by InTrieste
On an autumn evening in Washington, D.C., Italy’s Friuli Venezia Giulia region stepped into the spotlight at the National Italian American Foundation’s (NIAF) prestigious gala, claiming the title of 2024 Region of Honor. The region, known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage, was celebrated at an event where dignitaries from both sides of the Atlantic gathered to underscore a shared commitment to transatlantic ties.
Addressing an audience at the historic Marriott Marquis hotel, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s Governor, Massimiliano Fedriga, expressed his gratitude and pride. “Being the Region of Honor of the NIAF for 2024 is a true honor; I can only thank the NIAF for their immense collaboration with Friuli Venezia Giulia in strengthening relations with the United States, which I am certain will continue in the years to come,” he said. Fedriga’s remarks highlighted the significant and growing relationship between Italy and the U.S., especially as events in Europe and the Middle East underscore the need for strong alliances among Western democracies.
This sentiment was echoed by Sergio Emidio Bini, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s Regional Councillor for Economic Development and Tourism, who joined Fedriga at the gala. “We have a shared responsibility to strengthen our ties with the United States,” Bini stated. He cited recent global crises — including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the renewed hostilities in the Middle East, and terrorist attacks in Israel — as urgent calls to reinforce the enduring connections between Europe and America.
Adding a deeply personal touch to the event, the renowned Italian violinist Pierpaolo Foti delivered a stirring performance, his music accompanying a video showcasing the beauty, tradition, and culture of Friuli Venezia Giulia. The region, with its picturesque Dolomite peaks, vineyards, and historic towns, made a compelling case for itself as Italy’s best-kept secret. Each gala attendee received a copy of Lonely Planet’s recently released guide to the region, provided by PromoturismoFVG, the local tourism board, to inspire future travel, as well as the special edition of the InTrieste magazine created especially for the USA market.
In his address, Governor Fedriga warned of the potential risks to Western values should efforts to unify and protect democracies falter. “If we don’t follow this path, our hard-won freedoms, our concept of democracy, and our sense of rights will be at risk,” he emphasized. “We must take pride in Western values, reaffirming our beliefs with conviction. This dark period we are experiencing globally can only be overcome by upholding the values of freedom that the West represents; otherwise, we risk yielding to countries that have little regard for democracy.”
Fedriga’s words resonated against a backdrop of growing awareness among Italian regions about the importance of direct engagement with the U.S. to foster cultural and economic ties. As president of the Conference of Italian Regions, Fedriga noted, “Italian regions believe in and are committed to strengthening these ties with the United States, recognizing that this is not only a great opportunity for investment and growth but also represents the essential and fundamental union between the United States and our country.”
The evening concluded with Fedriga symbolically passing the torch to Francesco Rocca, President of the Lazio Region, which will be honored as the NIAF Region of Honor in 2025. As applause echoed through the ballroom, the event underscored an enduring connection between Italian regions and the Italian-American community, a commitment to solidarity, and a renewed pledge to safeguard democratic values.
For Friuli Venezia Giulia, this recognition as the Region of Honor by the NIAF is more than a title — it’s a testament to the region’s commitment to building a bridge between Italy and America, reinforcing ties that transcend borders and preserve shared values in challenging times.
