Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that Africa is emerging as a leading protagonist on the global historical stage.

According to her, neither Italy nor Europe can have a bright future without the meaningful participation of Africa. She urged that it is essential to properly utilize not only the continent’s vast natural resources and agricultural land but also its crucial human capital.

Expressing Italy’s readiness to serve as a bridge between Europe and Africa, the prime minister noted that focused efforts are being made to train the youth, particularly in technology and artificial intelligence.

She also emphasized that African citizens should have the right and freedom to live and work in their own countries. Explaining that the departure of young people due to migration creates a historical and cultural void, she cited Cardinal Robert Sarah’s words, reminding the audience that viewing migration as the only option is "selfish."

To address these challenges, she highlighted the need for:

• Quality education
• Job creation
• Strong industrial cooperation

In her speech at Nelson Mandela Hall, she called for the establishment of a new development model that fosters African talent locally rather than exporting it.

Quoting Pliny the Elder—one of ancient Rome’s most famous historians—who said, "There is always something new out of Africa," she pledged to work together to turn the "impossible" into reality and amaze the world.