In a series of events designed to promote the art of diplomacy between nations, 30 meetings, seminars and round table discussions take place as part of the Festival of Diplomacy between 16 and 24 October.

International diplomatic representatives including over 60 ambassadors and experts in international relations convene in various locations around Rome to examine how diplomacy has influenced the history of humanity. Questions relating to diplomacy are answered using examples of the mediatory role played by diplomats in behind-the-scenes negotiations. Some of the festival discussions take place in front of an audience of political scientists, journalists and university students.

The festival examines the work provided by interpreters and the importance of exact translations. The Japanese embassy opens its doors to students and young diplomats to show how an embassy functions, while the German and British embassies highlight new diplomatic possibilities offered by the digital age. Other inititiaves include a photograph exhibition in Galleria Alberto Sordi and the participation of humanitarian organisations such as Unicef and Rome's Community of S. Egidio.

The official opening by Rome's mayor Gianni Alemanno and minister for foreign affairs Franco Frattini takes place in the city hall on the Capitoline hill at 11.00 on 22 October. For more information see: www.festivaldelladiplomazia.it