Organised by the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute in Cairo, a panel discussion was held at the Institute in Zamalek on 21 November, followed by the opening of the Migration exhibition by Egyptian-Italian artist Gamal Meleka.

Panel Discussion: Nutrition and Preventive Healthcare
 

The event focused on the role of nutrition in preventive healthcare, with experts exploring various aspects of the topic. Gastroenterologist Serag Zakaria, representing Al Safwa Hospital, discussed the importance of preventive medicine and the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Aliaa Ahmed, a senior manager at the Egyptian Food Bank, highlighted efforts to provide healthy, nutritious food to combat hunger. Dr Luca Nardi, an agronomist with ENEA, shared insights on cultivating nutrient-rich vegetables in extreme environments, including urban areas, deserts, Antarctica, and even outer space. Chef Stefano Maffioli Ferrari of Riviera at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo added his perspective on the blend of tradition and innovation in the Italian Mediterranean diet.

Aliaa Ahmed from the Egyptian Food Bank, with Luca Nardi, agronomist at ENEA and gastroenterologist Serag Zakaria from Al Safwa Hospital.

The discussion marked The Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, an initiative by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To celebrate, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Italian Academy of Cuisine, published The History of Italian Cuisine in Comics: From Etruscan Tagliatelle to Tiramisù.

Translated into Arabic, the comic book traces the evolution of Italian culinary traditions from the Etruscan and Roman eras to the influences of Arabic and American cuisines. It showcases the iconic dishes that define Italian everyday cuisine.

Massimo Acciarini, a key contributor to the book, has been a member of the Italian Academy of Cuisine since 2016 and was appointed Legate of the Cairo Legation in July. Acciarini began his career in aeronautical design in 1994 and has since worked across various sectors, including railways, energy, and consultancy. Now based in Egypt, he leads the Legation's efforts to promote Italian cuisine and oversee the quality of Italian restaurants in the region.

Chef Stefano Maffioli Ferrari talks about the Italian Mediterranean diet.

Migration Exhibition
 

The evening also included the inauguration of Migration, an exhibition of paintings and sculptures by Gamal Meleka. Italian Ambassador to Egypt Michele Quaroni, his wife, and Maurizio Guerra, the newly appointed Director of the Italian Cultural Institute, attended the event.

Italian ambassador to Egypt Michele Quaroni with Egyptian-Italian artist Gamal Meleka at the opening of the Mediterranean Diet.

At the opening, Ambassador Quaroni shared his connection with Meleka, whom he had first met at an exhibition in Downtown Cairo. He noted that Meleka studied art in Italy and has exhibited his work between Italy and Cairo for nearly 30 years.

Meleka explained to the ambassador and attendees that some of the works on display were inspired by the Holy Family's journey to Egypt.

The exhibition will remain open to visitors until 30 November.

Italian ambassador to Egypt Michele Quaroni, Egyptian-Italian artist Gamal Meleka, and Director of the Italian Cultural Institute Maurizio Guerra. photo Courtesy of Reham El-Adawi