IsCaPI opens academic and cultural cooperation in Bangladesh: SPU protocols, bilateral agreements and the Dhakitalia project
From January 8 to 11, 2025, a delegation from the Calabrian Institute of International Policy (IsCaPI), led by President Dr. Salvatore La Porta and Director of International Relations Dr. Fabiana Andrea Bellina, made an official mission to Bangladesh.
The goal: to consolidate the international network of the Summer Peace University (SPU) and strengthen cultural and academic relations between Italy and Bangladesh.
The mission included the signing of protocols and agreements with some of the country’s leading universities, the presentation of the Dhakitalia project and an institutional meeting with theItalian Embassy in Dhaka.
Dhaka University: the first strategic partner
The heart of the mission was the meeting with Pro-Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Mamun Ahmed and Prof. Aynul Islam of the Department of Political Science, Dhaka University.
Here a framework cooperation agreement was established that consolidates the university as IsCaPI’s first partner in Bangladesh and as a key node in the Summer Peace University network.
The Department of Political Science at the University of Dhaka will also host the future Italian Language and Culture Center, the centerpiece of the Dhakitalia project activities.
Jagannath University: a new protocol for SPU.
The IsCaPI delegation visited Jagannath University, meeting with the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, Secretary General and other leading members of the faculty.
During the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Calabrian Institute of International Policy and Jagannath University, formalizing collaboration on joint research initiatives, academic exchanges and professional development.
This partnership is a strategic extension of the SPU network and an opportunity to explore new areas of academic cooperation, strengthening the project’s international positioning.
Jagannath University thus becomes a new part of the international cooperation promoted by IsCaPI in Bangladesh.
United International University: prospects for collaboration
On January 10, the delegation met with Professor Dr. Farid A. Sobhani, Director of the Center for International Affairs at United International University (UIU).
The meeting paved the way for IUU’s future membership in the SPU network, with the prospect of developing innovative educational programs on global issues such as peace, sustainability and intercultural dialogue.
Dhakitalia project: a cultural bridge between Italy and Bangladesh
Among the most significant results of the mission is the birth of the Dhakitalia – Pitagora Mundus Program project, promoted by IsCaPI together with the University of Dhaka and with the support of the Italian Embassy.
The initiative involves the establishment of an officially recognized course in Italian language and culture at the Faculty of Political Science, Dhaka University.
The course will be divided into five phases:
- Creation of the network and operational plan (2025), with the signing of the framework agreement and the establishment of a joint monitoring committee.
- Training in Italy of a selected student (2025), who will support the project operationally in Dhaka.
- Training for local teachers (2026), with methodological courses and internships in Italy to obtain certification in teaching Italian L2.
- Launch of Italian language and culture course (from September 2026), open to Bangladeshi students and researchers.
- Continuous monitoring to ensure the quality and sustainability of the program in the long run.
Dhakitalia is not just a university course, but a cultural and academic bridge intended to strengthen relations between Italy and Bangladesh, creating new opportunities for the younger generation to grow.
The Embassy meeting: institutional support and transparency
The mission concluded with a visit to theItalian Embassy in Dhaka, where the delegation was received by the Cultural Officer, Dr. Federico Zamparelli.
During the talk, the goals of the Dhakitalia project were shared and new collaborations initiated were presented.
The Embassy expressed appreciation for the initiatives, confirming its advisory and supportive role and reiterating the importance of compliance with consular procedures to ensure transparency and fairness.
A cultural diplomacy that looks to the future
Thanks to SPU protocols, agreements with Bangladeshi universities and the launch of the Dhakitalia project, IsCaPI confirms the value of cultural and academic diplomacy as a tool for dialogue, development and cooperation.
Bangladesh is thus established as a strategic partner for IsCaPI’s international network and for the dissemination of Italian culture in the world.