Fini to address Dante Alighieri congress in Malta

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Gianfranco Fini will be among the speakers at the inauguration of the 77th International Congress of the Società Dante Alighieri being held in Malta between Wednesday and Friday.

The theme of this year's congress is "A Uniting Sea. Italian a lingua franca for the Mediterranean". The congress is being held under the patronage of the Presidents of Malta and Italy.

This international gathering is held every two years to set the cultural and linguistic policy of the Società Dante Alighieri, which represents the highest institution for the promotion of Italian culture and language around the world.

Over 300 delegates from 60 countries will be participating, including representatives of the committees recently set up in Eastern Europe.

On the occasion of the 77th congress the SDA will launch the first annual entitled Il Mondo in Italiano. Analysis and Trends on the promotion of Italian Culture and Language. The results show that international demand for Italian language and culture is growing and that the language is one of harmony, culture and beauty, a unique cultural heritage open to all those who are interested in its values.

During the congress two important workshops will be held. The first one is on the Certification of Language Competence in line with the Council of Europe. The second workshop is related to the role of RAI television in the Mediterranean. The Società Dante Alighieri and RAI have established a solid platform of collaboration with a weekly TV programme broadcast on RAI International worldwide.

Meanwhile the Società Dante Alighieri in Malta is preparing to start its autumn programme of activities and courses. Details may be viewed on www.dantemalta.org or obtained by calling 2123-8408.