June 2026
Giovanna Ceolini, president of Assocalzaturifici, heads the Promotional Committee launching the first UNESCO nomination project for the Italian fashion and lifestyle sector.
Italian footwear represents not only a supply chain of excellence recognised worldwide, but a living cultural heritage that continues to evolve thanks to its ability to combine tradition and innovation, creativity and manufacturing expertise, quality and research – built up over time through the work, skills and passion of generations of entrepreneurs, technicians, designers and trainers. Building on this premise, the process to nominate the Art of Italian Footwear for inclusion on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage is now officially underway. An initiative promoted by Assocalzaturifici, Museimpresa, CERCAL and the Politecnico Calzaturiero through the Promoting Committee chaired by Giovanna Ceolini, established with the aim of recognising, promoting and passing on to future generations one of the most representative aspects of Made in Italy. The art of Italian shoemaking would be the first in the world to receive UNESCO recognition.
Supported by the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, the project is a sector-wide initiative involving the worlds of business, education, culture and research, with the aim of establishing a shared approach capable of promoting the manufacturing, economic and social culture of a key sector in the country.
On 11 June, at the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, the Promotional Committee for the Safeguarding and Promotion of the Art of Italian Footwear will be officially established; this body will lead the nomination process.
“The UNESCO nomination stems from a desire to recognise and promote a heritage that belongs to the whole country. Italian footwear is an expression of a culture of craftsmanship that combines technical skills, creativity, regional identity and the capacity for innovation. Through this process, we wish to affirm the cultural value of our know-how and strengthen our commitment to passing it on to future generations,” stated Giovanna Ceolini.
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