A delegation from the University for Foreigners of Perugia, composed of Rector Valerio De Cesaris, the Rector's Delegate for Peace Policies Professor Angela Sagnella, and Japanese Language lecturer Rie Inouchi, is on an official mission to Japan to strengthen scientific, cultural, and academic cooperation with partner universities.
The mission began in Hiroshima, coinciding with the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing. On August 6, the delegation took part in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony, together with Japan's highest authorities and institutional representatives from around the world.
The delegation also visited Hiroshima University Hospital, an internationally renowned center of excellence for research on the effects of radiation and disaster medicine—an opportunity to reaffirm that building peace also involves scientific research, cooperation, and the universal right to health.
Among the key events was the 6th University Presidents for Peace Conference at Hiroshima University, which brought together rectors and international academic representatives to reflect on the role of universities in building peace.
In his speech, Rector Valerio De Cesaris emphasized the importance of culture, education, and cultural diplomacy as tools to counter the logic of war and to learn to see others not as threats, but as dialogue partners. Recalling Maria Montessori, who is deeply connected to the University’s history, he reminded attendees that “peace is built through education.”
The mission will continue in Nagasaki, where the delegation will attend the August 9 commemorations and hold further institutional meetings with partner universities.
This journey reaffirms the commitment of the University for Foreigners of Perugia to academic diplomacy based on intercultural dialogue, international cooperation, and a culture of peace.
