Consular functions are discharged equally in the first category Consulates (the so-called "General" ones) and in the second category Consulates, or "Honorary" ones.
However, to date honorary diplomacy has not attracted sufficient attention, and its potential to develop lasting synergies and projects has been overlooked. The many problems that Honorary Consuls must face every day, mainly through the provision of documents and consular services, as well as assistance to its citizens, are increasingly specific and varied. The duties of Consuls must adapt to the growing complexity of the economic, political, legal-institutional and health regulatory environments, and are affected by the exponential increase in the global migration of peoples.
Honorary Consuls suffer generally from "institutional anonymity", either due to the misleading "honorary" label, or their nationality - generally that of the receiving State; they are therefore not considered actual diplomatic agents of a foreign country. This situation should be remedied, by tracing a path of growth, training and updating, in coordination with all the other public institutions.
SEMINARS AND MEETINGS
Society is now more cosmopolitan than ever, due to the exchange between countries and the progressive importance of international cooperation in all its forms (cultural, health, economic).
In this scenario, honorary consuls must carry out two fundamental roles in connecting peoples: the institutional one but – more important still - the functional one.
The seminar cycle “Tè Diplomatico” (tr. "Diplomatic Tea"), therefore is an opportunity of meeting between honorary and career diplomats, experts, officials, an occasion to interact and investigate issues of concern to honorary diplomats, with a keen attention to everyday issues familiar to Honorary Consuls.
The aim is therefore to provide research and analysis tools on everything related to the role of the Honorary Consul, to share knowledge and to create new ideas useful for creating synergy and enhancing resources, to better serve the community of foreign citizens in the receiving State.