Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has championed Italian Cuisine as Intangible Cultural Heritage, which has boosted the National asset that promotes tourism and protects against imitation.
Meloni sees Italian cooking as a cornerstone of “who we are,” a source of national pride, and a symbol of Italian uniqueness. While her government has supported Italian Cuisine.
Giorgia Meloni Statement
Italian cuisine is far more than nourishment; it is a living expression of our history, our land, and our identity as a people. Every regional dish tells a story — of geography and climate, of family traditions, of patience learned over generations, and of respect for what the earth provides. From a simple pasta al pomodoro to the ritual of preparing risotto or baking bread by hand, Italian cooking embodies values that are deeply human: care, balance, seasonality, and community.
Video Credit: Giorgia Meloni
Preserving the authenticity of Italian cuisine in a globalized world does not mean resisting change; it means protecting our roots while guiding evolution with wisdom. Authenticity lives in quality ingredients, protected designations, local supply chains, and the transmission of knowledge from one generation to the next. Innovation must grow from tradition — not replace it. When international influences are interpreted through Italian sensibility and respect for terroir, they enrich rather than dilute our culinary soul.
As a nation, Italy has a responsibility to safeguard this heritage through education, cultural policy, and international cooperation. UNESCO recognition reminds us that cuisine is culture — and culture must be protected with the same care as monuments or languages.
