Taking the friendship between Italy and Australia to the stars

During the meeting, the two highlighted opportunities for cooperation in key sectors such as defence, culture, economy and space.

Ambassador Crudele emphasised Italy’s strong commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, both militarily and in economic and technological terms.

One of the key points discussed was Italy’s participation in the Pitch Black 2024 exercise, involving an aircraft carrier and 24 aircraft alongside approximately 20 other countries, including NATO members.

This exercise reinforced Italy’s presence in the region, a strategic area that accounts for around 60 per cent of global maritime trade.

Italy is also strengthening ties with Japan and India following the European Union’s Indo-Pacific strategy launched in 2021 aimed at enhancing cooperation on defence and security.

Another topic addressed was the successful visit of the Italian Navy ship Amerigo Vespucci to Australia, which attracted 14,000 visitors in just a few days.

This event strengthened ties with both the local Italian and Australian communities, highlighting Italy’s cultural presence in the region.

Consular meetings were also discussed, as they play a crucial role in supporting the Italian community in Australia, addressing their concerns and improving the management of bureaucratic matters.

Such meetings focus on cultural promotion and support for Italian language teaching through dedicated funding.

The space economy was another key theme, with Italy and Australia increasing cooperation in this sector. The Italian Space Agency (ASI) is in talks with the Australian Space Agency (ASA) for collaborations on key projects, including the Square Kilometre Array, a network of radio telescopes involving Italian companies.

The ambassador was in Sydney the following day to attend International Astronautical Congress (IAC): Milan to Sydney, a preparatory event for IAC 2025, aimed at consolidating collaborations between Italy and Australia in the space sector.

The IAC is the world’s most important congress in the space sector, organised annually by the International Astronautical Federation, bringing together space agencies, companies, universities, research centres and industry professionals to discuss the latest innovations, technological developments and opportunities for space collaboration.

IAC: Milan to Sydney, held at Cicada Innovations - a hub for innovation and technology located at the National Innovation Centre in Redfern - represented a symbolic passing of the baton from last year’s congress in Milan to this year’s event in the capital of New South Wales.

Among the notable guests were Andrea Tronzano, Regional Minister for Economic Development of Piedmont; Teodoro Valente, President of ASI; and Erasmo Carrera, Chairman of IAC 2024.

Also present was NSW Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong, who emphasised that “space is the next frontier for all of us”.

Chanthivong highlighted the need for international collaboration and the key role of governments in supporting innovation in the space sector.

Ambassador Crudele outlined the three key principles of Italy’s approach to space. The first is that space is a common good of humanity and its development must occur through a combination of public and private initiatives to ensure progress, security and collective well-being.

Furthermore, space represents a new economic frontier, with opportunities in satellite telecommunications, cybersecurity and Earth observation, with significant social and economic impacts.

Lastly, sustainability: with the increasing number of launches, addressing the challenge of space debris is essential in ensuring responsible and long-term use of space.

A crucial moment during the event was the presentation by Simona Bernardini, head of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in Sydney, who outlined Italy’s role at IAC 2025.

The ITA will coordinate an Italian Pavilion covering 216 square metres, hosting 20 Italian space sector companies open to new international collaborations.

IAC 2025 is a globally significant event, expected to attract 10,000 participants from over 100 countries. According to Lisa Vitaris, Director of IAC 2025, “This edition will be one of the most significant in recent decades, with the largest Indian delegation in the history of the congress, contributing to broadening the audience and expertise in the space sector.”

The chosen theme, Sustainable Space, Resilient Earth, highlights the role of space in sustainability and life on Earth and beyond.

For the first time, IAC will give special attention to space-enabled industries, including mining, agriculture and healthcare, showcasing how space technologies are transforming key sectors of the global economy.

The event will be held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney, with an exhibition area of 20,000 square metres and over 60 per cent of the stands already booked, confirming global interest in this edition.

The preparatory event, organised with the support of the Italian Embassy, the Consulate General of Sydney, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Australia, the Italian Trade Agency, the New South Wales state government and Investment NSW, strengthened the dialogue between Italy and Australia, paving the way for Italian participation in IAC 2025.

The event will be an important opportunity for Italian companies to showcase themselves and consolidate new international partners.