The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is proud to announce Lombardia as its 2026 Region of Honor, celebrating Italy's economic powerhouse that seamlessly blends centuries-old traditions with modern innovation.
From Milan's global fashion and finance leadership to Cremona's legendary Stradivarius violins, from iconic brands like Campari that brought aperitivo culture worldwide to Auricchio's artisanal cheese-making traditions, from saffron risotto alla Milanese to companies like Riso Scotti, Lombardia embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and cultural richness that define Italian excellence.
"Lombardia represents the very best of what Italy offers the world – a remarkable fusion of heritage and dynamism that spans centuries," said Robert Allegrini, NIAF President and CEO. "From medieval artistry to modern business leadership, from the regional specialties like Gorgonzola to the global brands that carry Italian excellence worldwide, Lombardia embodies the complete character of the nation."
Attilio Fontana, President of Regione Lombardia, emphasized the region's unique character. "We are honored to be recognized by NIAF as the 2026 Region of Honor," said President Fontana. "Lombardia is where historic craftsmanship flourishes live alongside advanced technology, where our lakes and mountains inspire the artists and business leaders who continue to shape Italian culture."
“The United States has long been regarded as one of our key strategic partners. Since the beginning of the current term, we have worked consistently to strengthen subnational relations with several U.S. states. This has been pursued through the 2024 institutional mission to Washington, D.C., Indiana, and Illinois, as well as through visits to Lombardy by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. The designation as ‘Region of Honor 2026’ builds on an already solid path of cooperation and dialogue, reaffirming Lombardy’s role as a privileged bridge between Italy and the United States”, added Raffaele Cattaneo, Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Region.
Adding special significance to this designation, Lombardia will welcome the world for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics (February 6-22), with Milan's San Siro Stadium hosting the Opening Ceremony. The NIAF Board of Directors will undertake special missions to Italy, attending the Olympic Opening Ceremony in February and returning for institutional meetings in late May to strengthen ties with regional leadership.
The 2026 Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery educational travel program will feature two 14-day student trips exploring Lombardia's cultural tapestry—from Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" in Milan to the medieval charm of Bergamo Alta, from the Renaissance splendor of Mantova to the tranquil Italian Lakes, showcasing the region's extraordinary blend of art, history, and natural beauty.
Lombardia will be prominently featured at NIAF's premier events throughout 2026, including the NIAF New York Gala on April 23, 2026, and the organization's signature 51st Anniversary Gala in Washington, D.C. on October 17, 2026. The region will also be showcased in NIAF's tri-annual Ambassador magazine and highlighted on social media throughout the year, ensuring comprehensive coverage of Lombardia's contributions to Italian culture and its ongoing relationship with Italian American communities.
Lombardia's legacy spans millennia, from prehistoric rock carvings in Val Camonica (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to Leonardo da Vinci's architectural innovations like the Navigli canal system. As Italy's most economically significant region, contributing 20% of the country's GDP, Lombardia houses the Italian stock exchange (Borsa Italiana) alongside centuries-old family businesses, major fashion houses next to skilled craft workshops, and multinational corporations alongside specialty producers. From the lakes of Como and Garda to the Alpine peaks, the region offers extraordinary diversity that captures the complete essence of Italian life.
NIAF looks forward to celebrating Lombardia's rich cultural story throughout 2026, showcasing how this remarkable region continues to embody the Italian spirit across all its dimensions. Stay connected with NIAF to discover Lombardia's rich contributions to Italian culture and the Italian American experience.
