WASHINGTON — The 51st anniversary gala of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), held Saturday at the Washington Hilton, brought together leading Italian businesses, political representatives and prominent figures from the Italian American community, highlighting the two pillars underpinning relations between Italy and the United States: political cooperation and economic partnership.
The gathering offered a snapshot of NIAF’s role as a transatlantic bridge, connecting institutions, industry and a community whose influence extends well beyond cultural heritage.
Why it matters: At a time of geopolitical uncertainty and industrial transformation, business diplomacy is becoming as important as political dialogue in sustaining the Italy-US relationship. The Washington gathering showed how the two dimensions increasingly reinforce each other.
The business connection. The corporate presence reflected the breadth of Italian economic interests across the Atlantic.
- Key players included Fincantieri, Leonardo, Intesa Sanpaolo, Ferrovie dello Stato, Almaviva, Terna, Italgas, GE Healthcare, SHRO, Colavita, Ferrero and Campari Group, representing sectors ranging from defense and shipbuilding to energy, infrastructure, finance, technology, healthcare and consumer goods.
- The gala was supported by HHH – Hospital Healthcare Holdings, part of GKSD Investment Holding, further highlighting the private sector’s involvement.
- The broader business dimension also reflects the dialogue promoted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Italy (AmCham), which helps connect companies, investors and institutions on both sides of the Atlantic.
The bigger picture: Industrial partnerships are increasingly relevant to national security, technological competitiveness and economic resilience. For Italy and the United States, corporate engagement provides continuity and practical substance to a relationship traditionally shaped by diplomacy and shared political priorities.
Politics remains central. The institutional presence was equally substantial, reinforced by a video message from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who framed the anniversary against the backdrop of America’s 250th year of independence and the longstanding contribution of Italian Americans to the country.
- “The history of Italian Americans is the history of America itself,” Meloni said, recalling a nation shaped by courage, sacrifice and the pursuit of a better future. She pointed to Filippo Mazzei and his influence on Thomas Jefferson as an early example of that contribution.
- “For over five decades, NIAF has represented an essential bridge between Italy and the United States,” she added, describing a connection rooted in shared history, family ties, culture and common values.
- Her message also carried a broader geopolitical emphasis. “In these times of crisis, the bond between Italy and the United States remains crucial,” Meloni said, calling on both countries to continue defending freedom and democracy.
Who was there:
- The political lineup included former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano, Italian Chamber of Deputies Vice President Giorgio Mulè, and lawmakers Carlo Fidanza, Alessandro Cattaneo, Christian Di Sanzo and Elena Murelli.
- Diplomatic and institutional figures included Italian Ambassador to Washington Marco Peronaci, Damiano Beleffi and Raffaele Cattaneo, alongside Giampiero Zinzi and Antonio Giordano.
- Regional representation included leaders from Lazio, Lombardy and Friuli Venezia Giulia, with Presidents Francesco Rocca, Attilio Fontana and Massimiliano Fedriga among the prominent attendees.
- NIAF’s broader program also featured a discussion on Italy-US relations between Pompeo and Alfano, moderated by financial journalist Maria Bartiromo.
The message from Palazzo Chigi: Meloni’s remarks emphasized the political and historical foundations of the relationship, while the breadth of institutional participation illustrated its multiple layers, from national diplomacy and parliamentary exchanges to regional cooperation and industrial partnerships.
- “In these times of crisis, the bond between Italy and the United States remains crucial. Together, we must continue to defend freedom and democracy,” said the Italian Prime Minister.
- Go deeper, read the message.
Lombardy takes the spotlight. NIAF selected Lombardy as its 2026 Region of Honor, recognizing its contributions to industry, design, fashion and innovation, as well as its longstanding economic and institutional ties with the United States.
- Fontana emphasized the region’s commitment to strengthening transatlantic relations, while the celebration offered an opportunity to showcase one of Europe’s leading manufacturing and innovation hubs.
- The regional focus added another dimension to the gathering: Italy’s economic relationship with the United States is driven not only by national policies and major corporations, but also by regional industrial ecosystems.
Fincantieri’s maritime message. Among the evening’s honorees was Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri, who received the NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership in the Maritime Industry.
- The recognition reflected Fincantieri’s international standing and its growing strategic relevance, particularly in advanced shipbuilding, digital technologies and underwater capabilities.
- “I am proud to lead a team focused on the digital ships of the future and the underwater domain, built on Italian technical reliability,” Folgiero commented on LinkedIn.
- He described the award as a bridge between “Italy and the United States, tradition and the future, individual ambition and collective pride.”
- Fincantieri’s US footprint gives the recognition a concrete industrial dimension. Through Fincantieri Marine Group, the company operates four American shipyards, employs approximately 3,000 people and has invested more than $800 million in its US operations, including its partnership with the US Navy.
More than a celebration. For NIAF President and CEO Robert Allegrini, the anniversary reflected the foundation’s longstanding mission of connecting generations and strengthening the ties between Italy and the United States. “For 51 years, NIAF has served as a bridge between Italy and the United States,” Allegrini said, describing the gathering as an expression of the foundation’s mission.
- NIAF Chairman John Calvelli similarly emphasized the importance of investing in future generations and maintaining the connections that have helped shape the Italian American community.
- The takeaway: The gala demonstrated how a cultural institution can also function as a platform for political engagement, business networking and transatlantic cooperation.
Also happened in D.C.. The Washington weekend also hosted the fourth edition of the Italpress Awards, organized by the Italian news agency founded and directed by Gaspare Borsellino, in collaboration with NIAF.
- The ceremony recognized Italian and Italian American personalities contributing to the international visibility of Italian excellence.
- Honorees included Lombardy President Attilio Fontana, Italian Ambassador to the United States Marco Peronaci, Italy’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Giorgio Marrapodi, journalist Gianni Riotta and Ferrovie dello Stato Chairman Tommaso Tanzilli.
- The event brought together representatives from diplomacy, business, institutions and the media.
- See the photo gallery on our sister website, Formiche.net for a closer look at the guests and personalities attending the Washington gathering.
The bottom line: The NIAF anniversary highlighted a relationship increasingly sustained by the convergence of political diplomacy, industrial cooperation and cultural connections. Governments provide the institutional framework, while businesses, regional economies and transatlantic networks help translate that partnership into lasting economic and strategic ties.
(Photo: LinkedIn, NIAF, more photos here)
