Latest news with #ItalianAgencyforDevelopmentCooperation
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Turning Vision into Reality
Italian Cooperation in Pakistan has a long history of commitment to sustainable development, poverty reduction, and improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable communities. The first development cooperation initiatives date back to the 1980s, focusing on rural development projects aimed at agricultural mechanization and improving crop quality, particularly in olive cultivation. The introduction of selected varieties of Italian olive cultivations has been instrumental in enhancing production efficiency and adapting it to Pakistan's climate. This initiative continues to be promoted in value chain development projects. However, Italy's support for Pakistan has even deeper roots. In 1955, at the initiative of the last Wali Moghul of the Independent State of Swat, Professor Giuseppe Tucci founded the Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan. The Italian Archaeological mission has played a pivotal role in the excavation, restoration, and study of Gandharan art, as well as in the analysis of settlements, funerary archaeology (from prehistory to the Islamic period), and rock art, producing over 1,500 publications. Since the establishment of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in 2016, Italy's development cooperation has been aligned with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development across key sectors, including education, healthcare, gender equality, natural resource management, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Within this framework and in line with the Government's policies and development plans, AICS in Pakistan has defined a targeted strategic approach, focused on food security, climate resilience, decent work, and cultural heritage valorisation. This approach aims to tackle vulnerabilities in the agricultural sector and address climate change thereby representing the orientation of our action. The environment and people are at the centre of the Italian Cooperation projects, which contribute to a green economy and just society, with special consideration for women and youth. By leveraging the country's capital and resources, encouraging results have been achieved in the agriculture sector; strengthening the Pakistani olive oil value chain by involving institutions, businesses, farmers, youth, women and consumers to improve the productivity and quality of Pakistani olive oil. Also, important activities have been carried out to improve climate adaptation through the environmental monitoring and natural resource management, especially in the mountainous areas. Key partnerships include CIHEAM for the scale-up of the olive sector, UNDP and EvK2-CNR NGO for enhancing climate resilience, and UNESCO to promote inclusive and climate sensitive education. Additionally, we confirm our commitment in Pakistan with new initiatives that are starting with FAO and CESVI NGO in Sindh, with University Ca' Foscari of Venice, ILO and ISCOS NGO in KP, respectively to improve anticipatory action, protect cultural heritage, and promote green jobs and economic inclusion. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
LBCI
11-04-2025
- LBCI
Culture and Public Works Ministers tour historic Mar Mikhael train station as part of restoration effort
Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salameh and Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny visited the historic Mar Mikhael train station in Beirut, reaffirming their joint commitment to preserving and reviving the iconic landmark. The station, which stands as a symbol of Beirut's rich cultural and historical heritage, is set to undergo restoration as part of a broader initiative supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. Officials said this initiative reflects Italy's continued dedication to safeguarding Lebanon's cultural heritage and marks a new phase in efforts to breathe life back into one of the capital's most storied sites.
National News
11-04-2025
- Politics
- National News
Rasamny, Salame inspect Mar Mikhael Train Station in presence of Italian Ambassador
NNA - Minister of Public Works and Transport, Fayez Rasamny, and Minister of Culture, Dr. Ghassan Salame, on Friday paid a joint visit to the historic Mar Mikhael train station in Beirut to inspect a landmark restoration project funded by the Italian government. The initiative aims to rehabilitate the station's buildings, structures, and railcars while preserving their historical and cultural character. It also includes the creation of a green space within the station, envisioned as a vibrant venue for cultural, academic, and artistic events—aligned with the site's location, size, and anticipated role in the revival of Lebanon's railway system. The visit was attended by Italian Ambassador to Lebanon Fabrizio Marcelli, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) Marco Rusconi, AICS Beirut Director Alessandra Piermattei, Director General of the Railway and Public Transport Authority Ziad Nasr, Director General of the Directorate General of Antiquities Sarkis Khoury, UNESCO Representative Costanza Farina, UN-Habitat Representative Hiroshi Takabayashi, Deputy UN-Habitat Director Tarek Assi, and AICS heritage expert George Sharabi. Minister Rasamny was briefed by Director General Ziad Nasr on the ongoing restoration of the station's perimeter wall adjacent to Charles Helou Highway. The Works Minister also held a meeting with staff at the General Directorate, where he reviewed major challenges facing Lebanon's public transport sector. Discussions reportedly highlighted recent achievements, most notably the relaunch of public buses along several routes in Beirut and its outskirts despite the difficult operating environment. Moreover, Rasamny announced that within two weeks, three new bus routes will be launched from Beirut to key destinations: north to Tripoli, south to Sidon, and east to Chtoura. He also praised the authority's accomplishments under challenging circumstances and urged continued efforts in the public interest. The Works Minister then pledged to provide necessary support to reinforce the authority's role in restoring public confidence in this vital sector, citing the broad economic, environmental, health, and social benefits of public transport. Meanwhile, the media office of the Minister of Culture emphasized that the visit reaffirmed the shared commitment to preserving and revitalizing the historic Mar Mikhael station, a symbol of Beirut's cultural and architectural heritage. It also highlighted Italy's leading role in supporting this ambitious initiative through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, reflecting the country's enduring commitment to safeguarding Lebanon's cultural legacy. =======R.H.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Italy announces grant competition for demining Ukrainian lands
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) has launched a grant competition for clearing landmines and other remnants of war in frontline oblasts, with a total budget of €6 million. Source: Interfax-Ukraine Details: Individual projects can receive up to €1.8 million in financing. The publication on the website of Ukraine's Ministry of Economy states that projects should focus on non-technical and/or technical surveys of affected areas and include public awareness campaigns on mine threats. Kharkiv Oblast has been identified as the priority region, with 55 of 56 hromadas affected by the war. [A hromada is an administrative entity that designates a village, a group of villages, or a town, as well as their surrounding regions - ed.]. "This is the first time that one of our partner countries is directly allocating funds for demining our lands, engaging Ukrainian demining operators in the process. I believe this cooperation will help accelerate the return of land to safe use, identify contaminated areas and strengthen collaboration not only at the institutional level but also between organisations and companies from our countries that seek to make Ukrainian land safer," said Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine. Only non-profit organisations are eligible to apply for the competition, though they may partner with commercial demining operators for project Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Ammon
25-02-2025
- Business
- Ammon
Jordan, Italy discuss future of regional conservation center in Jerash
Ammon News - Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Lina Annab met with Professor Mario Micheli from Roma Tre University on Monday at the Regional Conservation and Restoration Center in Jerash to discuss the next phases of the center's development and the need for a long-term vision for its management and programs. The meeting, attended by officials from the Ministry of Tourism, the Department of Antiquities, and the center's team, included a review of the second phase of a training program funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. The initiative will train 15 specialists from the Department of Antiquities, including chemists, geologists, and conservation engineers. Discussions also covered plans to establish the center as a leading regional hub for restoration and conservation while developing skilled Arab professionals in the field. "We aim to empower our young trainees to be the foundation of this center's success, transforming it into a global model in partnership with our Italian counterparts," Annab said. "This is just the first step toward a promising future that strengthens Jordan's position in archaeological conservation." Micheli expressed his deep connection to Jordan and the project, emphasizing the importance of continued training and expanded collaboration with other Italian institutions. "This initiative symbolizes the strong ties between Jordan and Italy," he added. Following the meeting, Annab toured the center with Micheli, engaging with trainees to hear about their experiences and aspirations for the next phase of the program. The two sides agreed to develop a long-term plan to sustain and enhance the center's programs, addressing current and future staffing and technical equipment needs. Established in 2017 under a Jordanian-Italian cooperation agreement, the center launched its training activities through a partnership between the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and Roma Tre University. The second phase of training is set to begin in April and run through the end of 2025, with plans for a three-year extension. During a field visit to Jerash, Annab, accompanied by Acting Mayor Adel Al-Zutaymeh and municipal officials, inspected several heritage sites, including the twin pools, the Hussein Al-Kayed house, and Al-Manqal Square. The minister explored opportunities to transform these locations into tourism projects to enhance the city's appeal for both local and international visitors. Petra
