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 The Identuty of the Foundation
In this edition and also in the future ones, this section intends to give to the readers a general vision of the Foundation. We give a report of the “Manifesto” of the Foundation (that explains the inspiring principles) as well as the Acknowledgements received relating to the activity of integration among the youth of different Countries and Cultures.
The references of the Foundation
We continue in updating in this article the acts of esteem and co-operation given to the Foundation and added to those already presented in the last issue of the Foundation.
The National acknowledgements
Received by the Foundation or by the President Paolo Del Bianco on her behalf
The Religious Authorities acknowledgements
- Armenia – Yerevan, 18th June 2003 : meeting with His Holyness Karekin II Nersissian, Patriarch of Armenian People
- Città del Vaticano, 13 th February 2000 : private meeting with His Holiness Giovanni Paolo II
- Georgia - Tbilisi, 6 th May 1996 : private meeting with His Holiness Elia II Patriarch of Georgia
The actual agreements of collaboration
These are the most recent agreements (in chronological order) signed by the Foundation with Universities for the development of the International Integration among the Youth. These agreements are implementing those others published in the previous issue:
- State Academy of Managing Personnel of Culture and Art , signed on 22 nd of March 2005by the Rector Prof. Vasyl Chernetz
- Moscow Interregional Association for Architectural Education , signed on 22 nd March 2005 by the President Prof. Alexander Vladimirovich Stepanov
- University of Jordan, Faculty of Engineering & Technology, Department of Architecture , signed on 22 nd of March 2005 by the Chairman Prof. Ali Abu Ghanimeh
- Brest State Technical University , signed on 22 nd of March 2005 by the Vice Rector Prof. Wiatcheslaw Dragan
- Far Eastern State Technical University, signed on 22 nd March 2005 by the President Prof. Gennary P. Turmov
- Odessa National Polytechnic University , signed on 3 rd March 2005 by the Rector, Prof. Valeriy P. Malakhov
- Orenburg State University , signed on 22 nd March 2005 by the Rector Prof Viktor A. Bondarenko
- Voronezh Architectural Construction University , signed on 22 nd March 2005 by the Rector Prof. Igor Surotsev
- Kyrgyz Russia Slavic University (KRSU) , signed on 22 nd March 2005 by the Rector Prof. Nifadive Vladimir
- Volgograd State University Of Architecture and Civil Engineering , signed on 22 nd March 2005 by the Rector Prof. V. A. Ignatiev
- Saint-Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering , signed on 22 nd of March by Rector Prof. Yury Panibratov
- Institute of Art, Sculpture and Architecture I.E.Repin , signed on 22 nd March 2005 by the Pro Rector I. G. Bobrov
- Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction , signed on 14 th December 2004 by Rector Prof. Gulchohra H. Mammadova
- Department of Architecture, NAtional Taipei University of Technology , signed on 18 th November 2004 by the Chairman Prof. Chih-Hong Huang
- National Taiwan University of Science and TEchnology , signed 18 th November 2004 by the Dean Prof. Chao-Ying Lin
- Tunghai University of Taiwan, Department of Architecture , signed on 18 th November 2004 by the Chairman Prof. Jer-Wen Hsu
- Tomsk State University of Architecture and Building , signed on 18 th November 2004 by the Rector Prof. Gennady Rogov
- Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management in Opatija , signed on 18 th November 2004 by the Vice Dean Prof. Branko Blazevic
- Ecole d'architecture de Marseille , signed on 20th October 2004 by the Director Prof. Jean Claude Groussard
- Department of Architecture of the Faculty of Applied Sciences of Vrye University Brussel, signed on 29 th September 2004 by the Head of Department Prof. Dr. Maryke Mollaert
- Kharkov State Technical University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, signed by the Rector Prof. Nicolay Bolotskyh
- Faculty of Architecture, Czech Technical University in Prague , signed by the Dean Prof. Ing. Arch. Vladimir Slapeta
- Eszterhazy Karloy College Eger, signed on 8 th of September 2004 by Prof. Stefan Edit Szabonè
- Odessa State Medical University , signed on 8 th of September 2004 by the Rector Valeriy Zaporozhan
- Vologda State Technical University , signed on 10 th of July 2004 by the Rector Ruslan Deriagin
- Saratov State Technical University , signed on 8 th of September 2004 by the Rector
- Czech Technical University in Prague ( Czech Republic ), signed on 8 th of September 2004 by the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, CTU in Prague , Prof. Ing. arch. Vladimír Šlapeta, Dr Sc.
- University Technical of Moldova , Faculty of Architecture, signed on 8 th of September 2004 by the Rector Ion Anton Bostan
- Kyrgyz State University of Construction, Transportation and Architecture, signed on 8 th of September 2004 by the Rector Prof. Iumabek Tentiev
- All Russia State Faculty of Cinematography named after S. Gerasimov (VGIK) , signed on 5 th of May 2004 by the Rector Prof. A. Novikov
- Vitéz Janos Romai Katolikus Tanitokepzo Foiskola , signed on 5 th of May 2004 by the Deputy Director Homor Layos
- The Romanian-German University of Sibiu , signed on 5 th of May 2004 by the Vice-Rector Prof. Gheorghe Bichicean
- Faculty of Applied Arts Belgrade , 28 th of February 2004, signed by the Dean Milanka Berberovic
- Altay State Technical University, Faculty of Design & Architecture , 28 th February 2004 , signed by the Rector Evstigneev V. V.
- Academy of Arts of Banska Bystrica , 28 th of February 2004, signed by the Rector Vojtech Didi
- Europa-University Viadrina Frankfurt ( Oder ) – Master course “European Cultural Heritage”, 28th February 2004 , signed by Uta Hengelhaupt
- University of Wisconsin – Green Bay , 28 th of February 2004, signed by the Provost Sue. K Hammersmith
- Mission of D. Ojstrah and S. Richter (Welfare and Social Organisation) of Odessa , 28 th February 2004 , signed by the Chief Yury Diky
- Hungarian University of Fine Arts, 12 th of February 2004, signed by the Rector Farkas Adam
- Academy of Fine Arts and Design of Bratislava ( Slovakia ), 12 th of Febrary 2004, signed by the Rector, Prof. Jan Hoffstadter
- Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, 23 rd of January 2004, signed by the Pro Rector Prof. Jacek Dyrzynski
- Academy of Fine Arts in Prague , 23 rd of January 2004, signed by the President Prof. Emil Prikryl
- New Bulgarian University , 30 th of December 2003, signed by Rector Prof. Sergei Ignatov
- Moscow State Lomonosov, Faculty of History , 30 th of December 2003, signed by the Dean Prof. S.P. Karpov
- University of Architecture , Civil Engineering and Geodesy in Sofia ( Bulgaria ), Faculty of Architecture , 12 th of December 2003, signed by the Dean, Prof. Arch. Michail Rilski
- Odessa State Academy of Construction & Architecture , 10 th of December 2003, signed by the Rector Anatoliy Dogadailo
- Moscow Institute of Architecture ( State Academy ), 5 th of December 2003, signed by the President, Prof. Alexander Kudryavtsev
- Ulianovsk State Technical University , 5 th of December 2003, signed by the President Prof. A. D. Gorbokonenko
- Belarussian National Technical University, Faculty of Architecture ( Belarus ), 5 th of December 2003, signed by the Dean Prof. Galina Polyanskaya
- Samara State Architecture & Building Academy, Institute of Architecture & Design , 5 th December 2003 , signed by the Director of the Institute Elena A Akhmedova
- Moscow Institute of Utility Services and Construction , 5 th December 2003 , signed by the Rector Prof. Alexander A. Kalgin
- Penza State Academy of Architecture and Construction ( Russia ), 5 th December 2003 , signed by Rector Prof. Alexandr Yeryomkin
- University of Lvivska Politechnika ; Architectural Department ( Ukraine ), 3 rd of November 2003, signed by Dean of the Architectural Department Prof. Bohdan Tsherkes.
- Faculty of Philology, St. Petersburg State University , 10 th of October, signed by the Dean Prof. Sergey I. Bogdanov
- University of Economics & Business Administration of Budapest , 12 th of September 2003, signed by the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Gabor Toronyai
- Italy-Poland Cultural Association in Tuscany , 2 nd September 2003, signed by the President of the Associazione Culturale Italo-Polacca in Toscana, Maria Gratkowska-Scarlini
- Faculty of Architecture, University of Zagreb ( Croatia ), 25 th June signed by Dean Prof. Ivan Juras
- Technical University of Liberec ( Czech Republic ); 12 th June signed by the Vice Rector of the Technical University of Liberec Prof. Oldrich Jirsak.
- Ivanovo State University ( Russia ), 24 th April 2003; signed by the Rector of Ivanovo State University Prof. Vladimir Egorov
- “Gheorghe Dima” Music Academy ( Romania ), 9 th of May 2003, signed by the Rector Aurel March
- Vilnius Gedimino Technical University Faculty of Architecture ( Lithuania ), 9 th of May 2003, signed by the Director Eugenijus Staniunas
- Faculty of Architecture of Silesian University of Technology (Poland) 16 th April signed by the Vice-Dean Prof. Jacek Radziewicz-Winnicki PhD,DSc
- Czech Technical University in Prague ( Czech Republic ), 16 th April signed by the rector Prof. Jiri Witzany
- Universitas Studiorum Polonia Vilnensis, 16 th April 2003 , signed by the President Prof. Romuald Brazis
- Faculty of Law, Economics and Politics, University of Konstanz ( Germany ), 14 th of March 2003, signed by the Dean Prof. H. W. Stratz
- Higher School of Fashion Design and Technical High School of Textile and Fashion Design in Prague (Czech Republic), 24 th January 2003, signed by the Director of the School, Ing. Margeta Kucerova
- Wladyslav Strzeminski Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Lódz (Poland), 24 th January 2003, signed by the Rector of the Academy, Prof. Stanislaw Labecki
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia , Ceske Budejovice (The Czech Republic ), 26 th November 2002; signed by the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Jan Frelich, CSc.
- University of Shkodra “Luigj Gurakuqi” ( Albania ), 26 th November 2002; signed by the Rector of the University, Prof. Dr. Mahir Hoti
- University of Art and Design of Cluj-Napoca ( Romania ), 19 th November 2002; signed by the Rector of the University, prof. Joan Sbarciu
- Environment Protection College of Bydgoszcz ( Poland ), 22 nd of October 2002, signed by the Rector, Prof. Barbara Kowalkowska
- “Ferenc Liszt” Academy of Music of Budapest ( Hungary ), 23 rd July 2002 , signed by the Rector, Prof. Sandor Falvai
- Faculty of Literature and Philosophy of Florence ( Italy ), 19 th July 2002 , signed by the Dean, Prof. Paolo Marassini
- University of Tokyo , Faculty of Letter ( Japan ), 8 th of July 2002, signed by Prof. Masanori Aoyagi, for the realisation of the archaeological excavations in Somma Vesuviana (near Pompei)
- Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts of Bratislava ( Slovakia ), 28 th June 2002 , signed by the Rector, Prof. Milan Rasla
- Academy of Music in Gdansk ( Poland ), 6 th of June 2002, signed by the Rector, Prof. Antoni Poszowski
- Academy of Music “Feliks Nowowiejski” in Bydgoszcz ( Poland ), 6 th of June 2002, signed by the Rector Prof. Jerzy Kaszuba
- Pomeranian Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management in Bydgoszcz (Poland), 13 th May 2002, signed by the Rector Prof. Janusz Grell
- Faculty of Arts, Technical University of Košice ( Czech Republic ) 28 th March 2002 , signed by the Dean Doc. Ing. Jaroslav Jarema, CSc.
- Academy of Fine Arts of Zagreb ( Croatia ); 28 th March 2002 , signed by the Dean, Prof. Stiepan Gracan
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics ( Hungary ), 19 February 2002 , signed by Vice Rector Dr. George Horvai
- Hogeschool Sint-Lukas Brussel ( Belgium ); 6 th February 2002 ; signed by Hogeschool's Director Willem De Greef
- Faculty of Architecture – Vut, Brno ( Czech Republic ), 15 th February 2002 , Signed by the Dean of Faculty Josef Chybik
- NTTM/ Centre Of Scientific Activity Of The Youth Of Odessa State Academy Of Civil Engineering & Architecture (Ukraine), February 2002, signed by President Centre NTTM A. Mishutin and Head of the Chair “Restoration and Reconstruction” V. Lissenko
- Odessa State Economics University ( Ukraine ), February 2002, signed by the Rector Michail Zveryakov
- Faculty of History-Philosophy of Babes Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca ( Romania ), 2 Febrary 2002; signed by the Dean Toader Nicoarà
- Faculty of History of Art; University of Gdansk ( Poland ), 31 st January 2002; signed by the Dean Jan Iluk
- Faculty of Mining Geodesy and Environmental Engineering AGH ( Poland ) 27 January 2002 ; Signed by the Dean Jozef Beluch
- Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts ( Hungary ), 27 January 2002 ; Signed by the Rector Arpad Szabados
- Academy of Arts , Architecture and Design in Prague ( Czech Republic ), 23 January 2002 , Signed by the Rector Zdenek Ziegler,
- Faculty of Fine Art Nicholas Copernicus of Torun (Poland); 23 rd January 2002, signed by the Vice Rector Czeslaw Lapicz and Vicedean Jozef Flik, (renewed 24 th January 2003, signed by the Dean of the Faculty, prof. dr. art. kons. Jozef Flik)
- Università Degli Studi del Sannio; Dipartimento di Studi Giuridici Politici e Sociali (pe.me.is) ( Italy ); 20 January 2002 ; Signed by the Director
- Enareco centre ; University of Forestry and Wood Technology of Lviv ( Ukraine ); 14 th January 2002; signed by the Head of Enareco Centre Lvudmyla Maksvmiv
- Faculty of Civil Engineering Subotica , University of Novi Sad ( Yugoslavia ), 4 January 2002 Signed by the Dean Srdan Kolakovic
- Faculty of Arts of Eotvos Lorànd University ( Hungary ), 10 December 2001signed by the Dean Manherz Kàroly
- Faculty of Architecture; University of Belgrade ( Yugoslavia ), 10 th December 201;signed of the Dean Dimitrije Rajic
- University of Architecture and Urban Studies Ion Mincu of Bucharest ( Romania ), 6 th December 2001; signed by Rector Emil Barbu Popescu;
- University of Novi Sad ( Yugoslavia ); 22 nd November 2001; Signed by the Rector Fuada Stankovic
- Academy of Fine Arts In Krakow ( Poland ), 13 th November 2001; signed by the Rector Stanislaw Rodzinski
- Faculty of Architecture, Czech Technical University in Prague ( Czech Republic ), 7 th November 2001; signed by the Dean Bohumil Fanta.
- Yerevan State University of Architecture and Construction of Yerevan ( Armenia ), 7 th November 2001; signed by the Rector Arest Beglaryan
- Faculty of Architecture Warsaw University of Technology ( Poland ); 7 th November 2001; signed by the Dean Stefan Wrona
- University Lvivska Politechnika; Architectural Department ( Ukraine ), 18 October 2001 , signed by the Dean of the Architectural Department Bohdan Chermes
- Department of Architecture of Chiba University ( Japan ), 18 th October 2001; signed by the President Prof. Toshimoto Miyata
- Chair for Research in Materials and Structures at Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering at University of Ljubljana ( Slovenia ), 5 th October 2001 ; signed by Prof. Roko Zarnic
- Department of Architecture of the Faculty of Engineering of Cagliari ( Italy ), 3 rd October 2001; signed by the Director Prof. Tatiana Kirova
- Centre For Adult Education Antwerp ; Postgraduate course in Conservation and Restoration of Monuments ( Belgium ) 2 nd October 2001 ; signed by N. Broohmans and Andre De Naeyer;
- Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning of the Polytechnic of Cluji-Napoca ( Romania ), 30 th September 2001 ; signed by the Scientific Secretary Prof. Balint Szabo
- Department of Architecture of the Polytechnic of Timisoara ( Romania ), 30 th September 2001; signed by the Director Prof. Cristian Dumitrescu
- Faculty of Architecture of Sofia ( Bulgaria ), 27 September 2001 , signed by the Dean Prof. Michail Rilski
- Department of Projects of the National University of Science and Technology of Yunlin (Taiwan), 25 th September 2001; signed by Prof. Chung Sung-Chin, Tseng Kuo-Wei and Wang Ching-Liang
- Faculty of Architecture of Cracow ( Poland ), 15 th July 2001; signed by the Dean Waclaw Seruga
- Slovak Polytechnic of Bratislava ( Slovakia ), 3 rd July 2001; signed by the Rector Ludovit Molnar
- St. Gimignano Municipality ( Italy ), 19 th of Januray 2001, signed by the Major Marco Lisi,
- University of Florence ( Italy ), 2 nd June 2000 agreement of collaboration for the development of international relations with the Rector of the University Prof. Paolo Blasi.
- Faculty of Architecture of Florence, Department of Process and Methods of the Building Production (Italy), 25 th November 1998; signed by the Director of Department, Prof. Romano Del Nord
Any Faculty, Institute or University interested in participating to the initiatives organised by the Foundation (workshops for young students in Florence , training programmes with Florentine Companies, and many others) can ask for the text of the agreement to the Secretary of the Foundation ( info@fondazione-delbianco.org )
Catalogues and publication
We report as follows the catalogues and publication about initiatives promoted or supported or organised by the Foundation. For further information you can contact info@fondazione-delbianco.org
- “Poles in Florence: travellers and residents”, first issue of the collection “Travellers”, focused on the role of Central Eastern Countries originated families in the Florentine Culture, in co-operation with Gabinetto Scientifico Letterario G.P. Vieusseux
- “Infantàsia: the extraordinarity of an everyday life in drawings of Italian a Japanese children” catalogue of the exhibition organised by Gabinetto Scientifico Letterario G.P. Vieusseux
- “ Fosco Maraini - Florence a Kyoto, parallel cities”, catalogue of the photo exhibition organised by the Gabinetto Scientifico Letterario G.P. Vieusseux for celebrate the 40 th anniversary of the twinning
- “250 years of the Moscow Architectural School ”, catalogue of students' and teachers drawings and projects by Vchutemas School in Moscow ; the catalogue was distributed during the exhibition “Vchutemas: the origin of Russian Avantgarde” promoted by the Foundation in Florence from 22 nd January till 22 nd of February 2005.
- “Federico Barocci: la Madonna della Gatta” by Antonio Natali, catalogue distributed with the co-operation of Vivahotels “Art in our HeArt”, during the celebration “Splendor of Florence” in New York (30 th September – 12 th November 2004 )
- “ Drawings by Czech Architects based on their travels to Italy 1820-1908 ”, catalogue of the homonymous exhibition by Bohumil Fanta and Eva Fantova (November 2003)
- “ Florence and St. Petersburg : two cultures compare and dialogue each other ”, papers of the meeting in Florence , 18 th -19 th June 2003 , edited by Alberto Alberti and Stefania Pavan
- “ Visions of the after-life in the East and in the West: art and thought ”, papers of the meeting in Florence , 21 st March 2003 by the Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology of Tokyo University
- "Painters and Sculptors of the XIX century of the "Maggio Musicale Fiorentino: from Giorgio De Chirico to Corrado Cagli” catalogue of the exhibition of oil paintings, sketches or tempers that belong to the Gallery of Modern Art of Palazzo Pitti, of Galleria degli Uffizi, of those painters and sculptors that have worked for the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, realizing scenes and customs
- "Painters and Sculptors of the XIX century of the "Maggio Musicale Fiorentino", from Giorgio de Chirico to Corrado Cagli" , catalogue of the exhibition of about 70 sketches of the stage, 50 drawings of the costumes and some plasters of the collection conserved in the Historical Archive of the Theater, to present to the public the complexity, the variety and the figurative history that has been collected in Florence through the musical experience of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino.
- “A new urban identity: the convent of San Domenico in San Gimingnano”, CD Rom and paper about 21 proposals from technical faculties from 16 countries, about re-using of the ancient convent in San Gimignano
- “First Proposals about “Rehabilitation”of the ex Convent and ex Prison San Domenico into the historical Town San Gimignano to give to the Town a contribution for the best solution” , paper realised with the co-operation of the Department of Architecture Design of Florence Faculty of Architecture (April 2002)
- “Artist printmakers of Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Art of Krakow” , catalogue of the exhibition organised in Florence with the Academy of Fine Arts “J. Matejko” of Krakow (February 2002)
- “Behind the scenes” , catalogue of the exhibition organised in Florence with Stefan Dousa, Professor at Krakow Faculty of Architecture (January 2002)
- " Il Miramondo: Fosco Maraini, sessant'anni di fotografia ", catalogue of the exhibition promoted and co-ordinated by dal Gabinetto Scientifico Letterario G. P.Vieusseux of Firenze and organised by the Institute of Italian Culture in Tokyo, with the co-operation of the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History, the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography (October 2001)
- The Islamic Architecture on the caravanian roads” , photographic collection of Aleksejs Komecs for the opening of the exhibition held at Florence Faculty of Architecture (May 2001)
- “The Island of Souls” photographic collection, photos by Derno Ricci and texts by Fosco Maraini about places of the Historical memory of Florence, to celebrate the centenary of the death of Arnold Bocklin with the co-operation of the Gabinetto Letterario Scientifico G.P. Vieusseux (March 2001)
- “Russkaja Florencija, la Firenze dei Russi” , photographic collection and studies of the presence of important Russian people in Florence , with the co-operation of the Gabinetto Letterario Scientifico G.P. Vieusseux (October 2000)
- “Plastic models of ancient wooden structures” , studies presented in occasion of the conference Italian-Japanese about the “ Conservation of the ancient timber load bearing structure ”, Florence (March 2000)
- “Krakow-Florence, a common architectural Heritage” ; studies of the Faculty of Architecture of Krakow about architectural renaissance works of Italian masters in Krakow (February 2000)
- “The Honesty of invention: pictorial ways of the catholic reformation at the Uffizi” Studies about the works of Barocci and of the reformed Tuscany painters at the Uffizi (December 1999)
“The Academy of Fine Arts “Jan Mateiko” of Cracow : 180 years of Tradition” ; collection of works (paintings and sculpture) of some professors of the Academy presented in an exhibition at Florence State Archive (November 1999)
Manifesto” of Romualdo Del Bianco Foundation: Rediscovering Values of Socialisation in specific Laboratories of Research
(This text was presented for the first time during the International Conference of Conservation and Restoration “Krakow 2000” and then approved during the 3 rd International Round Table of Foundation's Experts, held in Florence on 23 rd February 2001 , with 47 Experts from 15 Countries). The text to the “Manifesto is readable in 18 languages on www.fondazione-delbianco.org
1 – Introduction
The Mission of the Romualdo Del Bianco Foundation is to contribute to International Integration . The Foundation organises international meetings and activities in Florence for young people, through which persons from different Countries and Cultures may meet, get acquainted and understand each other in order to favour mutual knowledge and friendship and, hence, contribute to promoting world peace.
2 – Preliminary statements
2.1 – Life as a social commitment
Life is a constant commitment towards human relationships. The Foundation considers such a commitment as a contribution to the development of an international network of understanding and true friendship, especially within the present particular historical period, which is often characterised by migratory waves and by the opening borders of previously isolated countries.
2.2 – Freedom and Values
We are reminded of those who, after living under a non-democratic regime for a long period of time, are now enjoying freedom, that is freedom of thought, vote and religion, i.e. freedom to act out liberally.
All of this allows those to increase their wealth, to become more aware of their potential and to be more self-confident.
All of this is extremely positive, yet what could or would be lost by gaining it?
2.3 – Selfishness and Consumerism
It is possible to lose the capability of valuing the spontaneity and enthusiastic pleasure about from small things, thoughts as well as small presents given out of true love. This loss is not positive because it favours disposable consumerism beyond its logic needs. This kind of culture leads to the triumph of selfishness with disruptive effects on social relationships, hence within families, which are, in many ways, the foundations of our society.
2.4 - Technology & communication: individualism & loneliness
The development of Technology and Information allows communications to grow in our Society, yet at the same time it involves the risk of an increasing individualism , hence loneliness.
2.5 – Human values
Human values risk being lost. We feel as if being carried away by a delirious crowd. Which direction should we follow? Where is the cultural and social progress? A useless, methodical, myopic impoverishment of natural resources is spreading outward, without taking into account sustainable development.
Individuals living in countries governed by totalitarian regimes often close themselves up, trying to defend their personality and values.
We wonder whether the lack of democracy in those countries may have preserved some of the ancient values.
If such is the case, we also wonder whether those countries which have suffered from such a lack of democracy for a long time and which are currently rediscovering their ancient values, could help other countries to re-establish their own them again.
3 – Historical heritage and International integration
Cultural heritage could be a powerful engine for initiating meetings, exchanges, interpersonal knowledge, understanding and friendship. Thus, tourism could be considered as a peace-spreading strategy. Traditional tourism generally is pursued out of Individual needs , thus becoming selfish Tourism .
Usually tourists do not integrate much with the people of the Country they are visiting.
Traditional Tourism, or “fast Tourism” of the second half of the 20 th century, risks contributing to the growing increase of individualism which is often a direct consequence of it.
Historical cities which attract tourism change as much as possible in order to offer the appropriate services necessary for international tourists and only for business reasons. Hasty tourists usually are not interested in befriending the inhabitants of the city they are visiting. Exchanges such as words, looks, etc. occur only for business reasons (buying and selling), thus making integration impossible, like trying to mix oil and water.
In addition, cities receiving visitors work in order to offer services to tourists. Thus, they are in their most compelling work phase, which is business oriented and often times only business minded.
Actually there is more to it. Due to the spontaneity of such a phenomenon, cities neglect the planning of increasing tourist flows, risking to suffer and undergo the bad effects of such uncontrolled richness.
On the contrary, planning should be focused on the limits and conditions of a sustainable development because cities are not able to steadily increase their tourist flow without making their citizens suffer. In other words, if sustainable development is not strived for, citizens risk deeming tourists as a negative element for them and their city, rather than as a richness.
In pursuing citizens' and visitors' interests as well as those future ones of historical cities, the mission of each urban system must be defined in order to show the limits of possible development. By doing so, cities shall no longer slowly become large Museums for Visitors, cities which cease to exist because they do not belong to their citizens anymore!
The paragraph about Management within the document resulting from the international conference held in Krakow on October 26 th 2000 (“Krakow 2000”), clearly states that unmanaged tourism means suffering.
4 – Proposal: International Integration Laboratories for the preservation and recovery of ancient values of socialisation
4.1 – Research for International Integration Laboratories
The Foundation believes that people coming from different countries and cultures meeting together fostering direct socialisation among them and contribute to the development of a “Culture of International Integration”, while at the same time respecting diversities.
For this reason, the Foundation believes in a type of organisation which shall ensure gatherings among people and mutual knowledge in order to understand each other's values, thereby exalting the differences as cultural points to be known and understood. It is a type of organisation which shall ensure concrete meetings to occur to occur among people, a richness that can really contribute in making a better world.
Consequently, we can define two main kinds of meetings.
- Tourism:
Tourism as a need (i.e. business tourism, spa tourism)
Selfish tourism (i.e. leisure, sport, cultural, gastronomic, etc.)
- Activities of the research centres for International Integration .
In order to face growing individualism and current superficiality, the Foundation wishes to soon organise a different kind of meeting to rediscover oneself, thanks to the Activities of the Research Centres for International Integration.
We strongly believe that our society, not only needs financial and economic resources deriving from traditional tourism, but also it needs the activities of the Research Centres to guarantee its own growth at the beginning of the third Millennium where money, power, prestige and pleasure for pleasure's sake, prevail, such commodities must be limited to a strategy rather than considered as a goal. In the third millennium " to be" must be absolutely more important than " to have ".
The result of the research of these International Integration Laboratories shall become part of normal daily life, through osmosis.
The activity of the Research Centres for International Integration shall be oriented to exalt meetings, mutual understanding and friendship among people, thus contributing to world peace, starting with young people of different cultures and countries.
This activity can be realised by resorting to free initiative in order to exalt challenges with imagination and individual ability, dynamism, enthusiasm and commitment of the people involved.
5 – In conclusion: in the Laboratories for International Integration, beyond Peace
The Foundation shall confirm the importance of Life as a Commitment beyond Peace, in order to contribute to the restoration of our life style. Such a lifestyle is often excessively influenced by our daily life which is increasingly oriented towards unlimited disposable consumerism. It is a lifestyle which deeply contrasts with the concepts of preservation and restoration particularly appreciated nowadays.
Life is seen as a commitment which negatively affect the way we look at the past, or at our historical heritage and at our social values.
Free countries must decide to heavily invest on the international socialisation process, considering it as a strategy for a balanced growth of their society. Control of individualism and selfishness shall be ensured, thanks to the contribution of research, preservation, restoration and rehabilitation of the ancient values of socialisation in order to better appreciate friendship among countries rather than a world of loneliness
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