Diplomacy as a bridge for dialogue and exchange between Italy and Africa. This is a significant opportunity for discussion, focusing on the economic and social opportunities arising from Italy-Africa relations, as well as the health challenges and humanitarian aid required to overcome COVID-19. But it's also a unique opportunity to understand and offer solutions in the field of higher education. With this in mind, the Luiss Diplomatic Forum—the university’s annual event with its international network of diplomats, institutions, and Italian companies operating globally—will kick off on Friday, October 8, at 7:00 PM on the Viale Romania campus. Special guests at this second edition, in addition to 50 ministers, representatives, and delegates from African countries, include Maria Helena Semedo, FAO’s Deputy Director-General for Climate and Natural Resources, and Marina Sereni, Italy ’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Opening the event will be Paola Severino, Vice President of the University, and Luigi Di Maio, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Luiss President Vincenzo Boccia will deliver the closing remarks.

The University named after Guido Carli is hosting an international day, featuring numerous events. Among them is the awarding of three scholarships to young Moroccan students who are already studying at Luiss, thanks to an inter-university collaboration project developed with the Med-Or Foundation of Leonardo and the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University. The award ceremony, scheduled for Friday, October 8 at 6:15 PM at the Foundation’s headquarters on Via Cola di Rienzo, will be attended by Minister Di Maio, the Moroccan Ambassador to Italy, Youssef Balla, and the President of the Med-Or Foundation, Marco Minniti. The three scholarship recipients will also be present, along with Luiss leadership: President Vincenzo Boccia, Vice President Paola Severino, Rector Andrea Prencipe, and General Director Giovanni Lo Storto.

With these two important events, the Free International University of Social Studies continues to enhance and strengthen its relations with Africa, in line with the Global Engagement Strategy , a cornerstone of the University’s 2021–2024 Plan. The University has been involved in various international projects for years. Since 2017, the Mediterranean Project, in partnership with Fondazione Terzo Pilastro – Internazionale, has already enabled over 35 students (from Jordan, Palestine, and Malta) to study at Luiss and the University of Petra through a dual-degree agreement. This year, in collaboration with UNHCR – the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees – seven students from refugee camps in Jordan arrived in Rome. But that's not all. Luiss has also been working with UNHCR for years on the UNICORE project – University Corridors for Refugees – which enables four more political refugee students to earn a master's degree. Finally, through the “Sub-Saharan Africa” Project developed with Eni, the University offers scholarships to 14 students from Angola, Mozambique, Nigeria, Congo, and Ghana. Africa has never been closer in terms of international diplomacy, economic relations, and higher education.