penalising international students, including the increase in the health service registration fee from 150 to 700 euros, and the difficulties in issuing visas for those foreigners who already have relatives in Italy, considered at risk of migration. De Cesaris asked that these problems be addressed and overcome.

President Mattarella's speech: "No one here is a foreigner"

President Mattarella's speech was one of the most anticipated moments of the ceremony. The Head of State he underlined the importance of culture as an instrument of peace and dialogue between peoples, reiterating the central role of the University for Foreigners of Perugia in promoting cultural encounters and integration. “Italy is a welcoming and open country, and the University for Foreigners is a splendid example of this. Here, no one is a foreigner, because every student is at home.” the President said.

Mattarella then recalled how the history of the university has gone through difficult and glorious periods.: from the Second World War, with its tragedies, to the European pacification and the post-colonial period, which saw the affirmation of principles of equality between men and States. The President also reiterated the importance of the role of universities, called to guide the new generations towards choosing the best path to address global challenges.

The signing of the book of honor and a symbolic gift

After his speech, the President Mattarella went to the historic Sala Goldoni of Palazzo Gallenga, where he signed the book of honor of illustrious guests of the university. On behalf of the academic community, Rector De Cesaris donated an anastatic copy to the Head of State of the original 1907 edition of Raniero Gigliarelli's book on the history of Perugia, a symbolic gesture to express gratitude and appreciation for the visit.

A Commitment to the Future: Centenary Celebrations

The ceremony kicked off a year full of cultural and celebratory initiatives to celebrate the centenary of the University for Foreigners.

The President of the Umbria Region, Stefania Proietti, underlined thesymbolic importance of the President's visit: “The presence of Mattarella is an extraordinary recognition for this institution, which for a century has represented a bridge between Italy and the world, in the name of peace and culture”.

The deep bond with the Umbria region

The visit to Perugia was President Mattarella's ninth stop in Umbria, demonstrating a deep and significant bond with the region. The first visit dates back to 2016, on the occasion of the inauguration of the new headquarters of the Carabinieri Nucleus for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Perugia, while other visits involved important events such as the "Sete di Pace" Meeting in Assisi and the inauguration of the Rai School of Journalism in Ponte Felcino.