The meeting, organised in collaboration with the Italo–Latin American International Organisation (IILA), brought together senior representatives from the 33 member states of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and leaders of regional institutions and development banks. At the end of the discussions, participants adopted a Final Declaration reaffirming shared values of democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.
What’s new: The Conference’s core concept was growth diplomacy, a strategic concept that aims to strengthen trade and investment while promoting new free trade agreements and economic partnerships.
- Broad attention was given to the energy transition and human-centred digital transformation, focusing on green hydrogen, renewable energy, and clean technologies.
- Ministers reaffirmed cooperation in the fight against organised crime and corruption, highlighting programs such as Falcone–Borsellino and El PACcTO.
Tajani’s voice. In an op-ed published across major Latin American media outlets, the Foreign Minister recalled the deep bond between Italy and the region: “The history of Latin America is intertwined with that of Italy. Millions of Italians, carrying with them hope, courage, and ingenuity, set out across the sea as early as the first half of the nineteenth century to build a new life for their families overseas.”
- Tajani added that today, “thanks to one of the most extensive diplomatic and consular networks, Italy continues to promote shared growth partnerships, forging new ties with a region to which the government is paying increasing attention.”
Between the lines: In the same regional context, the 35th anniversary of Ex corde Ecclesiae, coordinated by ODUCAL, brought together rectors and chancellors of Catholic universities from Latin America and the Caribbean in Chile (October 1–3).
- The meeting renewed the dialogue between faith, culture, and society, reinforcing the link between education and values the European Union seeks to integrate into its partnership with the region. This cultural and spiritual dimension remains integral to the EU–CELAC relationship.
La Dolce Diplomacy: The Italy–Latin America relationship also thrives on culture, creativity, and sport, strengthening a shared form of Italian soft power rooted in identity and exchange.
- Between emerging creativity, cultural heritage, and expanding markets, Latin America — particularly Mexico — is positioning itself as a new strategic destination for the global fashion system and Italian-made design. Countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico are redefining their role, becoming creative and commercial hubs driven by new designers, digital platforms, and a growing focus on sustainability and cultural identity.
- Music remains a key influence vector: Il Volo’s sold-out Latin American tour — spanning Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Peru — confirms the pop-opera trio as ambassadors of Italian musical tradition and global appeal.
- Finally, sport becomes a symbol of friendship and inclusion. On October 10, the legendary Maracanã stadium will host the soccer match “Partita del Cuore Italy–Brazil”, featuring stars such as Zico, Romário, Cannavaro, and Tardelli. The free event, promoted by Enel and the Government of Rio de Janeiro, celebrates the historic bond between the two countries and facilitates access to sports for children and adolescents on Dia de la Criança (Children’s Day).
- Italian Ambassador Alessandro Cortese will also take the field, honouring the emotional and cultural strength of Brazil’s 30 million citizens of Italian descent.
What we’re watching: Tajani highlights the upcoming EU–CELAC Summit in Colombia this November, a key test for consolidating the bi-regional dialogue and translating commitments made in Rome into concrete results.
- The next COP30 in Brazil has been identified as another milestone for biregional climate cooperation. Italy aims to play an active role in forging alliances for a fair and sustainable energy transition.
