From the twinning of the Province of Viterbo and the Governorate of Luxor to Egyptian exhibitions and performances in Italy: remembering a philanthropist with an extraordinary gift for cultural diplomacy
By Giacomo Barelli, Lawyer
I had the privilege of knowing Eugenio Benedetti Gaglio, In remembering him following his passing, I wish to honour an exceptional man and his deep relationship with Egypt: a bond nurtured through solidarity, culture and an ability to turn an idea into an encounter between people and institutions.
His exceptional qualities emerge from the breadth of his work: the scope of his vision, the diversity of his connections and his determination to bring projects to fruition, He understood the influence that a relationship of trust could have on international affairs and how an appreciation of another country’s culture could open new possibilities for cooperation.
I would describe this as an extraordinary gift for soft power diplomacy: diplomacy exercised through culture, personal credibility and persuasion, To me, his combination of international experience, philanthropic commitment and initiative made him a unique figure on the world stage. His life invites us to consider how much one individual can achieve when able to earn trust and place it at the service of a shared purpose.
His international experience took him to many countries, Yet Egypt held a special place in his family history and personal commitment. He devoted energy, connections and projects to bringing the country closer to Italian audiences, finding particularly fertile ground in Viterbo and the surrounding Tuscia area.
Among the most significant achievements was the twinning of the Province of Viterbo with the Governorate of Luxor, Egypt’s ambassador to Italy at the time, Hisham Badr, welcomed its approval and acknowledged the strong impetus provided by the S.I.B. Benedetti Foundation. This relationship offered both communities opportunities for cooperation rooted in mutual understanding and appreciation of their cultural heritage.
Benedetti Gaglio was also a pioneer in promoting major exhibitions of replicas of Egyptian heritage in Italy. In Viterbo, that commitment found memorable expression in the 2018 exhibition devoted to Tutankhamun’s treasures at the Palazzo dei Papi, organised through collaboration between his Foundation and other cultural and organisational partners, The reproductions brought a broad audience closer to the artistic richness of ancient Egypt.
The fascination of Tutankhamun thus became a starting point for exploring Egyptian history and culture. This ability to awaken curiosity was central to his cultural diplomacy: creating opportunities for interest to become knowledge, and for knowledge to foster friendship.
Alongside the exhibitions, Viterbo welcomed Egypt’s music, movement and performing arts. Tannoura performances, the Cairo Opera Ballet and the Reda Troupe brought the expressive power of Egyptian artistry to the city. That cultural season, to which Benedetti Gaglio and his Foundation contributed, gave Italian audiences opportunities to encounter folk traditions, choreographic languages and different artistic sensibilities.
Exhibitions, performances and institutional relationships formed a coherent endeavour: encouraging encounters through experiences that could engage people directly. Egypt appeared in the diversity of its cultural expressions, with its millennia of history and the vitality of its contemporary artists.
The same purpose informed initiatives associated with the Holy Family’s journey and dialogue between Catholics and Copts. Here, too, the Foundation helped create opportunities for understanding and cooperation across the Mediterranean.
His support for Cairo’s Italian Hospital completed this relationship, carrying forward the legacy of his maternal great-uncle, Empedocle Gaglio, through a charitable commitment shared with his wife, Anna Maria.
As a lawyer, I recognise the value of relationships strengthened by commitments fulfilled. I see that ability in Eugenio Benedetti Gaglio’s work: following ideas through, bringing different partners together and leaving opportunities for cooperation that could endure. His personal standing became a resource for others.
My thoughts are with his family. To Egyptian readers, I wish to offer the remembrance of an Italian who helped others discover and appreciate their country, placing an exceptional human and diplomatic talent at the service of friendship.
His legacy lives in the relationship between Viterbo and Luxor, in memories of exhibitions, in the emotion of performances and in the people who discovered something of Egypt through these initiatives. Continuing those exchanges will be the most tangible way to honour a man whose greatness can also be measured by his ability to bring others together.
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