An Edition Dedicated to the Theme “Mountains and Sea”
This year’s edition, dedicated to the theme “Mountains and Sea”, focused on the major sporting events of 2026: the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 and the Mediterranean Games in Taranto. To strengthen coordination ahead of these events, a new Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), the Ministry for Sport, CONI, and CIP. The agreement aims to enhance the national system through the diplomatic and consular network and the network of CONI delegates.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani: “Sporting events are extraordinary opportunities from every perspective”
Minister Tajani emphasised that major sporting events are “extraordinary opportunities from every perspective: economic, social, and cultural.” In particular, the Milano Cortina 2026 Games were highlighted as a key driver: with an estimated economic impact of €5.3 billion, approximately €3 billion in infrastructural legacy, and a truly widespread Olympic Games model that enhances diverse territories and consolidates the legacy of the Games through an unprecedented international promotion campaign.
The Exhibition of the “Essential” Olympic and Paralympic Torch
The event featured the on-site exhibition of the “Essential” Olympic and Paralympic Torch of Milano Cortina 2026. The torch was designed by Eni — a Premium Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 — in collaboration with Versalis (Eni), Official Supporter of the Games. Also on display was a fiberglass reproduction of the Mediterranean Games Mascot. Eni and Versalis selected the Carlo Ratti Associati studio to develop the design, and Cavagna Group for the engineering and production of the torch and its components.
In line with the previous edition, the Minister also appointed new “Ambassadors of Sports Diplomacy” — Italian champions from various disciplines who will represent national sporting excellence worldwide, joining the over 300 events already organised globally by Italy’s embassies and consulates.