MOEZ EDDINE SINAOUI - 2022
Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia in Italy - TUNISIA

for his constant commitment to a Diplomacy of people, respecting different identities and cultures.
At a difficult and extraordinary time in our history, Ambassador Sinaoui strongly supported the development of the 'United States of the World', aware of the need for this action in order to share knowledge and in this way combat wars, pandemics, social injustice, dissipation of resources, climate change and the destruction of creation.
For this action, he is awarded this Prize together with the nomination of "UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR OF THE WORLD", in the knowledge of his constant commitment to this action, which is indispensable for peace and shared development.

Awarding CeremonyRome, 05 september 2022

MOHAMED M. ABOU EL ENEIN - 2018
Businessman and Politician - EGYPT

The award was assigned Mohamed M. Abou El Enein for his efforts concerning the approximation of the Mediterranean peoples with regard to development; and exchanges. As an entrepreneur he is committed to valorization of the cultural and artistic heritage of Egypt and the countries Mediterranean waters of the South Bank.
Founder and president of Cleopatra Group, is the promoter of many important entrepreneurial projects. From 1995 to 2011 he was a member of the Egyptian Parliament, of which he has presided over various commissions and that he has represented in international fora.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 9 november 2018

SAR PRINCE TURKI AL FAISAL AL SAUD - 2015
President of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies - SAUDI ARABIA

For his efforts in reconciling peoples through the use of diplomacy and all acts of good will steering scientific production, enabling global fora and strategic studies reports disseminated and positively evaluated around the world, including the Mediterranean Region.
For his efforts in supporting the role of education as a fundamental element for the development of the Arab countries. His remarkable commitment reflects his sincere desire to persevere in forging a true alliance of civilizations, in the name of cultural diversity, and the principle of otherness among peoples.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 12 september 2015

Dr. JAMAL SANAD AL SUWAIDI - 2014
Director General of the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

For his efforts to reconciling peoples through the use of parallel diplomacy, which steers scientific production, global forums and strategic reports disseminated and estimated throughout the world, and, among others, in the Mediterranean area. His remarkable commitment reflects his desire to always achieve the alliance of civilizations, cultural diversity, and the principle of otherness among peoples.

Awarding Ceremony
Abu Dhabi, 27 april 2014

FELICIO ANGRISANO - 2014
Admiral - ITALY

Admiral Felicio Angrisano, with the sincerity of a seafarer and the kindness of a Naval Officer, is, for His men and women as well as for the whole civil society, a great example of constant commitment fot the safeguard of human life aiming at a culture of Peace.
His action is characterized by an extraordinary sense of “General Wellbeing” and by the coherence that enabled him to assign the unusual role of “Diplomacy of Peace” to Harbour Offices and Coastguard. When his men are the first to rescue and help the surviving immigrants, they represent the True Italy: Italy of solidarity and welcome.
The words of Cardinal Parolin, Secretary of State at the Holy See, can well be applied to Felicio Angrisano: “We cannot remain indifferent to the dramatic distress of human beings. We have to demonstrate that peace is possible, that it is not utopia. Diplomats haven’t they the mission of working to make a happier world?”.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 29 october 2014

SERGE TELLE - 2014
Ambassador - FRANCE

A French diplomat, he was appointed ambassador in charge of the Euromed process in April 2008. In this role, he made a legal, political and administrative contribution on behalf of France at the heart of the new action called Union for the Mediterranean. This project is now irreversible and, despite the difficulties inherent in the Euromed region, it will have to contribute to promoting understanding, rapprochement and the indispensable convergence between the two shores of the Mediterranean. Serge Telle is one of the key players in bringing the Mediterranean out of the marginalisation that has worsened considerably in recent years.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 29 october 2014

in memory of CHRIS STEVENS - 2013
Ambassador of USA in Libia - USA

For his innovative action in USA Mediterranean policy especially in Libya, where he was Ambassador. As an enthusiastic supporter of the Arab World, where he cultivated his love for Arabic and Muslim culture and society, he made every effort to accelerate the democratization process opening the door to freedom and justice.
His premature death caused by a senseless act of terrorism that had nothing to do with the values of the Arabic and Islamic world galvanizes us in our efforts to accompany the Arabic countries on their difficult yet inexorable path towards democracy.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 04 january 2013

HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON - 2012
Secretary of State - USA

For his advocacy of a new US policy in the Mediterranean, thanks to which it was possible to support the 'Arab Spring' and start the long road to the democratisation of Arab countries based on freedom and solidarity.
She has always believed that Euro-Mediterranean Civil Society has an essential role in the peace process and shared development in the region.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 03 sptember 2012

LEILA SHAHID - 2011
Palestinian Authority Envoy to the European Union - PALESTINE

For its action in defence of Palestinian rights and for its strenuous commitment to lasting peace in the Middle East. She has always believed that Euro-Mediterranean Civil Society has an essential role in the peace process and shared development in the region.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 20 may 2011

S.A.R. WIJDAN AL-HASHEMI - 2010
Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Italy - JORDAN

By her action, she has contributed to spread the image and the excellences of Jordan and of the Arab World at a global level. Art, creativity and youth are the focus of her action, aiming at promoting a new concept of cultural diplomacy, overcoming conflicts and tensions.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 13 june 2010

CARL BILDT - 2010
Minister of Foreign Affairs - SWEDEN

He is the expression of cultural and political integrity and of a pluralist and democratic conception matured through a long journey and a long reflection. He has worked to create in his Country juridical and political conditions in agreement with international policies, always respecting Human Rights. His diplomatic activity is characterized by a strong action relying on the knowledge and sharing of the different problems in order to reach a cultural and political integration in the Euro-Mediterranean region, where Sweden is a leading subject.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 13 june 2010

URSULA PLASSNIK - 2009
Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs - AUSTRIA

The Prize was awarded to the Minister Plassnik for her contribution in the promotion of the Euro-Arab dialogue through diplomatic initiatives able to build a coalition of shared values and interests with the full involvement of the Civil Society.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 12 april 2010

MASSIMO D'ALEMA - 2008
Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs - ITALY

For his role in the UN Council concluded with the declaration against death sentences and for placing Italy, with the actions in Lebanon and other Countries, in the board of European interventions to establish peace in the Mediterranean and in the World. Thanks to his political action, Italian foreign policy regained credibility and respect in international field giving back to Italy an important role.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 6 february 2008

ERKKI TUOMIOJA - 2007
Finnnish Minister of Foreign Affairs - FINLAND

“If our aim is a world of peaceful coexistence, then dialogue among cultures on a common ground is indispensable, a possible dialogue, especially in the region of the Greater Mediterranean, so that each culture can discover the reasons of the other: Finland is one of the main players in this process”. These are the words used to grant the Mediterranean Diplomacy Award 2007 to the Finnish Minister of Foreign Affairs Erkki Tuomioja.

Awarding Ceremony
Tampere, 27 november 2006

MOHAMED BEDJAOUI - 2006
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Algeria - ALGERIA

Mohamed Bedjaoui is a model of both cultural and political integrity and of a pluralistic and democratic ideology, which is the final fruit of a long progress and deep reflection. He worked to achieve the political and juridical conditions of his Country in harmony with international policies and respecting human rights. His diplomatic activity is characterized by strong actions based on the understanding and sharing of different problems in order to come to a cultural and political integration in the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 20 october 2006

MIGUEL ANGEL MORATINOS - 2004
Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs - SPAGNA

His politics in favour of the Euro-Mediterranean dialogue laid the basis to re-launch the peace process for a shared development in the area. At the beginning as general director of the Spanish foreign policy for Africa and Middle East, then as special envoy of the European Union in the Middle East, Moratinos always carried out a diplomatic and political work of dialogue and mediation that avoided the worsening of the conflicts. Now, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, he is carrying out a concrete diplomatic action against prejudices and the global fear of terrorism, increasing social justice and multiculturalism, against the idea of Islam equal terrorism.

Awarding Ceremony
Cairo, 5 december 2004

PAOLO PUCCI DI BENISICHI - 2002/2003
Italian Ambassador to Spain - ITALY

For having demonstrated the common features and views of Italy and Spain. He retraced accurately the history connecting the two people and cultures and gave incentives to the two create a common strategy to re-launch the Barcelona Process for a stronger Euro- Mediterranean Partnership.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 4 january 2002

NEHAD ABDEL LATIF - 2002
Egyptian Ambassador to Italy - EGYPT

In a long and patient process he has built the bases for a strong Egyptian-Italian dialogue by solidifying the knowledge of the societies living on the two shores of the Mediterranean. He was one of the protagonists of the 2 nd Euromed Civil Forum of Naples In 1997, giving a constructive contribution for the cultural, economic and social cooperation.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 4 january 2002

to the memory of RYŪICHI SAKAMOTO - 2024
Musician and composer - Japan

For placing the fusion of Eastern ethnic music and Western electronic sounds at the center of his work. Japanese musician, composer and actor is considered among the pioneers.
His extensive solo discography (which includes over seventy different titles) spans numerous genres such as pop, electronic music, ambient, bossa nova, world music, and neoclassical music.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 07 june 2024

ORNELLA VANONI - 2018
Singer and Artist - ITALY

Ornella Vanoni is a great interpreter of the Italian song. His unique and distinctive style of interpretation characterizes his art, bringing to success songs of the most important Italian singer and songwriters.
His interpretations have involved various areas of society over the years: from the songs of mala to bossa nova and jazz. During his long career, he has participated in eight editions of the Sanremo Festival: in this last edition, Ornella Vanoni has been awarded the "Sergio Endrigo Award for best interpretation". In recognition of a long career and, in particular, the consistency with which he has traversed a long section of the history of Italian song, Ornella Vanoni is awarded the "Mediterranean Award for Art and Creativity" 2018.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 14 may 2018

PINO DANIELE - 2014
Singer and Artist - ITALY

The Mediterranean is not only a journey through geography, history, religions, traditions, wars, cultures, destiny…
It is above all art and music that characterize the cradle of our civilization. Pino Daniele represents the rare example of a person who, by matching cultural and musical contaminations, has been able to identify in the Mediterranean culture that mixture of sound and passion being the fundamental basis of his art.
Starting from Naples Pino Daniele has refashioned music and song through the emotions of conscience, by transferring to the peculiarity of his voice and his guitar those vibrations of soul that make him a unique protagonist of the “Song coming from the Sea”.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 29 october 2014

in memory of LUCIO DALLA - 2013
Singer songwriter - ITALY

His artistic temperament above all found its expression in the “Sea”, the Mediterranean, which he travelled upon so many times, and where he found inspiration for his most beautiful and universal compositions. The Mediterraneity of Lucio Dalla transpires and gathers force in a mix of sounds, cries, whispers, musical murmurs, verses, grimaces, warbling and emotions which are deeply touching, leaving a pallet of indelible colours that communicate in other languages whose origins are found in different cultures, traditions and faiths.

Awarding Ceremony
Bologna, 04 March 2013

ANTONIO BORRELLI - 2012
Sculptor - ITALY

Whether as a sculptor of impressive abstract forms or designer of small refined jewellery with movable interlocking mechanisms, Antonio Borrelli has built his creative genius around the mastery of his “know-how” to such an extent that his inspiration or sensitivity never exceed his technical ability.
He is able to pass from monumental megastructures to microstructure utilitarian objects or jewellery peculiar to art of the last century, the twentieth century. Despite his inherently transient character, as with all definitions, the term “micromega artist” may be used describe motivation and the contradictory path taken by Antonio Borelli, as his inquiry into formal completeness trascends the ways in which plastic art and ornamental objects are used.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 4 january 2012

GIUSEPPE ANTONELLO LEONE - 2012
ITALY

His artistic express evolved between the two opposite poles of figurative art, transfigured by his own brand of tragic surrealism and love for recuperated object, which he injects with powerful irony about postindustrial consumerism. In all his works, his skill in the transfiguration of forms pervades, which is expressed through his technical mastery.
His works are also an expression of Mediterranean Art. His major works include: the bronze panels of the Way of the Cross at the Church of Saint Peter in Camerellis di Salerno, the cycle of mosaics at the Seminary Church of Sessa Aurunca, the mosaic at the Church of Saint Anthony of Corleto Perticara, the fresco in the Church of Our Lady of Spinoso, the stained-glass window in the Cathedral of Benevento, three paintings in Church of Saint Anna in Potenza, the fresco in the Rocca dei Rettori in Benevento, the bronze panels for the cental door of the Cathedral of Messina.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 4 january 2012

Associazione Italiana "AMICI DEL PRESEPIO" - 2011
Association Artistic-Cultural / Naples-Section - ITALY

For promoting the crib art across the world and for valorising the incessant work of all the craftsmen who hand down the ancient know-how related to the crib, which reflects the characteristics of a community and of an epoch, representing the great mystery of Jesus’ birth.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 4 january 2011

ROBERTO DE SIMONE - 2010
Theatre director, Composer and Musicologist - ITALY

He has given an exemplary contribution to the history of lyric and the arts of show, especially as manager of the Teatro San Carlo of Naples. His primary objective has been that of restoring and valorizing the cultural, theatrical and musical heritage of the Campania region’s popular tradition, both written and oral. The popular repertoire is not proposed in an arbitrary way, but it is based on cultivated systems such as for instance writing and metric elaboration.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 26 march 2010

PINO CACOZZA - 2009
Actor, Musician - ITALY

Pino Cacozza has given expression to the collective consciousness of the Arbëreshe people. In his wide production of poems and songs he brings back to mind the latent memories of a community which is socially and politically melted into the Italian nation but is still preserving its historical and linguistic tradition. He prefers squares rather than theatres and in his performances he uses verses and music to exalt a whole people, renewing its roots, reinforcing its feeling of unity and swaying the audience in a choral brotherly dance at the end of the show.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 19 february 2009

RICHARD GALLIANO - 2008
Musician - FRANCE

For his great originality synthesising different musical experiences in a new interpretative key, made of improvisation and Mediterranean tradition, allowing the accordion to play as a protagonist in contemporary jazz.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 4 january 2008

YUSUF ISLAM - 2007
Singer - REGNO UNITO

He gives voice to the feelings of universal fraternity and interreligious dialogue through the languages of popular music: notes and words which transmit not only deep emotions, but also common values shared by men of good will, beyond all social, cultural or ideological barrier.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 4 january 2007

RINO VOLPE - 2006
Painter - ITALY

For Rino Volpe, artistic research means research of oneself. With his father Pietro and his wife Maria Sofia, he opened the Gallery “Il Diagramma 32” in Naples: the cultural point of reference in the city until the 90s. His interest is particularly focused on signs and writings which, in his work “Soprappensieri”, lead him to insert quotations drawn from philosophers and poets who celebrate, like “the numbers and the alphabet”, the “Mediterran mood” with their own substance of “being” but especially with that of “existing”. His work is a reference point of modern art and, in spite of the Babel of languages, he is never tired of inventing new ones everyday because, as Orsini states, “art always gives a further meaning to things, making them signs”.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 21 january 2006

CHEB KHALED - 2006
Singer - ALGERIA

For his contribution, through his art, in promoting the importance of dialogue among cultures demonstrating how music is a language able to bring people and countries together and to foster both synergies and trades, which constitute the basis for shared development and peace.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 4 january 2006

DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER - 2006
Singer - USA

For her ability in combining her vocal style with the African and Mediterranean rhythms. The awareness of the power of music to promote dialogue and inner feelings enabled her to help many people who, thanks to her songs filled with a remarkable Mediterranean feel, regained a new will to live.

Awarding CeremonyNaples, 4 january 2006

GIUSEPPE FERRIGNO - 2005
Craftsman - ITALY

This award underlines the importance of Ferrigno’s works in preserving and diffusing the traditional Neapolitan craft of hand-made nativity scenes.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 19 december 2005

TEATRO SAN CARLO - 2003/2004
Sovrintendente Gioacchino Lanza Tomasi - ITALY

For its exemplary contribution to the history of grand opera and to the art of entertainment since 1737, the year in which it was founded by Carlo di Borbone. The San Carlo Theatre has added a Mediterranean dimension to its prestigious history when its chorus performed the “Hymn of the Mediterranean”.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 14 september 2003

CARLA GUIDO - 2003
Actress - ITALY

She has been able, through her exceptional and cathartic interpretation, to make absolute the drama of the feminine universe, subordinate and victim of violence in a story written with blood.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 14 march 2003

MONI OVADIA - 2002
Singer, Actor - ISRAELE

The search for novelty in life, custom and thought, which has been the dynamic force of the West since its first establishment, has frantically accelerated towards “modernity”. With regard to the societies which have rigorously maintained their traditions as concepts and custom as well as social order and even the forms of art, literature and language, “modernity” has an impact giving rise to a turbulence which – unlike invasions and wars that are suddenly upsetting but rapidly subsiding – can hardly calm down since “modernity” is violently confronted to convictions and habits, so it upsets well‑established economies, imposes to break the fabric in which everyone is contained but sure, blocked but steady, it liberates the individual and pushes him towards perspectives launched over nothingness. A deep, unprepared and unexpected break, giving rise to hopes that are not realized, bearing an illegible message. In the entire non-Western World, particularly in the Islamic World which in this situation cannot even find the promises of Greek philosophy that had nourished the West and that Islam itself had in part given back to it by Its falsafa, the consequences of that impact are overwhelming, they provoke oppositions which rigidly cling to the past. Facing such a great preclusion and violence, it is very difficult to try to promote mutual understanding and start a dialogue. It is with this aim that Moni Ovadia has dedicated, with passion and endurance, his constant work of research and invention to the revival and re-interpretation of ancient Sephardic and Arabic songs from the XIII and XIV century, recalling the common roots of those cultures that are today taken as ground for confrontation by peoples who, instead, cannot attain their renaissance without new cooperation and harmony.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 4 january 2002

NOA and NABIL - 2001
Singers - ISRAELE / PALESTINA

In a delicate moment of the relations between Israeli and Palestinian peoples, Noa and Nabil, two of the most famous Middle-Eastern musicians – Noa Israeli and Nabil Palestinian – have chosen to perform together, testifying the need of dialogue to settle conflicts. Noa and Nabil are strongly related by a common action expressed by the musical projects of the two groups arising from the wish of encounter. Radiodervish music (from “dar” “wish”: visitors of power) comes from Nabil’s will to combine the sonority of melody with the roots of Arab tradition. The rhythm – universal language – is the focus of the music of Noa, daughter of Israel grown in the Bronx, while her jazz training is the background of her songs. Noa’s and Nabil’s commitment for peace is the primary aim of their art, constantly pursued by both of them and recognized by their respective peoples. Recent history has abruptly put Israel and Palestine at the centre of international attention. Both populations are paying a very high price in terms of human lives and the peace process appears, day after day, farther and farther. That’s why any action aiming at promoting dialogue and cooperation between the two peoples is now indispensable and in this process the joint action undertaken by Noa and Nabil assumes an important and significant value. For these reasons, Fondazione Mediterraneo and Accademia del Mediterraneo grant to Noa and Nabil the Mediterranean Art and Creativity Award 2001, in acknowledgment of their will and ability to use the universal language of music as a peace tool.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 4 january 2001

in memory of KENZABURŌ ŌE - 2024
Writer - JAPAN

For placing writing and culture at the centre of his work and, in particular, his passion for Dante Alighieri. Winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1994, in his book "Notes on Hiroshima" (1965) Kenzaburō Ōe describes his moving recollection, tells of the many victims - young people, old people, women and children - caused by that explosion, but also of the valiant efforts made in those terrible moments, and in the years to come, by doctors and survivors: he thus denounces the enormitỳ of the devastation wrought, but at the same time a sweet and sensitive portrait of the people of that destroyed city comes to life.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 07 june 2024

in memory of CHARLES SIMIĆ - 2024
Poet - SERBIA

He was an American poet and translator of Serbian origin. He began his career in the first half of the 1970s with a minimalist literary style, which over time became increasingly recognisable. He wrote thoughtfully on a variety of topics, from jazz to art to philosophy. He has exerted a considerable influence not only as a poet, but also as a translator, essayist and philosopher, commenting on the current state of American poetry.
In 1990, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for poetry for his work The World Doesn't End. His poems are "tightly constructed like Chinese boxes" and Simić said of himself: "The words make love on the page like flies in the summer heat and the poet is but the astonished spectator".

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 07 june 2024

PASQUALE BELFIORE - 2024
Architect and Lecturer at the Federico II University of Naples - ITALY

For over fifty years of exceptional cultural commitment with primary roles in the University, IN/Arch - National Institute of Architecture, and the Municipality of Naples (he oversaw the UNESCO Management Plan). A consultant to the Ministry of Culture for contemporary architecture, he currently chairs the Foundation "Annals of Architecture and the City". A historian of the highest calibre, author of countless texts (in volumes, international specialist journals, major national newspapers), he has always been sensitive to the future of the contemporary city.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 03 june 2024

MOHAMED ZINELABIDINE - 2018
Minister of Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Tunisia
TUNISIA

During a ceremony held at the Ministry of Cultural Affairs in Tunis, international juries have assigned to S.E. Mohamed Zinelabidine - Minister of Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Tunisia - the "Mediterranean Award for Culture 2018".
The award was presented by the president Michele Capasso.

Awarding Ceremony
Tunis, 30 october 2018

KHALID BIN AL KHALIFA - 2018
Direttore esecutivo dell’ISA Cultural Center - KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

A Khalid bin Khalifa al Khalifa per i suoi sforzi riguardanti la diversità culturale ed il dialogo interreligioso.
Nella sua qualità di Direttore esecutivo dell’ISA Cultural Center si è prodigato per l’affermazione del rispetto tra le diverse culture e fedi religiose quale patrimonio dell’umanità. La sua azione, apprezzata in tutto il mondo, è oggi più che mai necessaria per la difesa dei diritti dell’uomo e per un duraturo dialogo capace di diffondere e consolidare una grande coalizione di valori e di interessi condivisi.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 03 may 2018

S.E. Dr. MANA SAEED AL-OTAIBA - 2015
Ex Ministro del petrolio e delle risorse minerarie degli Emirati Arabi Uniti
EMIRATI ARABI UNITI

Il Premio Mediterraneo per la Poesia e l'Innovazione viene assegnato al dottor Mana Saeed Al-Otaiba per il suo impegno per l'alleanza tra le civiltà, il rispetto per la diversità e la convivenza pacifica tra popoli diversi. Mana Saeed Al Otaiba è un esempio della grande e vera tradizione arabo-mediterranea, che unisce la passione della letteratura, della poesia, dell''arte... Durante la sua carriera, il dottor Mana Saeed Al-Otaiba ha introdotto innovazione, nello spirito delle sue poesie.

Awarding Ceremony
Marrakech, 12 june 2015

ABDULAZIZ AL-SAUD BABTAIN - 2015
Presidente della Fondazione “Abdulaziz Al Saud-Babtain
EMIRATI ARABI UNITI

Il “Premio Mediterraneo per la Cultura 2015” è stato attribuito al prof. Abdulaziz Saud Al-Babtain per il ruolo e gli sforzi nella diffusione della cultura della pace, riunendo gruppi di intellettuali, statisti e leader di tutto il mondo.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 21 october 2015

KHALID H. AL-MALIK - 2015
Professore - EMIRATI ARABI UNITI

The "Mediterranean Award for Culture 2015" was awarded to Prof. Khalid H. Al-Malik for his efforts in favour of the Alliance between civilisations and peaceful coexistence between the different peoples of the world. Khalid H. Al-Malik is an example of a great Arab tradition that combines the passion of journalism with a taste for the truth of facts.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 21 october 2015

DAVID ABULAFIA - 2014
UNITED KINGDOM

To the merits acquired with his studies on the history of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Among his books: Frederick II, a medieval emperor (1990), The kingdoms of the western Mediterranean 1200-1500 (1999) The discovery of humanity, Atlantic encounters in the age of Columbus (2010). In his book ‘The Great Sea’ (English edition, “The Great Sea”, 2010), David Abulafia describes the Mediterranean as the most dynamic place for interaction between different societies on the face of the planet: a space in the history of human civilization has played a much more significant role than any other stretch of water.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 13 january 2014

ANTONINE NASRI MESSARRA - 2013
Professor, Journalist -LIBANO

An intellectual and a professor at several European universities, President of the Lebanese Political Science Association, through his many publications Antoine Nasri Messarra has promoted the dissemination of culture as a tool of dialogue and peace in the Mediterranean and throughout the world.
His publications on Religion and Politics in Arab PoliticalSsystems (1993); the Democratic Construction (1995) and Tomorrow’s Citizen (3 vol.,1995-1998) are central to understanding cultural evolution in Arab countries.
As a member of the Consultative Council of the Annan Lindh Foundation, he has laid down the guidelines of a new cultural challenge in the Arab Spring countries. His action is a point of reference for those who rely on culture for building democracy and a future for young people.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 05 april 2013

Giovani della "PRIMAVERA ARABA" - 2012
SYRIA - EGYPT - TUNISIA - LIBYA

This Award is bestowed upon youth representatives in Syriak Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, who thanks to their actions and conviction, especially through the use of new means of communication, brought about the capitulation of dictatorial regimes and enabled the difficult path towards Democracy and Freedom to be undertaken.

Awarding CeremonyNicosia, 10 november 2012

BICHARA KHADER - 2011

The Mediterranean “Culture” Award 2011 was attributed to Prof. Bichara Khader (Palestine) for his action in favour of dialogue and peace.
The awarding ceremony was held in Barcelona on October 7th 2011 at Pedralbes Palace – seat of the Union for the Mediterranean (UpM) – in the presence of UpM Secretary General Youssef Amrani.

Awarding Ceremony
Barcellona, 07 october 2011

ROBERTO VECCHIONI - 2011
Professor, Songwriter - ITALY

For his contribution to the spreading of the value of culture and music as a fundamental instrument for dialogue, cooperation and solidarity among populations.

Awarding Ceremony
Turin, 16 march 2011

in memory of MARIO MOLINARI - 2010
Sculptor - ITALY

Mario Molinari was born in Coazze in 1930. He became manager of the paper mill Sartorio, then he realized that he was born for the Art. His sculpture is meant to stimulate soul ironically, he makes a weapon out of the colour, a power able to overthrow reality. His polyhedric subjects and materials lead his sculptures to the greatest expression, almost touching the fourth dimension. By his sculpture “Totem for Peace” – recognized as such all over the world – Molinari intended to refer to our purest and most infantile soul so as to produce an extraordinary “noise of love”.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 13 june 2010

in memory of MAURIZIO VALENZI - 2010
Artist - ITALY

Maurizio Valenzi, born in Tunis in a family from Livorno, started his activity as a painter attending for some years the Fine Art Academy of Tunis. In June 1932, coming back to Tunisia in Chaffar area, he promoted the union struggle of Arab labourers against the great European landowners. In 1937, in Paris, he met various protagonists of the new French culture, such as Tristan Tzara, Paul Eluard, Aragon, André Wumser, J.R. Bloch and studied the works of the Impressionists and of the Ecole de Paris. His artistic activity brings together the two shores of the Mediterranean bridging the “European thought” and the “Mediterranean breath”.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 13 june 2010

alla memoria di S.E. Mons. LUIGI PADOVESE - 2010
Vicar Apostolic in Anatolia - ITALY

Born in Milan in 1947, he enters the Order of the Friars Minor Capuchin in 1965. He is professor at the Pontifical Antonianum University and has been the Director of the Institute of Spirituality for sixteen years. He has been visitor of the Eastern Council of the Congregation for Eastern Churches for ten years. On 11th October 2004 he is appointed Vicar Apostolic of Anatolia. On 3 rd June 2010, he was stabbed to death by his driver in his house of Iskenderun, a Turkish city on the Mediterranean. The members of the Jury of the “Mediterranean Award”, gathered in Goteborg (Sweden) on 6th November 2009 and in Naples on 4th December 2009, granted the “Mediterranean Award for Culture” to Monsignor Luigi Padovese for the following reason: “As he has always witnessed – with perseverance, commitment and generosity – the universal values of dialogue, tolerance and mutual understanding, promoting peaceful coexistence of different religions all over the world, and mainly in the Middle East. He has opposed his huge culture to the widespread ignorance often at the origin of fundamentalism and integralism, looking for a future of solidarity and peace”. On 5 th June 2010, after the assassination of Msgr Luigi Padovese, the Jury of the “Mediterranean Award”, during an ad-hoc session in Rome, decided to reconfirm the award to “his memory”, highlighting the importance of the cultural activity in favour of dialogue carried out by Mgr Luigi Padovese, as an example for future generations.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 13 june 2010

PEGASO TELEMATIC UNIVERSITY - 2010
Thelematic University - ITALY

Fondazione Mediterraneo assigned this award to Pegaso University for being a focal point and an innovating example in international research and for being an instrument to promote dialogue among civilizations and culture.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 4 january 2010

CARMEN ROMERO - 2009
President of Circulo Mediterraneo - SPAIN

She is the founder of the Circúlo Mediterraneo and this award wants to pay tribute to her actions in promoting integration among politics, culture and civil society in the Mediterranean area. Her action strengthens the initiatives in favour of the respect of human rights and gender equality.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 16 february 2009

STUDENTS OF GAZA - 2009
PALESTINE

In the city of Gaza, caught in the grip of an inexorable paralysis, living in poverty with little livelihood, among endless problems, young people don’t give way to despondency and desolation but look for everything that may enlighten and feed their mind. They are self-educated, they exchange information and educational tools and transcribe any uplifting or useful reading accessible to one of them, supporting each other spurred by that human ambition described as “seguir virtute e canoscenza” in Dante’s words. This prize aims to remember them to the world that has left them alone, even ignoring the UN declarations, and hides this action of abandon behind the ambiguous language highlighted by Joris Luyendijk in “Almost human. Images from the Near East”, of 2006.

Awarding Ceremony
Gaeta, 27 march 2009

WASSYLA TAMZALI - 2008
Writer - ALGERIA

For her cultural work which testifies the liberation war in Algeria through the painful events of its protagonists. For expressing, with her work, the multiple dimensions and contradictions of the South Shore, suffering victim of the colonial age and of the unexpected post-colonial drifts which attempt on individual liberties and rights, undermining the principles of freedom whereof the Euro-Mediterranean culture is a proud protagonist and witness. For giving voice to abuses of power which women are victims in all patriarchal and sexist cultures of the Mediterranean.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 19 february 2009

'ALA AL ASWANI - 2007
Writer - EGYPT

Writer and novelist, he goes on representing through his narration the contemporary Egyptian society with all its social and psychological problems and as they are revelated in the encounter and strife among people of different ages, gender and status. Through these pictures a transformation process gets to develop which is suffered by the Arab society in a rapid changing of a world and in difficult relation with the West which transform it.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 16 march 2007

GERARDO MAROTTA - 2007
President of Italian Institute for Philosophical Studies - ITALY

The prize was awarded to the Italian Institute for Philosophical Studies and to its President and founder, Gerardo Marotta. For years he played the role of ethical and moral guide, he embodies the values of dialogue and cultural integration. With the actions carried out, he made Naples the point of reference of the ancient Euro-Mediterranean culture promoting the idea of the World and of the Human beings in their mutual sense of belonging. He affirms, at the same time, the values of the individual and of the community, in the constitution of the “Polis” and of the “Common Good”.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 4 janvier 2007

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF ALGIERS - 2006
Director General Amin Zaoui - ALGERIA

He played an important role in the approach among cultures, for his efforts on the national and international context in favour of the diffusion of books and literature and, consequently, for the development of dialogue among cultures and civilisations in the region of the Greater Mediterranean.

Awarding CeremonyAlgeri, 25 february 2006

MOHAMED KABBAJ - 2005
President of the Fèz Festival of World Sacred Music - MOROCCO

He carried out a great work of spiritual dialogue which reminds us, both through the performances of Fez Festival and through his speeches, a message of Mediterranean humanism, that contributes to the spread of the highest values of culture and civilization.

Awarding Ceremony
Casablanca, 22 november 2005

MATEJA MATEVSKI - 2005
Writer - MACEDONIA

Born in 1929, he was educated in the war period in that spirit of freedom and political and national renaissance which brought to the revolt of the peoples who constituted Yugoslavia. Starting from the second part of the 20th century, his poetic works have marked with an original and indelible voice the development of the new Macedonian literature within Balkan culture like a lyric reflection of universal value expressed in a clear and perfect shape. A further testimony that small nations are not minor nations and, thanks to their scholars, they are able to give a significant contribution to the richness of human culture.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 25 february 2005

KAMEL ZOHERI - 2004
President of the Council of the Great Cairo Library - EGYPTT

He gave a great contribution to the promotion of dialogue and intercultural communication among the Countries of the Islamic-Arab World and the West. He is one of the protagonists on the cultural scene of Egypt and one of the great persons of culture of this century.

Awarding Ceremony
Il Cairo, 4 december 2004

SUZANNE MUBARAK - 2003
President of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina - EGYPT

She played a leading role in the realisation of the project of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina: its rebirth is an act of faith to the memory of a people and, at the same time, of a cultural which belongs to humanity.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 9 september 2003

S.E. Cardinale Roger Etchegaray - 2001
ITALY

Following Pope John Paul II’s recommendations, he launched a dissemination process for dialogue among religions and cultures. He accomplished this through liturgy but also through well chosen new technologies and channels of new communication and information.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 4 january 2001

REPUBLIC OF MALTA - 2000
MALTA

The Republic of Malta is a unique example in the Mediterranean. History and culture of Maltese islands are mingled with those of Europe and of the Mediterranean across the centuries, since the prehistoric period, when the archipelago was part of a vast territory extending from Northern Africa to Europe. Megalithic monuments, erected at Xaghra, are considered the most ancient in the world: Ggantilia temples, built around 300 B.C., before Egyptian pyramids. Later on Malta was ruled by various peoples among which Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs: a mingling of knowledge, religions, traditions and destinies which make this island in the middle of the Mediterranean a priceless cultural heritage. However, those who left a decisive mark were the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, by chasing off the Turks of Solyman the Magnificent and turning the island into a true cultural deposit. Today the Republic of Malta has undertaken the journey towards Europe. Prof. Guido de Marco is one of the authors of this process. Foreign Minister for a long period and today President of the Republic, he has been able to embody the three Mediterranean “Forces”, showing in his action the experience of a political man as well as that of man of culture and economics. Today this global vision enables the Republic of Malta, under the leadership of President de Marco, to play an important role in the cultural, social and economic partnership between the European Union and Mediterranean Countries: a vital function for the future of the Region and for the preservation of its ancient culture in a period in which the risks of flattening deriving from the globalisation process are well known by everybody.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 5 janvier 2000

S.M. HUSSEIN BIN TALAL - 1999
King of the Hashemite Kingdom of JORDAN

During 46 years of Reign, His Majesty King Hussein bin Talal worked relentlessly for a long-lasting peace and for the development of mutual comprehension and respect between the people of Jordan and the rest of the Middle East. In addition, he worked to attain a level of cultural tolerance and comprehension, free artistic expression and exchange between different cultures and religions, supporting national and international prestigious artists and intellectuals to practise their culture and creativity without restraint. Through local and International cultural festivals, exhibitions, meetings, scholarships and training programmes, the Government and private organizations have always been encouraged to support the free expression of traditional and contemporary culture, art and literature in all their forms, as well as establishing and maintaining relations between local communities and famous national and international artists for a free exchange of ideas and cultural expressions that can one day be the foundations for a world of peace and cooperation for future generations. His Majesty King Hussein is the author of a ‘culture of peace’ in the Arab World: for these reasons the Fondazione Mediterraneo, with the Accademia del Mediterraneo, has granted to H.M. King Hussein bin Talal the Mediterranean Award for Culture 1999.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 5 janvier 1999

S.M. JUAN CARLOS I - 1998
King of SPAGNA

He has been able to use the monarchy as a tool of a secure and flourishing transition. With discretion and determination he has pushed hard reintegration of Spain in the concert of a renovated Western world by suggesting with the diversity of the policies the unity of the final outcome and the balance of the autonomies and the respect of the different Iberian cultures, as well as solidarity among people who have been tied by a common history in the past centuries.

Awarding Ceremony
Palermo, 1 october 1998