Andrea Riccardi is Professor of Contemporary History at La Terza University in Rome. An expert in contemporary humanistic thinking, his is an authoritative voice in the international scene. Andrea Riccardi is also known internationally for having founded, in 1968, the Community of Sant'Egidio. In addition to its social commitment and its many development projects in the Southern hemisphere, Sant'Egido is known for its commitment to favoring peace and dialogue. On 18th November 2004, he was given the International Balzan Prize for Humanity, Peace and Brotherhood among Peoples. On 21st May 2009, he was awarded the Charlemagne Prize. On 16th November 2011 he joined the Italian Government of Prime Minister Mario Monti as Minister for International Cooperation and Integration Policies.