Rome - On May 16, 2025, Welcome Association Italy (WAI) took part in the Italian-Arab Cultural Forum "Umm Kulthum" held at Palazzo Valentini, an event of great cultural and diplomatic significance organized on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the passing of the famous Arab artist Umm Kulthum. The event, sponsored by the League of Arab States, Assadakah and the Noble Leonine Academy, was attended by influential institutional and diplomatic representatives, including H.E. Enas Sayed Mekkawi, Ambassador of the League of Arab States to Italy, H.E. Asmahan Al Toqi, Dean of Ambassadors, Kais Abou Dia, President of the Council of Ambassadors, and Bassam Redy, Ambassador of Egypt to Italy.
Representing Welcome Association Italy, Carlo Palumbo, deputy secretary general, gave a speech focusing on the importance of intercultural dialogue as a tool for social inclusion and valuing cultural differences. "Culture, art and dialogue are powerful tools for creating authentic connections and breaking down barriers," Palumbo said, recalling how WAI works daily to facilitate the integration of international students and promote cooperation between foreign communities and the Italian social fabric.
The event included a full agenda of speeches and cultural activities including testimonies by Francesco Terrone, Honorary President of Assadakah, and Cristian Raponi, President of the Noble Leonine Academy, as well as the screening of a documentary on Umm Kulthum's life and achievements, a talk by journalist Mohamed Youssef, and an art exhibition curated by Isabelle Salari.
Welcome Association Italy, as a patron of the event, thanks Assadakah, the Noble Leonine Academy and the League of Arab States for their valuable collaboration and renews its commitment to promoting dialogue between different cultures, convinced that cooperation and mutual knowledge are the real engine for building an inclusive and cohesive society.
