The Week of the Italian Language in the World was celebrated at Goce Delcev University (UGD) with an event entitled “Italy – Genius and Style: Italian Fashion and Cuisine between Tradition, Creativity and Innovation.” The event took place at the UGD Training Centre and featured lectures by Prof. Dr. Dusica Popova from the Faculty of Tourism and Business Logistics and Prof. Dr. Sanja Risteski from the Faculty of Technology and Technical Sciences at UGD.
For the Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to North Macedonia, H.E. Paolo Palminteri, this was an important day. Even more significant was the fact that Professor Jovana Karanikikj-Josimovska received the Order of Merit from the President of the Italian Republic in recognition of her contribution to fostering good relations between the two countries.
“This is a very important day for Italian language studies in Štip. As part of the Week of the Italian Language in the World, an annual event now in its 25th year, we are hosting a special occasion: the presentation of the honour awarded to Professor Karanikikj by the President of the Italian Republic in recognition of her contribution to relations between the two countries,” Ambassador Palminteri stated.
According to the Ambassador, the event focuses on the Italian language in the fields of fashion, cuisine and knowledge.
“This year’s theme is entitled ‘Italian, a Brilliant Language.’ It aims to highlight not only the rich literary, musical and artistic traditions of the Italian language, but also its capacity for innovation and the pursuit of knowledge through practical activities.”
Ambassador Palminteri also spoke about the interest in the Italian language in North Macedonia.
“I am pleased with the interest in the Italian language in this country. There are more than 40 schools where Italian can be studied as a second foreign language, as well as departments in Štip and Skopje where students can continue their studies at university level. I have also observed considerable interest in the cultural activities organised by the Embassy, which are always well attended. Italian is quite widespread in the country, thanks to the Macedonian community living in Italy, which helps create this connection and ensures that the language is well known and widely spoken.”
Before the lectures began, H.E. Paolo Palminteri formally presented the Order of Merit to Prof. Dr. Jovana Karanikikj-Josimovska. This prestigious distinction is a significant recognition for Professor Karanikikj-Josimovska, the Faculty of Philology, Goce Delcev University, as well as the city of Štip and North Macedonia as a whole.
