Tell us a little about yourself (nationality, professional background and experience and expertise): I am Italian and have had the privilege of working with the Italian Customs Agency since 1995. Over the past 20+ years, I have gained extensive experience in strategic planning, coordination, and event organization. My professional journey took me abroad early on, where I worked as an expert and coordinator in various international projects, including twinning initiatives with countries such as Turkey, Kosovo, and Albania.
Explain your portfolio here at EUBAM Rafah: Since joining EUBAM Rafah in 2016, I have been responsible for planning and organizing operations and mission projects. I am passionate about working in this region, with its rich history and complex present. My presence here reflects the EU’s commitment to fostering development, and I hope my contribution helps pave the way for positive change.
What do you enjoy most about forming part of EUBAM Rafah, and about working in the Region? I deeply enjoy engaging with the local cultures and learning from my EU colleagues, who bring diverse professional and personal experiences to the table. My role at EUBAM Rafah has enriched my expertise in project management and technical assistance activities, and my background in the Italian Customs Agency, coupled with my personal skills, allows me to build strong relationships with Palestinian counterparts. By working together and building trust, we can continue making significant progress in developing effective action plans for the Palestinian General Administration for Border and Crossings.
What are the challenges you face, and how, in your view, may they be overcome? Working in this region has not been without its challenges, especially during times of conflict, which I have experienced firsthand. However, these challenges have only strengthened my relationships with local counterparts, giving me a deeper understanding of their daily struggles. I believe the key to overcoming these challenges lies in fostering good, open communication. For the security challenges, I have always relied on the excellent support from the Mission's security department, for which I am extremely grateful.
