ROME – Italy and ICCROM have launched a 6 million Euro cultural heritage program in four African countries, aimed at training young artisans and fostering socioeconomic opportunities. The three-year initiative, funded by the Italian government, will be implemented in partnership with the Fabbrica di San Pietro in the Vatican.
The agreement was signed today by Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral, ICCROM’s Director-General, and Edmondo Cirielli, Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, President of the Fabbrica di San Pietro, attended the signing ceremony.
The program targets 540 young artisans in Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Kenya and Tunisia, with a goal of creating a “Training-of-Trainers” model to expand skill development and formalize craft professions across Africa.
Gujral emphasized that cultural heritage, when managed by communities, can promote social cohesion, identity and dialogue, especially among youth. She described the initiative as a “powerful alliance” of Italian conservation leadership, the expertise of Fabbrica di San Pietro and ICCROM’s global experience to create tangible opportunities and growth.
Cirielli stated that investing in craft training and heritage conservation promotes sustainable development and creates opportunities for young people, aligning with Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa.
ICCROM, an intergovernmental organization dedicated to conserving cultural heritage globally, supports this vision, believing sustainable development in Africa must prioritize fair partnerships, human capital, local expertise and cultural identity.
