The PAM Prize for Excellence in the Mediterranean is awarded each year to individuals, organizations or institutions who contribute through their actions to establishing bridges among the peoples of the region so as to foster understanding, mutual respect, socio-economic cooperation, political dialogue, confidence building and conflict solutions. This year, the PAM Prize was awarded to the following four actors whose work influences the positive developments of the region.
His Excellency Daniel Rondeau, writer and Ambassador of France to Malta, is the recipient of the PAM Prize for his continuous promotion of dialogue throughout the Mediterranean region, as well as for his support to the regional and international endeavors of PAM. Ambassador Rondeau was also instrumental in the drafting of the Charter of the Mediterranean, the political manifesto of the organization. His Excellency has also written and widely published articles and papers on the region, and was also the mind behind the recent “Ulysse 2009” Mediterranean voyage.
UNRWA, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East, has been carrying out programmes and delivering services for the past 60 years to the over 4.6 million people it assists. UNRWA provided full logistical support to the PAM Bureau delegation that visited the Gaza Strip during a fact-finding mission to the Middle East in May 2009.
The Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (MAI), Italy, is the Italian seat of CIHEAM (Centre International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes). MAI and CIHEAM contribute to the development of the Mediterranean area through new approaches to research, the
coordination and involvement of the players of rural development, and the elaboration of inter-sectoral strategies. MAI constantly endeavors to prove that peace and collaboration are feasible.
The Jordanian military field hospital was sent to the Gaza Strip upon the directive of His Majesty King Abdullah. A group of highly-competent specialists offer their medical services to the local population. The PAM Prize is being awarded to underline their commitment to providing humanitarian services in the region.
Prizes were presented by Hon. Rudy Salles who at the end of the ceremony thanked all of those awarded the PAM recognition, for their dedication to and belief in the promotion of a peaceful and harmonious Mediterranean space for all its citizens.