Dialogue between Diplomacy and Youth: meeting at the Embassy of Cuba
Rome, Oct. 30, 2025 – A meeting was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba with H.E. Mirta Granda Averhoff, Ambassador of Cuba to Italy, who received a plaque of thanks for her participation in the round table discussion “Women and Diplomacy: Voices from the World,” sponsored by Welcome Association Italy (WAI) last Oct. 2 at LUMSA University in Rome.
The initiative represented a new moment of dialogue between diplomacy and international students, confirming WAI’s commitment to fostering direct relationships between institutions and young people from around the world.
A sign of continuity and gratitude
The meeting stemmed from a desire to follow up on the dialogue initiated during the round table discussion, which Ambassador Granda Averhoff had been unable to attend due to institutional commitments.
The presentation of the plaque symbolically renewed Cuba’s adherence to the path of cultural, diplomatic and academic cooperation promoted by Welcome Association Italy.
Student associations involved
The meeting was attended by delegations from some of the most active university associations involved in promoting international dialogue and inclusion:
- Students Diplomatic Association (LUISS)
- European Youth Network (LUISS)
- International Networking Association (LUISS)
- International Relations Innovation and Sustainability (Wisdom)
Students in attendance were able to ask the Ambassador questions on topics of multilateral diplomacy, South-South cooperation, the role of women in international relations, and the value of culture as a tool for peace.
Institutional presence and diplomatic contributions
H.E. Teresa Subieta Serrano, Ambassador of Bolivia to the Holy See, also attended the meeting, together with Dr. Maddalena Celano, journalist and writer specialized in Latin American affairs.
Their presence further strengthened the international and inclusive dimension of the path initiated by WAI, highlighting the importance of a diplomacy open to dialogue with the younger generations.
Statement
“We are very happy with this new meeting that renews the link between diplomatic representations and international students,” said Carlo Palumbo, Deputy National Secretary of Welcome Association Italy.
“The direct confrontation with high-profile figures such as Ambassador Granda Averhoff represents a valuable opportunity for young people to gain a closer understanding of the values of diplomacy and the central role of cultural cooperation in today’s world.
As WAI, we will continue to promote spaces for dialogue and participation, because we believe that the diplomacy of the future is also born from the mutual listening and curiosity of our students.”
A path that continues
With this meeting, Welcome Association Italy continues its commitment to building bridges between universities, diplomatic representations and student communities.
The goal is to foster an inclusive ecosystem, capable of combining education, intercultural experiences and personal growth, to make Italy a point of reference in welcoming and valuing international students.
