From October 3rd to October 6th, a delegation of students from SSML Internazionale and Giustino Fortunato University went on a three-day trip to Vienna. The trip was organized by Professor Federico de Andreis, International Learning Advisor, to facilitate contacts with international institutions such as the United Nations, the OSCE(Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe), the Italian Embassy, the Italian Institute of Culture and the FRA (European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights).
Here’s the Trip Journal written by the students:
On the first day of the trip, we were welcomed at the Metternich Building, where the Italian Embassy is located. Prince Klemens von Metternich, Chancellor of Court and Austrian ambassador in Paris at the Court of Napoleon, lived in this building from 1809 to 1848, when he was sent into exile. When he returned, two years later, Emperor Franz Joseph gave him the permission to return to live in the building, where he died in 1859. After his death, the building became derelict until 1908, when the Italian State bought it to settle the Italian embassy there.The building has high maintenance costs, so some halls are rented out for receptions, meetings and events. Sergio Barbanti, the Italian Ambassador, gave us a speech about his experience in the Italian diplomatic service.
On the second day we visitedthe OSCE, where we attended a lecture on Human Trafficking, focusing on the instruments that the OSCE and other institutions use to tackle this crucial issue.
The next day we attended a meeting at the UN Headquarters that provided valuable insights into current global trends and the UN Agenda 2030.The meeting was chaired by Martin Nesirky, who was the personal assistant of the former UN Secretary General Ban-Ki- Moon.Martin Nesirkytalked about UN strategies and actionsin conflict-stricken areas. He also illustrated a scheme of goals that governments need to achieve. This includes, for example: “No poverty”, “Good health and well-being”, “Gender equality”, “Sustainable cities and communities”, and “Climate action”.
This experience was very significant not only on the professional side, allowingus to get in contact with experts from major international institutions, but also on the human side, sinceit allowed us to broaden our cultural horizon and boost our interest in pivotal issues like international cooperation and human rights.
Written by students @ SSML Internazionale, Benevento
