Italian Red Cross and AIGU sign three-year protocol for youth, culture

Italian Red Cross and AIGU sign three-year protocol for youth, culture and inclusion

On 7 April 2026 the Italian Red Cross (CRI) and the Italian Youth Association for UNESCO (AIGU) signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement, endorsed by CRI President Rosario Valastro and AIGU President Gianluca Buoncore, aims to strengthen training pathways and cultural initiatives for young volunteers and local communities.

The main fields of cooperation identified in the protocol include:

• Social inclusion and promotion of acceptance of others;
• Education for peace, non-violence, intercultural dialogue and active citizenship;
• Environment and awareness activities at community level;
• Friendship and international cooperation among youth;
• Safeguarding cultural heritage, including protection of cultural property in crises and support for the Blue Shield initiative.

Operationally, CRI and AIGU will promote joint events, seminars, workshops and webinars, with a special focus on universities, and encourage volunteers’ participation in practical and theoretical training. The partnership also foresees collaboration on joint projects and applications to national and European funding opportunities.

The protocol seeks to empower young people to act as change agents within their communities and to promote cultural and social initiatives across Italy.