"Hosting Andrea Riccardi, who has distinguished himself not only in the scientific and academic fields but also for his work on pressing social issues, means confirming and continuing consistently and effectively on the path that has long seen us involved in initiatives and courses aimed at social commitment." This was stated by Corrado Petrocelli, Rector of the University of the Republic of San Marino, ahead of the historian and former Italian Minister for International Cooperation and Integration's participation in the inauguration ceremony for the 2021–22 academic year at the University of San Marino.
During the event, scheduled for 3:00 PM on Tuesday, October 19, at the Kursaal Congress Center, Riccardi will deliver a keynote lecture and receive an honorary doctorate in Historical Sciences. "Inviting someone of this caliber," explains Petrocelli, "seemed appropriate in light of initiatives and projects such as our recent willingness to welcome Afghan students, our collaboration with the NGO Mediterranea Saving Humans on the topic of migrants, and our organization of the conference "Designing Civic Consciousness," which in 2018 brought together designers, philosophers, and historians from around the world to discuss civic education and its prospects.
"Riccardi," the Rector concluded, "has already been involved in our activities as a professor at the Advanced School of Historical Studies." President of the Dante Alighieri Society and founder, in 1968, of the Community of Sant'Egidio, he has received a series of awards for his commitment to peace and dialogue, including through mediation roles in conflict resolution in Africa and Central America, such as the Charlemagne Prize. On this occasion, he was described as "an extraordinary example of civic commitment in favor of a more humane and supportive Europe, both within and beyond its borders."
