Celebrations for the Italian Republic Day, jointly organised by the Italian Embassy, the Italian Permanent Mission to the International Organizations in Vienna and the Permanent Mission to the OSCE took place on Tuesday 3 June at Metternich Palace in Vienna.
Numerous representatives from the institutional, diplomatic and academic worlds, as well as international organisations based in Austria, attended the celebrations for the 79th anniversary of the Italian Republic. The event provided an opportunity to recall the founding values of the Italian Constitution, honour the excellent bilateral relations with the host country, and reaffirm our country’s fundamental principles of support for peace, development, and human rights. These principles are shared with the United Nations in the year marking the 80th anniversary of the UN’s creation and the 70th anniversary of Italy’s accession to its Charter.
In her welcome speech, Ambassador Debora Lepre, Permanent Representative to the International Organizations and Vienna, highlighted Italy’s ongoing commitment to the UN, with the aim of making the multilateral system more effective in addressing current global challenges: “Multilateralism is under pressure. But our response – Italy’s response – is not to give up on it, but to make it work better. More than ever, we need shared rules and stronger cooperation.” The Ambassador also praised the dedication and skills of the many Italian officials working for the Vienna based international organizations.
Thanks to the active contribution of the “Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026”, the event also highlighted the role of sport supported by Italy – the host country of the next Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (Milan Cortina 2026) – as an tool of international diplomacy capable of overcoming cultural, linguistic and political barriers.
The importance of national territorial realities and Italian regional excellence, represented this year by Friuli Venezia Giulia, was also a key focus for the large audience of guests.
