UNESCO Recognizes Italian Cuisine, FIFA Faces Backlash

The United Nations' cultural agency Unesco has awarded Italian cooking special cultural heritage status, recognizing its importance as a cultural tradition and its role in connecting people with family and community. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been pushing for this recognition since her election, and industry leaders see it as a boost to tourism. The recognition is part of Unesco's intangible cultural heritage list, which also includes other food-related traditions from around the world.

Egypt and Iran have complained to FIFA after their World Cup match was scheduled to take place in Seattle on June 26, coinciding with the city's LGBTQ+ Pride festival. The local organizing committee had planned to include a 'moment to showcase and celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities' during the match. Both countries' football federations objected to the decision, citing cultural, religious, and social values. Iran's Football Federation president, Mehdi Taj, condemned the decision, stating it signaled support for a particular group. Egypt's football federation also rejected any activities related to supporting homosexuality during the match.

Italian cuisine has been granted world heritage status by UNESCO, joining Italy's 21st entry on the organization's intangible list. The recognition highlights the cultural importance Italians place on cooking and eating rituals, as well as the sustainability and biocultural diversity of Italian food. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the recognition, saying it is a distinction that can only make Italians proud. The decision was made after a panel vote in New Delhi on Wednesday, and celebrations are planned in Rome on Wednesday night.