NUML celebrates International Week ‘Italophonie: Language Beyond Borders’
Ambassador of Italy, Ms Marilina Armellin on Wednesday noted growing interest among the Pakistanis, particularly the youth to learn the Italian language, which she termed was a language of invention, science, culture, civilization, gastronomy, architecture, cinema and fashion.
The ambassador was addressing as Chief Guest the International Week of the Italian Language 2025 under the global theme “Italophonie: Language Beyond Borders.”
The Departments of French and Italian, National University of Modern Languages (NUML), had jointly organized the event that was attended by a large gathering of students, faculty members and the Italian learners.
Addressing the gathering, the ambassador expressed her joy that a full week was dedicated to celebrate the Italian language which is not only a carrier of ancient civilization but is also a language of the modern Europe and advanced world.
The Italian Language Week in the World, currently in its 25th edition, is an annual event organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy to promote the Italian language globally, she said and commended NUML for its dedicated efforts in promoting Italian language and culture in Pakistan. She expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm of Pakistani youth towards learning Italian, noting that it reflects a growing cultural curiosity and mutual respect between the two nations. She also paid rich compliments to the Pakistani diaspora greatly contributing to the development of Italy, underscoring the strong bond of friendship and cooperation between both countries.
As first woman ambassador of Italy in Pakistan, it is my privilege to work with the Pakistani government to enhance b-to-b and p-to-p relations and introduce my country’s vibrant culture and rich heritage to the great Pakistani nation, she said.
Rector NUML, Maj Gen (R) Shahid Mahmood Kayani welcomed the ambassador to the university and observed that the celebration was not merely about honoring a language but appreciating a civilization which has profoundly shaped art, thought, and global culture. He noted that the Italian language served as a living custodian of culture, identity, and creativity, and Italian, spoken by nearly 85 million people worldwide, stands as a language of music, art, poetry, and philosophy.
He also highlighted that NUML’s Italian Department, established in 2007, continued to strengthen cross-cultural understanding through its active collaboration with the Embassy of Italy and AICS.
He commended the head of department of Italian language, Dr Aamir Zaheer Bhatti; Senior Instructor, Ms. Javeria Fazal, and Instructor Italian department Ms Anna Maria and their teams for organizing the week in true Italian spirit.
Newly-arrived Director General (DG) NUML, Brig Muhammad Rafiq Khan, Dean Faculty of Languages Dr. Jameel Asghar Jami, Heads of Departments, faculty members, and students were also present on the occasion.
