In the presence of the Head of State, Sergio Mattarella, the Agnelli Chair of Italian Culture was inaugurated today in Beijing, hosted and managed by the China-Europe Philanthropy Innovation Research Center (Cepirc) of Peking University, among the first in the world. The first holder of the Chair will be Romano Prodi. The Agnelli Chair of Italian Culture was conceived and promoted by the Agnelli Foundation, in collaboration with the ToChina Hub of the University of Turin. Present at the inauguration was the president of the Agnelli Foundation, John Elkann, who signed the agreement regulating the Chair with the leaders of Peking University and Cepirc.
The Agnelli Chair of Italian Culture, operational starting from the spring of 2025, aims to bring Italian culture in all its aspects closer to the students and teachers of the first Chinese university. It will tell the country’s future ruling class about the contribution that Italy has historically offered and still offers not only in the field of the arts, but also creativity, scientific and technological knowledge, the economy and society. At the same time, the Chair will promote dialogue between Italian and Chinese cultures, improving mutual knowledge.
«In recent years the commitment of the Agnelli Foundation to improve the quality of schools and universities in Italy has grown and will continue to grow with new initiatives and projects of great impact – underlined John Elkann in his speech – the Agnelli Chair which we inaugurate today in Beijing, the first born in this country on the initiative of a European non-profit institution, it is a bridge that we build to stimulate mutual understanding and peaceful collaboration between our countries: it will proudly tell China about the best of Italian culture , of yesterday and today, and at the same time will strengthen the dialogue with the Chinese world in all its aspects. A particularly important objective in phases of uncertainty and global tensions such as the current one.”
#Agnelli #chair #Italian #culture #Beijing #Elkann #investiture #Prodi #Tempo
**Interview with John Elkann, President of the Agnelli Foundation**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Mr. Elkann, and thank you for joining us today. We just heard about the inauguration of the Agnelli Chair of Italian Culture in Beijing. Can you tell us what motivated the Agnelli Foundation to establish this chair?
**John Elkann:** Good afternoon. The motivation behind the Agnelli Chair of Italian Culture stems from our desire to deepen the understanding and appreciation of Italian culture within China. By launching this chair at Peking University, we hope to create a robust platform for sharing Italy’s rich contributions to arts, science, and socio-economic development with future Chinese leaders.
**Editor:** That sounds like an important initiative. What do you envision as the primary goals of the chair in its first few years of operation?
**John Elkann:** The primary goals are twofold. First, we want to forge stronger ties between Italian and Chinese cultures, facilitating a dialogue that allows for cultural exchange and mutual appreciation. Second, we aim to educate Chinese students about Italy’s historical and contemporary contributions across various fields, thereby enhancing their understanding of global diversity.
**Editor:** Romano Prodi has been appointed as the first holder of this chair. What qualities do you think he brings that make him particularly suited for this role?
**John Elkann:** Romano Prodi brings a wealth of experience, not only as a former Italian Prime Minister but also as a distinguished academic and a person deeply engaged in international relations. His understanding of both Italian and Chinese perspectives will be invaluable in bridging our two cultures and in fostering meaningful discussions within the academic community at Peking University.
**Editor:** The chair will commence operations in spring 2025. What kind of programs or events can we expect to see initiated under this new chair?
**John Elkann:** We anticipate a range of programs including lectures, workshops, and collaborative research projects. These will cover various dimensions of Italian culture—such as art, music, philosophy, and technological innovation—providing students and faculty with immersive experiences that not only highlight Italian achievements but also inspire cross-cultural creativity.
**Editor:** how do you see the future of Italian culture being shaped through initiatives like this in a global context?
**John Elkann:** Initiatives like the Agnelli Chair represent a vital link in the global conversation about culture and collaboration. By educating and inspiring students in China about Italy’s cultural legacy, we are not only preserving our heritage but also encouraging new generations to think creatively and cooperatively across borders. In a rapidly changing world, such dialogues are imperative to foster understanding and peace.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mr. Elkann. It’s been enlightening to hear about your insights on this promising new chapter in Italian culture abroad. We look forward to seeing how the Agnelli Chair develops in the coming years.
**John Elkann:** Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for Italian culture, and I appreciate the opportunity to share our vision.
