Adnkronos Berlin, November 15 (Adnkronos) – "Today more than ever, municipalities are at the forefront of a new chapter in global history. In a world riddled with profound geopolitical and climatic tensions and regressive pressures, cities are not just places of refuge; they are hotbeds of humanity, meeting places for people, nodes in a network where experiences are shared that can improve the lives of our societies."
This was stated by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, during the ceremony in Berlin for the presentation of the 'Presidents' Award for Municipal Cooperation between Italy and Germany', together with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
"I would like to thank President Steinmeier once again, but I cannot thank him enough, for this initiative," the Italian Head of State continued, "and for his welcome today in the splendid setting of Palazzo Bellevue," which "lends solemnity to the Prize. Five years have passed since the first edition, born in the context of the pandemic emergency, out of the desire to further deepen the bond of solidarity that united us in those dramatic circumstances."
"Having reached this third edition, we can see that the choice—to promote municipalities within the framework of the friendship that unites our peoples—was a truly far-sighted one. The Award recognizes the role of municipalities and encourages local governments to continually build new relationships with other countries, thus developing a true network of municipal diplomacy. Twinnings, cooperation networks, cultural exchanges, and joint projects between municipalities in Germany and Italy allow for increased mutual understanding, fostering cooperation and trust. Collaboration between municipalities in the two countries, uniting their respective memories, identities, and aspirations, provides their fellow citizens with a tangible example of the benefits that come from openness to the world and sharing. Local communities," Mattarella concluded, "in this way are not only ambassadors of their own community's values, but also give life to a model rich in confidence in the future, which unites us within the European framework."