Maputo - For the sixth consecutive year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs participated in the Rimini Meeting with a large international pavilion titled “There is an Italy that Cooperates.” The exhibition area was dedicated to the initiatives of the Italian development cooperation system and its national and international partners, with a particular focus on Africa and the major projects of Italian Cooperation on the continent. The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation contributed by organizing the talk “Women for the Essentials,” which focused on the crucial role of women in access to water, agricultural development, energy supply, and climate change mitigation. The conversation, moderated by Marta Collu, gender advisor for AICS, began with opening remarks from Director Marco Riccardo Rusconi and included contributions from Martina Albini, coordinator of the WeWorld Study Center; Amy Dieng Kebe, gender expert for the Italy-Senegal agricultural program; and Valentina Morini, Country Director for LVIA in Mozambique. The session concluded with remarks from Undersecretary Giorgio Silli. “Including women and girls, and promoting equality,” Rusconi stated during his address, “has a decisive impact on the economy of partner countries. Since women already lead important activities and sectors, strengthening their awareness and empowerment can unleash further energy, benefiting families, communities, and nations.” (9colonne)