Date: (June 5th, 2024)
This week, we shine the spotlight on an extraordinary Prof. Olimpia Niglio who stands at the intersection of culture, education, and international collaboration.
A professor in Comparative History of Architecture at Hosei University in Tokyo, she also serves as a Research Fellow at Kyoto University Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Japan.
Prof. Niglio holds the prestigious positions of Vice President of both ICOMOS PRERICO and the Asian Cultural Landscape Association (ACLA). Her scholarly journey is marked by a Ph.D. from the University of Naples-Federico II, an Executive Master’s from Business School Rome, and a Post-Doc. (MIUR).
In 2020, Prof. Niglio founded the groundbreaking international project “Reconnecting with your Culture,” which aims to help children define their identity through a connection to their cultural heritage, no matter where they are in the world.
This initiative underscores her profound commitment to cultural preservation and education, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4): to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”
Prof. Niglio’s extensive expertise spans the cultural heritage of both the East and the West, and her work in comparative art history, architecture, and art management is widely recognized. As the Minister of Culture for Asgardia, she continues to influence and shape cultural discourse on a global scale.
Her collaboration with Mr. Taiwo Akinlami began in May 2021, while preparing for a training program for Chaperons and Coordinators of the #MyHeritage21 Program. This program, organized by RECONNECTING WITH YOUR CULTURE in partnership with WEST AFRICA SHARED CULTURAL HERITAGE, focuses on cultural education for children and adheres to international standards such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) 1989.
Understanding the critical importance of Child Safeguarding and Protection in these initiatives, Prof. Niglio sought the best expertise in West Africa. The British Council recommended Mr. Taiwo Akinlami, their Child Safeguarding and Protection Consultant, to facilitate this crucial component of the training.
Her ability to blend international standards with local content and best practices made him an invaluable asset to the program.
Prof. Olimpia Niglio’s work exemplifies a global commitment to cultural heritage, education, and child protection, fostering a world where children can thrive and connect with their roots. Her dedication continues to inspire and pave the way for innovative cultural initiatives worldwide.