Italian cuisine received official recognition as Intangible Cultural Heritage from UNESCO, marking the first time an entire national gastronomic style achieved this global designation.Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida lauded the decision, highlighting its importance for Italian identity, culture, and as a tool to combat "Italian sounding" products while boosting the $251 billion global food sector.Celebrations are planned across Italy, including illuminating the Colosseum, as chefs like Massimo Bottura and Giorgio Locatelli expressed pride in this cultural achievement championed by Pier Luigi Petrillo and Massimo Montanari.