From the City of Columbus to a Harbor of Peace

From the City of Columbus to a Harbor of Peace – Genoa Unites the World Through “Kick War Away”

Genoa, Italy — December 28, 2025. The historic city of Genoa has once again given new meaning to the idea of “connecting the world.” The second edition of “Kick War Away” brought together sport, culture, and community interaction, sending a strong message of peace, mutual understanding, and inclusion to the international community.

Renowned as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa has long symbolized exploration and connection. Today, the city is setting sail on a new course: from a point of departure for distant voyages to a peaceful harbor for global dialogue. Against a backdrop of growing division and erosion of trust worldwide, the initiative highlighted how non-political cultural and sporting activities can serve as concrete tools to foster unity and respect among people.

Symbolic Moments of Sport and Collaboration

The daytime program unfolded at the Prà sports field, where participants of all ages engaged in friendly matches and group activities centered on teamwork and inclusivity. The most poignant moment featured children and adults raising a banner inscribed with the word “Peace” in multiple languages, followed by a symbolic kick of a football — representing borderless peace and boundless understanding.

Cultural Connections and Musical Resonance

That evening, the Teatro del Ponente transformed into a stage for cultural and artistic exchange. Hosted by Giorgio Primicerio, who opened the ceremony with a rendition of the Italian national anthem, the program featured captivating performances by young tenor Davide Pastorino and guitarist Luca Borriello. Music became the unspoken common language here, bridging cultural divides and connecting hearts across boundaries.

The Genoa Declaration: A Call to Youth for Peace

The event's climax was the public reading of the Genoa Declaration. The document asserts that peace is a shared human responsibility, with dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect as the foundations of future societies. Addressed particularly to younger generations, it urges them to embrace social harmony and collective responsibility as guiding principles for sustainable development.

A Grassroots Vision for Global Impact

This edition was led by Ambassador Alfredo Maiolese, Secretary-General of the World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP), under the High Patronage of WOS-IPSP and with support from the European Muslims League. In his address, Ambassador Maiolese stated, “True peace arises from understanding between people. Cultural exchange and youth engagement are the essential foundations for every society’s path to lasting harmony.”

“Kick War Away” does not seek to replace governmental international cooperation but rather complements it through grassroots and community-level exchanges, strengthening social cohesion and providing robust support for institutional diplomacy and policy actions. Genoa’s experience demonstrates how cities can drive global dialogue through inclusive spirit and humanistic values.

Building Future Bridges with Youth and Culture

Amid the runs on the sports field and the melodies in the theater, Genoa articulated the essence of peace through action: peace is not merely an ideal but a collective practice from individuals to societies, from local communities to the world stage. This city — transformed “from the City of Columbus to a Harbor of Peace” — sets sail once more, steered by culture, education, and the power of youth toward a more inclusive and harmonious world.