A talk by a prominent Italian politician and environmental activist will kick off the spring lecture series Jan. 31 at the Graduate School and International Education's Rome Center.

Francesco Rutelli will give a talk at 11 a.m. CST on climate policy, the challenge of sustainability efforts in Italy, and greenwashing in the international geopolitical landscape. The discussion will be held on-site at the Rome Center's location in Rome, Italy, and can also be attended virtually.

Rutelli has served in numerous political posts in his career, including Mayor of Rome, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture, in addition to chairing and founding several initiatives for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, art and the environment. He currently presides over ANICA, the National Association of Film and Audiovisual Industries.

The talk is the first of four lectures scheduled throughout the spring semester from renowned international experts on a variety of topics, including finance, politics, art and journalism.

"I'm very proud of the work of our colleagues here at the Rome Center, who are actively working in finding high-level speakers for the Rome Talk series," said Francesco Bedeschi, director of the Rome Center. "I'd like to particularly thank Laura D'Angelo, who is taking the responsibility of coordinating the events and ensuring a diverse range of speakers to benefit the variety of students we have in Rome."

The speakers, dates and times for the additional three lectures are below. More information, including links to watch the talks, is forthcoming.

Alessandro Canta — Feb. 21, 11 a.m.
Alessandro Canta is the head of finance and insurance at ENEL S.p.A., an Italian energy company and one of the largest utility companies in Europe.

Alice Pasquini — Feb. 28, 11 a.m.
Alice Pasquini, known by the artistic name Alicé, is an Italian street artist, illustrator and set designer whose works have been exhibited on urban surfaces, in galleries, and in museums across hundreds of cities worldwide.

Federica de Sanctis — April 3, 11 a.m.
Federica de Sanctis is a journalist and political science graduate. Currently, she serves as the media relations manager at Poste Italiane and the director of TgPoste - Poste Italiane's news program.

About the Rome Center: Since its inception in 1992, the Rome Center has served as a premiere locale for transformative study abroad experiences for University of Arkansas students. Originally founded exclusively for architecture students, the center was expanded for students from across the university in 2016. Students can study abroad at the Rome Center during the fall, spring and summer semesters, with courses offered across the university's academic disciplines. More information on the Rome Center is available on their website.