Hosted by the CEPIRC at Peking University, the Chair is promoted by Fondazione Agnelli in collaboration with the University of Turin’s ToChinaHub
Italy’s role in the dialogue between the EU and China: speaking to Chinese students at Peking University, this was the theme with which Professor Romano Prodi opened the Agnelli Chair of Italian Culture, promoted by Fondazione Agnelli in collaboration with the University of Turin’s ToChinaHub, and hosted by the China-Europe Philanthropy Innovation Research Center of the same Chinese university.
A dialogue that is more necessary than ever, amidst growing difficulties in the global geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape.
Professor Romano Prodi is the first chairholder of the Agnelli Chair of Italian Culture, inaugurated in Peking on November 9, 2024, with President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella in attendance.
“In recent years, Fondazione Agnelli has intensified its commitment to improving the quality of education and universities in Italy and will continue to do so with impactful new initiatives and projects,” stated John Elkann, President of Fondazione Agnelli, in his speech at the inaugural ceremony – “The Agnelli Chair inaugurated today in Beijing is the first of its kind initiated by a European non-profit institution in China. This Chair serves as a bridge to encourage mutual understanding and peaceful cooperation between our countries. It will proudly showcase the best of Italian culture, past and present, and simultaneously strengthen our dialogue with China in all its dimensions—an especially crucial objective in times of global uncertainty and tension.”
Structured on a rotating basis (a distinguished chairholder will be appointed each academic semester), the Agnelli Chair of Italian Culture aims to provide students and faculty at China’s premier university with a deeper understanding of Italian culture in all its facets. It will introduce future Chinese leaders to the historical and contemporary contributions Italy has made, not only in the arts but also in creativity, scientific and technological knowledge, the economy, and society. At the same time, the Chair will promote cultural dialogue between Italy and China, enhancing mutual understanding.
