Special Edition

To Mahmūd Abbās, Abū Māzen
PALESTINE

President Mahmūd Abbās (Abū Māzen) has been the architect of constructive dialogue in the fraught peace process between Israel and Palestine.
Thanks to his commitment, together with that of the entire Palestinian population, he has succeeded in achieving the grant of Observer State for Palestine before the United Nations, laying down the foundation stones for statehood of the State of Palestine, so that it can be free to enjoy its own territory in a spirit of peace and cooperation with its neighbouring States.
As an accomplished negotiator, he has taken dialogue beyond the confines of those involved the Peace Process itself, successfully advocating that the only way forward is through peaceful coexistence both in the Middle East and throughout the rest of the world.

Awarding Ceremony

Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini was certainly a bright star of the highest calibre whose genius enlightened the Church and illuminated the furthest horizon to embrace all humanity.  
He was able to talk to people from outside the Catholic Church, regardless of their faiths (Jewish, Protestant, Orthodox, Islam or even agnostic or atheist). He was a father of the Church and an illuminated Guide revealing universal truths and leading an exemplary life.
He was not only an intelligent and learned scholar of biblical studies but also a passionate Evangelist who always steered clear of partisan interests, enlightening his fellow men with the warmth, love and truth that guided his choices.
In a society that is still lost in the wilderness of material desires, his testimony was that of beauty, openness and nobility of spirit. He lived and taught us how to live and interpret our daily lives so that the Mystery of Life could be revealed to us.

Luigi De Magistris - 2011
Mayor of Naples, ITALY

Naples is one of the great capitals, which, during the course of history, has been able to “Think European” and “Breathe in a Mediterranean Way”.
In the new geopolitical context generated particularly by changes in the Countries of the Southern Shore of the Mediterranean, the City of Naples - which has witnessed integration and coexistence among diverse identities for centuries - has taken on decisive role in changing the course of history.
This acknowledgement is both an act of esteem and a challenge so that the City of Naples, under the guidance of its Mayor Luigi di Magistris, can actively “Think European” and “Breathe in a Mediterranean Way” as a city founded on active competences and social participation.

La Cerimonia di Assegnazione
Naples, 23th september 2011

Fès Festival of World Sacred Music - 2009
President Mohammed Kabbaj, MAROCCO

The Fez Festival of World Sacred Music represents one of the most important events in the world for the promotion of dialogue among different societies, cultures and religions. Thanks to the work of Mohammed Kabbaj it is an instrument for the construction of development and peace through the creation of a great coalition of shared values and interests.

Awarding Ceremony
Fès, 27 May 2009

S.M. Rania Al-Abdullah - 2007
Queen of the Hashemite Kingdom of JORDAN

For Her constant work in defending the rights of children and safeguarding those of future generations, for Her commitment to endorsing women’s rightful role in society, attaining their legal and civil rights, protecting the education of young women and finally for Her constant engagement to integrate the different components of Arab societies into the global process.

Awarding Ceremony
Rome, 9 February 2007

Hasna El Becharia - 2005
Singer, ALGERIA

A free and upright woman, Hasna comes from the South of the Algerian Sahara. Daughter of a family of gnawi musicians, she performs pop music mixed with her own compositions, accompanied by electric or classic guitar or by guembri. Her music expresses different artistic and spiritual forms and, at the same time, in a play of background and mutual protagonism, it allows different individual expressions and the synergy of an expert choral quality, producing different rhythms and tunes, where the aim of a common concert is only possible thanks to the motivation of a production where the ensemble is not given by a succession of reciprocally tolerant pieces.

Awarding Ceremony
Naples, 6 January 2005

Naguib Mahfouz - 2003
Nobel Prize for Literature, EGYPT

For the intensity of his inspiration and the quality of his style. Because through his art he has portrayed, with true emotion and integrity, the lives of humble inhabitants of the poorest neighbourhoods of his city. For his literary creativity which went beyond and has created for over fifty years a true “Arab human comedy”. For his capacity to go beyond the simple description of behaviours and habits and to transform it into an epopee of the human soul. For his courageous refusal of any fanaticism and exclusion. For the great contribution given to the international spreading of contemporary Arab literature. For his significant participation in the construction of a 21st Century humanism in the wake of Mediterranean historical knowledge.

******

“I get this acknowledgment from Michele Capasso: a ’peace builder’, able to turn the ’Love for Power’ into the ’Power of Love’”.

Awarding Ceremony
Cairo, 18 October 2003