Avrupa Times- Rome – The third edition of the International Mediterranean Excellence Award, widely regarded as the true “Oscar of the Mediterranean,” was recently held in Rome. The event celebrates dialogue, cooperation, and the promotion of talent across the social, cultural, and sporting fields of the Mediterranean region. The initiative, conceived and promoted by journalist Dündar Kesaplı, President of the Association of Mediterranean Journalists, aims to strengthen synergy among Mediterranean nations by promoting a culture of peace, exchange, and solidarity through universal languages such as sport, music, art, and communication.
International Mediterranean Excellence Award: The “Oscar of the Mediterranean,” a Bridge Between Cultures, Sports, and Solidarity
Prestigious Patronages
The 2025 edition received the Patronage of the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Farnesina), as well as the support of CONI, USSI (Italian Sports Press Union), and AIPS Europe (International Sports Press Association).
These institutional recognitions confirm the growing importance of the Award as a platform for encounter among cultures, experiences, and diverse expressions, united by a shared vision of cooperation and progress throughout the Mediterranean area.
An Event of International Scope
The ceremony took place in Rome, in the evocative Sala Spadolini of the Ministry of Culture, attended by prominent figures from over twelve Mediterranean countries, including diplomats, ambassadors, consuls, sports executives, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and journalists.
Among the distinguished guests were Enas Mekkawy, Ambassador of the League of Arab States to Italy and the Vatican, numerous ambassadors and consuls from Mediterranean nations, and the Vice President of the Italian Supreme Court of Cassation. Their participation gave the event a strong symbolic value as a place of intercultural dialogue and cultural diplomacy.
Special Award “Luciano Pavarotti” In Memoriam
A particularly emotional moment came with the presentation of the Special “Luciano Pavarotti” Award In Memoriam, established to honor the legendary Italian tenor — a universal symbol of art, humanity, and dialogue among peoples.
The award was received by Nicoletta Mantovani Pavarotti, the Maestro’s widow, who sent a heartfelt message of gratitude, recalling Luciano Pavarotti’s lifelong commitment to spreading a message of peace, solidarity, and universal brotherhood through music.
Through this tribute, the Award sought to remember Pavarotti as a true ambassador of Italian culture worldwide and as a voice capable of uniting people beyond all borders.
The 2025 Honorees
Sports and International Diplomacy:
Servet Yardımcı – UEFA Executive Committee Member (Turkey);
Giuseppe Manfredi – President, Italian Volleyball Federation;
Antonio Fantin, Edoardo Giordan & Monica Boggioni – Olympic and Paralympic champions of Fiamme Oro;
Valentina Giacinti – Galatasaray footballer, Mediterranean Sports Ambassador;
Luis Figo, José Mourinho & Kenan Yıldız – Icons of European and world football.
Culture, Art and Research:
Nicoletta Mantovani – President, Luciano Pavarotti Foundation;
Ignacio Peyró Jiménez – Director, Cervantes Institute of Rome (Spain);
Ilhem Sbaii Chaabane – Artist and professor (Tunisia);
Hania Harrati – Fashion designer (Morocco);
Jelena Medaković – Director, Belgrade City Museum (Serbia);
Olen Cesari – International musician (Albania);
Josep Solé Coll – Principal organist, Papal Basilica of St. Peter (Vatican/Spain).
Institutions, Justice and Social Commitment:
Marcello Viola – Chief Prosecutor of Milan;
Maiello Tammaro – Section President, Court of Auditors;
Martina Semenzato – MP, President of the Parliamentary Committee on Femicide;
Immacolata Scognamiglio – Superintendent, Italian State Police, Institutional Communication Office;
Wael Farouq – Professor of Arabic Language and Literature, Catholic University of Milan;
Gabriele Pao Pei Andreoli – President, IASC & LiDU Ethical, Representative of the Pontifical Academy of Theology (Vatican State).
Entrepreneurship and Solidarity:
Domenico Scialabba & Maria Pizzillo – Sicilian entrepreneurs in social tourism;
Amirouche Noureddine – President, Un Bastone per l’Africa (Algeria);
Petros Kattou – Specialist in neuromodulation medicine.
A Message of Unity and Hope
The International Mediterranean Excellence Award – the “Oscar of the Mediterranean” once again proved to be a laboratory of ideas and relationships, capable of connecting different worlds through a shared commitment to peace, solidarity, and the promotion of human talent.
“The Mediterranean is the cradle of civilization, but also the heart of the future,” said founder Dündar Kesaplı. “This award aims to build bridges among peoples and nations through culture, sport, and dialogue.”
With its third edition, the Award has consolidated its status as one of the most significant cultural platforms on the international scene, strengthening ties among nations that share the same sea, the same history, and the same hope for a common future.