Date: October 25th, 2024
Recipient: Her Excellency, Ulumo Abdiraman Moalin, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Somalia in Italy

On October 25, 2024, the Summer Peace University awarded the distinguished Summer Peace Prize to Her Excellency, Ulumo Abdiraman Moalin, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to peacebuilding and intercultural engagement. This ceremony, held in the picturesque seaside village of Belvedere Marittimo, underscored the global significance of fostering dialogue and collaboration across cultural and geopolitical divides.
The event, attended by notable figures such as Mayor Dr. Vincenzo Cascini, local officials, professors, and students, celebrated the ambassador’s exemplary work in promoting peace amidst challenging circumstances. The mayor expressed his gratitude for hosting such a significant event in a small but vibrant village, transforming it into a hub for meaningful discussions on global peace and diplomacy.
Her Excellency’s tireless efforts in conflict resolution and her advocacy for Somalia’s future amid ongoing civil unrest reflect her profound commitment to fostering peace. Despite the enduring crisis and destruction in Mogadishu, she has remained a vocal proponent of dialogue and reconciliation, offering hope to her nation’s youth. The ambassador’s inspiring leadership has mobilized communities and individuals to envision a future where solidarity and mutual respect prevail over division. Her reflections on the true meaning of peace—rooted in human solidarity and not merely as an abstract proclamation—encouraged all present to embrace peace as an achievable reality.
As a representative of Somalia in Italy, Her Excellency has bridged cultural divides, fostering understanding between diverse nations. Her remarks on the distorted narratives often presented by the media underscored the importance of intercultural dialogue in reshaping perceptions and building trust. The ambassador emphasized that peace is a sustainable endeavor achieved through diplomacy, dialogue, and the nurturing of shared identities. Her advocacy for long-term solutions to civil war and socio-political challenges aligns with the broader mission of the Summer Peace University to promote enduring peace initiatives.
Key Themes of the Event
Her Excellency spoke candidly about the challenges Somalia faces, including the ongoing civil war, the destruction of infrastructure in Mogadishu, and the pervasive impact of youth migration. She highlighted the enduring strength and potential of Somali youth, offering a vision of hope amidst adversity.
The discussions also touched on the unique identity of Southern Italy, a region shaped by its Mediterranean connections and historical role as part of Magna Graeca.
The event fostered a spirit of solidarity, with speakers emphasizing the shared histories and trade exchanges between Italy and Africa. This dialogue reinforced the need for diplomatic collaboration to address contemporary challenges and promote sustainable development.

In conclusion it can be said that The Summer Peace Prize awarded to Her Excellency Ulumo Abdiraman Moalin stands as a testament to her dedication to peace, intercultural understanding, and sustainable progress. Her inspiring words and actions remind us all of the profound importance of working together to build a more just and peaceful world.

Date: November 08th, 2024
Recipient: Don Fiorino Imperio, Director of the Office for Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue of the Diocese of San Marco Argentano-Scalea

As part of the Summer Peace University’s Peace Talk, titled “Beyond Differences: Interfaith Dialogue for a Peaceful Future,” Don Fiorino Imperio, as the second recipient, was honored with the prestigious Summer Peace Prize. The award ceremony, held in the charming town of Belvedere Marittimo, celebrated Don Fiorino’s remarkable contributions to fostering peace and interfaith dialogue among local religious communities.

The Summer Peace Prize recognizes individuals who exemplify leadership, vision, and sustainability in advancing peace and mutual understanding. Don Fiorino’s achievements reflect the award’s guiding principles:

Don Fiorino has dedicated his career to building bridges between diverse religious groups, emphasizing the shared values of humanity, mutual respect, and coexistence. His unwavering commitment to promoting peace through dialogue has had a transformative effect on communities, inspiring collaborative efforts toward social harmony. With his role as the Director of the Office for Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue, Don Fiorino has demonstrated exceptional leadership by creating spaces where individuals of various faiths can engage in meaningful discussions. His patient, diligent approach has fostered trust and understanding, enabling communities to overcome differences and embrace shared goals.

Through his work, Don Fiorino has actively encouraged intercultural and interfaith exchange, helping to bridge gaps between traditions and beliefs. His efforts have cultivated a culture of inclusivity, making local religious communities stronger and more united.
Don Fiorino’s initiatives focus on long-term relationships and enduring networks of collaboration. By creating lasting frameworks for dialogue and cooperation, he has laid the groundwork for a sustainable model of peacebuilding that can be emulated across regions.

The Peace Talk, “Beyond Differences: Interfaith Dialogue for a Peaceful Future,” served as a platform for discussing the critical role of dialogue in addressing global challenges. Don Fiorino’s insights and contributions were central to the event’s success. His ability to create a warm, inclusive environment allowed participants to engage openly and meaningfully, embodying the principles of interfaith harmony.

The award also highlighted Don Fiorino’s significant role as a trait d’union—a vital link—between the Summer Peace University and local religious communities. His organizational efforts and vision ensured the smooth execution of the event, facilitating meaningful interactions among attendees and enriching the overall program.

Don Fiorino Imperio’s recognition with the Summer Peace Prize underscores his profound impact on promoting interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence. His work serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, respect, and shared humanity in building a future of understanding and harmony. The Summer Peace University is proud to honor his contributions and looks forward to continued engagement with his invaluable mission of peacebuilding.

Date: November 15th, 2024
Recipient: Mayor of Belvedere Marittimo, Vincenzo Cascini

As part of the closing ceremonies of the first edition of the Summer Peace University, Mayor Vincenzo Cascini was honored with the distinguished Summer Peace Prize. This recognition highlighted his exceptional vision, unwavering support, and commitment to fostering peace and collaboration, particularly through his role in championing the transformative mission of the Summer Peace University.

The Summer Peace Prize acknowledges individuals who demonstrate significant contributions toward promoting peace, visionary leadership, intercultural engagement, and sustainable initiatives. Mayor Cascini’s recognition exemplifies these criteria in profound ways:

As an important figure in Belvedere Marittimo, Mayor Cascini has consistently demonstrated a deep dedication to the social and cultural growth of his community. His support for the Summer Peace University reflects his broader commitment to promoting initiatives that encourage understanding, dialogue, and positive change on both local and international levels.
Mayor Cascini’s leadership has been pivotal in positioning Belvedere Marittimo as a hub for global engagement. His belief in the transformative potential of the Summer Peace University underscored his vision of the town as a space for fostering peace, dialogue, and innovation. By welcoming the program and its participants, he has strengthened the town’s role in promoting these essential values.

The mayor’s embrace of the Summer Peace University as an opportunity for intercultural exchange highlights his commitment to fostering connections between diverse groups. Through his efforts, Belvedere Marittimo has become a meeting point for individuals from different backgrounds, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity and shared learning.

Mayor Cascini has laid the foundation for Belvedere Marittimo to continue as a venue for educational and cultural initiatives. His investment in the Summer Peace University reflects a forward-thinking approach that seeks to establish sustainable avenues for peacebuilding and cross-cultural dialogue.

The awarding of the Summer Peace Prize to Mayor Cascini carried particular significance, not only as a recognition of his contributions but also as an acknowledgment of the town’s role in hosting the first edition of the Summer Peace University. During his tenure, Belvedere Marittimo has been transformed into a vibrant center for intellectual and cultural exchange, and his unwavering belief in the program’s mission has inspired participants and organizers alike.

In his remarks, Mayor Cascini expressed his gratitude for the award and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that align with the values of peace, education, and collaboration. His role as a unifying figure, connecting local governance with international efforts, has been instrumental in ensuring the success of this inaugural program.

The recognition of Mayor Vincenzo Cascini with the Summer Peace Prize celebrates his invaluable contributions to the success of the Summer Peace University and his enduring efforts to create a community that thrives on inclusivity, dialogue, and peace. His leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on this initiative, paving the way for Belvedere Marittimo to continue as a beacon of intercultural collaboration and education.