A platform for cooperation aimed at developing multiple areas of exchange between the two countries; a dynamic physical space, ready to transform in line with the initiatives it will host; an immersive experience allowing visitors to appreciate what Italy has offered and continues to offer in the realms of play and art – the meaning and shape of Italy’s participation in EXPO 2027 in Belgrade are beginning to take form, said the Italian Ambassador Luca Gori.
The agreement was formally signed today in the presence of the diplomat, Serbia’s Minister of Internal and External Trade and Commissioner for EXPO 2027, Jagoda Lazarević, and EXPO 2027 Director, Danilo Jerinić.
“Five guiding principles will shape Italy’s presence at EXPO 2027: first and foremost, teamwork – the ability to connect skills, experience and energy among the various stakeholders involved, both as exhibitors and in supporting the organisational efforts of the Italian system in Serbia; the development of the human dimension – promoting interaction between people, since neither play nor art can exist without engagement with others, whether contemporaries or expressions from the past; inclusivity – a commitment to embracing every form of ‘play’, without imposing limits between those considered more established and others less so; territorial diversity – with the aim of bringing all Italian regions to Belgrade in turn, thereby showcasing the richness of our identity and the diverse forms of play, dance and art that characterise different parts of our country; and finally, collaboration – the intention to use this platform as both a physical and virtual space to foster new alliances among businesses, research institutes, associations, institutions and individuals from both countries, as well as all other participants in EXPO 2027,” explained Ambassador Gori.
He added that “in this direction, ‘Play with IT’ has already been launched this year – a festival of Italian creativity designed to encourage joint projects across fields such as design, fashion, music, sport, innovation and cuisine.”
For her part, Minister Lazarević highlighted the importance of relations between Italy and Serbia, both politically – including Italy’s support for Serbia’s European path – and economically, through investment, trade exchange, scientific cooperation and energy-related issues. The Minister also recalled Italy’s longstanding openness and attention towards former Yugoslavia and later Serbia, noting how the Iron Curtain did not apply in Trieste, where Yugoslav citizens were free to enter Italy and return home. For Serbs and all the peoples of Yugoslavia, this represented an opportunity to discover Italian culture and be captivated by it – a phenomenon that continues to be passed down from generation to generation. For this reason, significant contributions from Italy to EXPO 2027 are expected, particularly in terms of aesthetics, art, as well as sport and play.
Along similar lines, EXPO Director Danilo Jerinić recalled how, during the Osaka Expo, he had the opportunity to visit the Italian pavilion, which impressed him so greatly that he considered it the most beautiful and a source of inspiration for his current role.
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