The Venue

The 2025 IDEAS Conference jointly organized with the Independant Evaluation Office - New Development Bank is scheduled to take place in Rome (Italy), and will be hosted at the FAO Headquarters, from March 4 to 6, 2025.

Conference Venue

The FAO Headquarters is located in the city centre of Rome, near the Circo Massimo and close to the Colosseum:

It can be reached by car, bus (No. 60, 75, 81, 118, 160, 271, 628), tram and metro line B (metro stop: Circo Massimo).

Rome

Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City, which will host our upcoming 2025 conference. With its unique blend of past and present, Rome offers an unparalleled cultural experience, perfect for professional exchanges and inspiration.

As Italy’s capital, Rome is an open-air museum. Its streets are filled with historic landmarks, ancient Roman ruins, stunning Renaissance churches, and countless masterpieces of art. Iconic sites such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel embody Rome's rich history.

But Rome is more than just its historical treasures. It is also a lively, modern, and cosmopolitan city, boasting a vibrant culinary scene, charming neighborhoods, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that will captivate participants from around the world.

By choosing Rome for this conference, we aim to provide a setting where cultural richness intertwines with innovation and knowledge, inspiring meaningful discussions and passionate exchanges about the future of evaluation. Participants will not only deepen their understanding but also enjoy the unique atmosphere of a city that has always been a crossroads of cultures, ideas, and discoveries.

We look forward to welcoming you for this special gathering, where the Eternal City will serve as a backdrop for our shared reflections and learning.

How to get to Rome

Rome is easily accessible whether you're traveling from Europe or other parts of the world. Here are the main options for getting to the Eternal City:

By Plane

Rome has two major international airports:

Rome Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci), the largest and busiest, is located about 30 km from the city center. Many international airlines serve this airport, offering direct connections from major cities in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Rome Ciampino Airport is smaller and located about 15 km from the city center, primarily served by low-cost airlines.

To reach the city center from Fiumicino, trains (Leonardo Express and regional trains) and buses are available. From Ciampino, direct buses connect to the main metro and bus stations in Rome.

By Train

Rome is well-connected by an excellent rail network. Roma Termini is the main train station, located in the heart of the city. It offers convenient high-speed connections to major Italian cities and European capitals, providing a comfortable option for travelers coming from Italy or neighboring countries.

By Car

For those wishing to explore Italy before or after the conference, Rome is accessible via major Italian highways. However, note that traffic in central Rome can be busy, and Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL) restrict driving in certain areas. It's often easier to park outside the city center and use public transportation to get into town.

By Bus

Long-distance coaches connect Rome with many Italian and European cities, with most services arriving at bus stations near Roma Tiburtina or Roma Termini.

Getting Around in Rome

Once in Rome, you'll find an efficient public transportation network, including metro, buses, trams, and urban trains that make it easy to get around the city.