It is with pride and enthusiasm that the City of Naples prepared its candidacy to the 2013 Universal Forum of Cultures, an important appointment during which cultures and citizens of the whole world will dialogue with each other in an open and creative way.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) decided, in 1997, to create this great event, and the project became over time more than a cultural event turning into an ideal place in which the differences of the people are celebrated and it is looked for dialogue and point of possible meeting among the different opinions.
In this context was rooted the debate on some of the more urgent social matters that humanity has to face in our century and Naples spoke of peace, solidarity, sustainable development. Our city, with the history and the multiculturalism that derives from its position in the Mediterranean, is an extraordinarily suitable frame for this event. A meeting of cultures that can be occasion of dialogue, celebration, and meditation, to explore new ideas and offer a best world to humanity.
The Mayor of Naples
Rosa Iervolino Russo
The idea to host in Naples an edition of the Universal Forum of Cultures dates back to May 2002, when the Mayor of Barcelona, Joan Clos, the President of Campania Region Hon. Antonio Bassolino, and the Mayor of Naples Rosa Russo Iervolino signed the "Protocol of Friendship and cooperation" among the cities of Barcelona, Naples, and Campania Region. In this occasion was conceived the project of Naples hosting the Forum of Cultures. The cooperation among the cities grew over time thanks to the continuous relations with the Fundaciòn of Barcelona and it culminated, in September 2006, when the Alderman for Culture of the Municipality of Naples Nicola Oddati, announced the candidacy of the city to host the Universal Forum of Cultures.
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