President of VIU, Ambassador Umberto Vattani together with the Dean, Professor Carmelo Marabello inaugurated the 1st semester of 2022-2023 during the Opening Ceremony on September 6.
During his address, President Vattani presented a brief history of the island of San Servolo, from Benedictine monastery to hospital which since 1995 is home to Venice International University.
Dean Marabello extended a warm welcome to the students and professors from the member universities in attendance.
On the occasion of the Opening Ceremony, honored guest Francesco Rutelli delivered a Lectio Magistralis entitled "New Culture Wars in the Digital Era: Can Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy be an Antidote?"
During thirty years as a Member of the Italian Parliament, Rutelli served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture. Today he is President of ANICA (National Association of Digital Audiovisual Cinematographic Industries) and President of the Soft Power Club. The latter convenes prominent public officials, global CEOs, analysts, and entrepreneurs committed to sharing a vision on the role of soft power to promote pragmatic multilateralism and global dialogue to address the challenges faced by the world today.