Dell’Utri in Brazil: ‘Italians around the world are a strategic resource for Italy’

Dell’Utri in Brazil: ‘Italians around the world are a strategic resource for Italy’

(ANSA) - SAN PAOLO, 21 SET - “Brazil is one of the most significant contexts worldwide for the Italian presence abroad. Nearly one million Italian citizens live here, along with a community of approximately 32 million people of Italian descent: an extraordinary presence that, over the generations, has contributed profoundly to Brazil’s growth and development and that today serves as a natural bridge between our two countries.” This was stated by Massimo Dell’Utri, Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, who was on a mission to Brazil from September 17 to 22, with stops in São Paulo and Porto Alegre, as part of activities related to his portfolio for Italians abroad. “Being here,” Dell’Utri emphasized, “means first and foremost encountering a community that has managed to maintain a strong bond with Italy, while fully integrating into Brazilian society and contributing to its economic, social, and cultural growth. Italian identity in Brazil is not merely a remembrance of our roots: it is a living, dynamic reality capable of shaping the future.” The Italian presence in Brazil has taken on a particularly significant dimension over time. As of July 31, 2026, there were 979,650 Italian citizens registered in consular records, with São Paulo alone exceeding 400,000 and Porto Alegre exceeding 140,000. “A community of this size,” added the Undersecretary, “requires a diplomatic-consular network capable of meeting the needs of our citizens. For this reason, I would like to thank the staff of the Embassy, the Consulates, and the honorary network for the daily work they carry out in the service of Italians.” Particular attention is being paid to consular services, digitization, and the network’s ability to respond to ever-increasing demand. “We know that the growth of the community places ever-increasing pressure on our offices. Our task is to continue improving services, simplifying procedures, and investing in innovation. Digitization is not an end in itself, but a tool to bring the public administration closer to citizens.” In 2025, the Italian consular network in Brazil issued over 93,000 passports, while the use of digital services and the issuance of electronic ID cards also grew significantly. Another central theme of the mission is the representation of Italians abroad, particularly in light of the upcoming elections to renew the Com.It.Es. “The Com.It.Es. serve as an important link between Italian communities, the diplomatic-consular network, and institutions. Their role is invaluable, and for this reason, it is essential that citizens be informed and able to participate with full knowledge of the facts.” The elections to renew the Com.It.Es. were formally called on September 3. In Brazil, seven committees will be involved. To vote, one must apply for registration on the voter roll by November 4, 2026, while candidate slates may be submitted from September 23 to October 3. Ballots must be received by consular offices by December 4. “Our goal,” concluded Dell’Utri, “is to strengthen the relationship between Italy and its communities abroad. Italians around the world are not simply citizens living outside the national borders: they are an integral part of our country and an extraordinary network of relationships, skills, culture, and opportunities. Brazil is one of the most important examples of this.” Read article...