Event Women’s Intellect, Florence

Europe was celebrated by ARS PACE with a performance that highlighted the EU’s commitment to international relations and its contribution to intercultural dialogue by organising the event INTELLECT OF WOMEN, held on Tuesday 9 May 2023 in Florence at Palazzo Guadagni Strozzi Sacrati, seat of the Presidency of the Tuscany Region, which organised the day in collaboration with La Toscana delle Donne, Women20 and WDIT (We Do It Together).
In this historic period, it was considered important to celebrate Europe Day by highlighting the role of women in the community, in cultural diplomacy, in peace processes and international mediation, as recognised by the United Nations in Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000). In fact, there is ample evidence of a positive correlation between the substantial participation of women in peace processes and the likelihood of reaching an inclusive and lasting agreement.
“Women’s emancipation is a natural intellect,” states the President of Ars Pace, the Hon. Enrique Barón Crespo, Chancellor of the United Nations University for Peace and former President of the European Parliament.
“Women’s intellect, which builds and develops on the knowledge acquired over years of training and experience, contributes greatly,” reiterates the Vice President of Ars Pace and the European Parliament Former Members Association, Hon. Monica Baldi, who recalls: “Women are crucial in cultural diplomacy.”
It is necessary to work on the cultural and educational level to create real collaboration between women and men: the coveted gender equality that the European Union considers a key principle of social rights and essential for economic and cultural growth.
The EU is strongly committed to international cultural relations, with programs supporting the cultural sectors of partner countries and contributing to intercultural dialogue with successful programs such as Erasmus+, under which two projects were presented: PEACEMUSIC by Assisi Suono Sacro, featuring the flute music of President Andrea Ceccomori, who performed the “Ode to Joy” and “Ode to Peace,” and ETICDANCE by Florence Dance Festival, featuring the dances “Into the Soul” by President Étoile Marga Nativo and “Sevigliana” by Fabiana Menci. These two projects – presented under the Erasmus+ small-scale mobility program between Italy and Spain – are supported by ARS PACE for the shared goal of promoting Peace through the valorisation of art, music, and dance, taking into account inclusion, diversity, environmental sustainability, and the digital transition.
On the occasion of the 73rd anniversary of the Schumann Declaration, “EUROPA” was previewed: the dress/work of art created specifically by renowned Italian-German designer Regina Schrecker for the project “Art and Fashion from the World. Woman Bearer of Peace.” This project, conceived in 2005 by Antonella Ferrari, President of FEEL and “Ambassador of Peace in the World,” promotes Italian and international art and culture through extraordinary dresses that represent an original interpretation of nations.
ARS PACE and FEEL believe it is important to enhance the identity of women in cultural diplomacy and peace processes, highlighting the traditions, culture, and art of the country in which they live. And, in homage to Women20, the dresses/ambassadors of the G20 Troika2023 from INDONESIA, INDIA, and BRAZIL were exhibited, along with OCEANO, created to promote sustainable water management. Women are the weavers of relationships, dialogue, and peace, which is symbolically brought to the catwalk.
In conclusion, a special recognition was given to the President of the European University Institute, Professor Renaud Dehousse, for his highly regarded work as a “Grande Civis Europae,” with a work engraved on silver plate created by students from the Laboratorio Arti Orafe in Florence, donated by the school’s founder, Giò Carbone, and Deputy Director Anna Balatti.