The Italian Embassy in Kosovo and UBT College are pleased to announce the 9th edition of Italian Design Day, featuring a conference tailored for students of Architecture and Design, as well as professionals in the field. This year’s theme, “Inequalities. Design for a Better Life”, will be explored by architect and designer Alessandro Mason, alongside psychologist Alice Cazzolato, co-founders of Studio GISTO. Known for their innovative approach, the studio focuses on material sustainability, circular development processes, and social well-being.
The event will take place on Monday, March 10, at 11:00 AM at the Innovation Campus UBT Library in Lipjan, near the capital city. The session will feature interactions with the UBT Rector Edmond Hajrizi and the Italian Ambassador Antonello De Riu. The responsible for urban transformation, Arch. Gezim Kastrati, will participate for the Municipality of Pristina.
This year’s theme is closely aligned with that of the upcoming Universal Exposition of the Milan Triennale, titled “Inequalities. How to mend the fractures of humanity”, scheduled to run from May 13 to November 9, 2025.
As highlighted by Ambassador Antonello De Riu “design, with its ability to integrate aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, represents an essential tool for developing innovative solutions aimed at improving quality of life, reducing inequalities, and promoting inclusive and equitable social progress“. This approach not only addresses social and environmental needs but also opens up new business opportunities, providing a platform for the development of products and services that stand out for their innovation and responsibility. By combining creativity with sustainability, design can become a driver of economic growth, attracting investments and fostering international partnerships. “Through this initiative, the Embassy reaffirms its commitment to strengthening collaboration with academic institutions in the country, underscoring the strategic role of design and inter-institutional cooperation in promoting knowledge exchange and stimulating synergies between the academic and economic sectors. We aim to foster constructive dialogue among institutions, the private sector, and the academic community, generating innovative solutions that contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future“, stated Ambassador De Riu. “The event represents an opportunity for engagement and mutual growth, seeking to consolidate networks of collaboration that unite culture, innovation, and social responsibility. This approach not only enriches the cultural and social fabric but also offers new market perspectives, positioning design as a bridge between creativity and sustainable economic development“, concluded Ambassador De Riu.
Founded in 2010, Studio GISTO merges design and research with a specific focus on sustainability and circular economy principles. The studio stands out for its commitment to transforming environmental and social dynamics into opportunities for urban and cultural regeneration, confirming design as a key tool for addressing contemporary challenges. As the founders emphasize, their design approach stems from the goal of generating a positive impact on society: “The relationship between individuals and spaces, the sense of belonging to a community, and the contribution to social well-being are central elements of our work. Every solution is designed to promote inclusion, cohesion, and sustainable quality of life”.
Rector Edmond Hajrizi of the University of Business and Technology (UBT) expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the Italian Design Day (IDD), stating: “UBT reaffirms its commitment to hosting an event that offers students and faculty the opportunity to engage with internationally renowned experts on a theme that celebrates creativity and innovation through an inclusive and socially responsible lens. This approach aligns perfectly with our educational vision, which has always placed societal needs at its core, transforming global challenges into opportunities for collective growth”. Concluding his remarks, Prof. Hajrizi added: “I am highly satisfied with our collaboration with the Italian Embassy which, through the activation of a lectorship supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), has enabled us to introduce Italian language courses into our academic programs and achieve recognition as a CELI certification center, further strengthening the cultural ties between our countries”.
Alongside the event hosted by UBT, on the occasion of Italian Design Day 2025, the ICE Office in Tirana has organized a series of promotional activities showcasing “Made in Italy” products. These include special exhibitions and discounts at various retail outlets in major Kosovar cities, particularly in local large-scale distribution channels. The initiatives aim to highlight the excellence of Italian design and craftsmanship, fostering greater appreciation and commercial opportunities for Italian products in Kosovo.
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Italian Design Day is a thematic initiative launched by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture. This annual event features a wide-ranging program of promotional activities worldwide, organized by the network of Italian Embassies, Consulates, Italian Cultural Institutes, and ICE Offices abroad. Each year, over one hundred ambassadors of Italian design and creativity participate, sharing the story of Italy’s innovative and artistic excellence. The initiative has established itself as an effective tool for promoting Italian design and supporting the internationalization of a strategic industrial sector for Italian exports. It also strengthens the educational and training component by fostering interaction between Italy’s higher education system and creative communities abroad. This collaboration aims to promote Italy’s educational offerings in design and creative industries, nurturing new talents and professional skills. Through Italian Design Day, Italy reaffirms its global leadership in design, combining tradition, innovation, and sustainability to inspire future generations and strengthen cultural and economic ties worldwide.
