Honorable Minister Rapapa,
Distinguished Assistant Director General Brito,
Distinguished panelists,
Dear colleagues and participants,
It is a great honor and privilege to welcome you all to this event today, to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the International Centre for Theoretical Physics – ICTP – in Trieste-Italy, but also the 70th Anniversary of Italy’s membership in the UN.
Founded in 1964 by the visionary Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam, the ICTP was born out of a bold and essential idea: that science, in its purest form, should transcend borders, and that excellence in research should be accessible to all – particularly to scientists from the Global South.
There is a profound sense of pride for Italy to serve as the host country of this extraordinary institution. The city of Trieste – a unique crossroads of cultures, languages, and ideas – has always embodied a spirit of internationalism.
Over six decades, the ICTP has trained tens of thousands of scientists from across the world, many of whom have gone on to become leading figures in academia, government, and international organizations, and supported groundbreaking research in physics and mathematics, fostering a global network of knowledge and solidarity.
In many African institutions today, one can find professors, researchers, and science leaders who trace their academic roots to the ICTP. This is no coincidence – it is the fulfillment of a promise made 60 years ago: to democratize science, and to empower nations through education and research.
The ICTP also epitomizes science at the service of the Sustainable Development Goals and, ultimately, of humanity. For example, one of the most exciting and impactful frontiers that the ICTP has championed is quantum science. The ICTP is ultimately a tangible example of the role of science, technology and innovation for sustainable growth and climate action, as outlined in the Pact for the Future.
Italy is proud to have played a central role in supporting this mission. We have been providing long-term financial support and political backing, not only as a host country but as a committed partner in advancing science diplomacy. The ICTP is more than just a center for physics; it is a laboratory for international cooperation, a place where dialogue, exchange, and innovation flourish beyond borders. I would also like to recall that Italy’s contribution to ICTP makes our country one of the top five contributors to UNESCO in the first quarter of 2025.
We are also proud of the enduring partnership between our government, UNESCO and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – without which the ICTP could not have achieved its global reach. I take this opportunity to also thank the Simons Foundation, an important donor and supporter of the Center, represented here today by its Senior Vice-President.
To conclude, I would like to express our heartfelt congratulations to the ICTP’s directors, scientists, alumni, and staff – past and present. Your dedication over six decades has transformed countless lives, advanced global knowledge, and brought the world closer together.
“Grazie” to all of you.
Thank you.
