In just a few days, the Porticoes of Bologna will mark the fifth anniversary of their inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. As part of the Bologna Portici Festival—established the year after the designation specifically to celebrate it—Piazza Maggiore hosted the first "Portici Talks" event on Thursday, June 4, titled "Bologna Calls: Open Cities, New World".
During the evening, a video message from Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, was screened. He joined the city and the Bolognese community in celebrating this major milestone.
Below is the full transcript of his speech:
«Mayor Matteo Lepore, citizens of Bologna, ladies and gentlemen, it is a great pleasure to address you as you gather in the heart of Bologna to mark the fifth anniversary of the inscription of the Porticoes of Bologna on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Such anniversaries offer both an occasion for celebration and an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of this inscription, this recognition for the city and its people. I wish to express my sincere thanks to the Mayor and the Municipality of Bologna for the kind invitation to join this remarkable moment, held within the dynamic setting of the Bologna Portici Festival, now in its fourth edition. I am pleased to share this message with all those coming together to honour Bologna's distinctive heritage. The inscription of the Porticoes of Bologna in 2021 marked a significant milestone acknowledging an urban ensemble of Outstanding Universal Value shaped over centuries. It reflects Bologna's enduring commitment to safeguarding and transmitting this unique heritage in line with the principles of the World Heritage Convention. Beyond the architectural and historical qualities, the porticoes stand as an exceptional model of shared urban space. They respond to social and environmental needs, while encouraging interaction, cultural exchange and a sense of belonging. As living heritage, they remind us that historic urban spaces play a vital role in building resilient, inclusive and culturally vibrant cities. Looking ahead, safeguarding the Outstanding Universal Value of the Porticoes entails addressing common challenges, particularly those linked to sustainable development and impact of climate change on the urban environment. This requires coordinated action, sustained commitment and close cooperation among national and local authorities, experts and communities. Your continued engagement will be essential to preserving both the authenticity and the vitality of this heritage. Dear citizens of Bologna, the Porticoes are more than structures of bricks and stone. They are places of encounter, memory and daily life. It is through your care and attachment that they endure. On this anniversary, I wish you a memorable celebration and every success in ensuring that this heritage continues to be passed on to future generations. Thank you.»
The evening then came to life with a distinguished lineup of guests on the Piazza Maggiore stage. Hosted by journalist Riccardo Iacona, the event featured the Mayor of Bologna, Matteo Lepore, the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, and the President of the Emilia-Romagna Region, Michele De Pascale.
The debate surrounding the festival's core themes brought together urban planner Carlos Moreno, journalist and author Aldo Cazzullo, and writers Rula Jebreal and Serena Dandini. Further enriching the international scope of the event, the Mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, also shared his insights via a video message.
