Comitato Inter Paese (CIP) Meeting in Agrigento

The Comitato Inter Paese (CIP) meeting in Agrigento brought together Rotarian friends from Switzerland, Italy, San Marino, Liechtenstein, and Malta for a weekend of fellowship, cultural discovery, and shared purpose. CIP meetings aim to strengthen international friendships and create opportunities for collaborative development in service of society.
Rotarian Peter Schatzer led the Maltese contingent, which included Sandra Dingli, Marylene Hannen, Franca Grima, Patricia Salomone, Vibhuti Sharma (RCLVM), and Nina Nestorova (RC Malta). The delegation participated under the auspices of International President Olayinka Hakeem Babalola and District 2110 Governor Lina Ricciardello, with the kind collaboration of Rotarian Robert von Brockdorff.

Arrival and Welcome
On 24 September 2026, the Maltese group landed in Catania, where they joined Swiss Rotarian friends for the transfer to Agrigento. An arrival photo shows the six Maltese ladies smiling alongside Rotarian Beat am Rhyn, affectionately called “Beato fra le donne” by the group.

Hospitality and Cultural Programme
Rotary Club Agrigento organised the event impeccably, and its members ensured participants experienced the very best of Sicilian hospitality. Delegates stayed at the Dioscuri Bay Palace Hotel, on the scenic seacoast near the town. From this base, the group visited several of Agrigento’s most significant cultural and historical sites.
Highlights included the Valle dei Templi, one of the Mediterranean’s most important archaeological parks, and the Archaeological Griffo Museum, renowned for its extensive collection of artefacts. During one temple visit, participants were surprised by a dramatic enactment of a passage from an ancient Greek tragedy. In period costumes and with traditional music, the performance took place against the backdrop of a spectacular Sicilian sunset, creating a memorable, atmospheric experience.

Gala Evening and Distinguished Guests
A gala night was held in a beautifully refurbished ancient mill, offering an elegant setting for fellowship and celebration. The Maltese delegation was honoured to be joined by District Governor Lina Ricciardello, District Prefect Maria Emilia Turco, and her husband, Past Governor Giovanni Vaccaro. Their participation underscored CIP’s importance as a platform for strengthening international Rotary collaboration.

Conference Sessions
The programme also included a morning session featuring eminent speakers who explored the use of artificial intelligence in archaeology—a highly relevant topic given Agrigento’s rich archaeological heritage. The session provided valuable insights into how emerging technologies can support research, preservation, and interpretation of historical sites.

Pirandello Heritage Visit
To complete the cultural itinerary, delegates visited the birthplace, home, and burial site of the celebrated Sicilian writer and playwright Luigi Pirandello. His resting place, which Pirandello described as “under a pine tree amidst fields of Saracen olive trees,” offered a moment of reflection on Sicily’s literary legacy.

Return Journey
The journey back to Malta proved somewhat adventurous because of activity from Mount Etna (Il Mongibello), adding an unexpected twist to the trip. Nevertheless, all participants returned safely, bringing home warm memories of fellowship, culture, and Rotary spirit.