Naples: The historic city of Naples is set to host a major international media gathering as the EBU Mediterranean Leadership Summit convenes on October 16, 2025, at the Palazzo Reale. Organized jointly by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and RAI – Radiotelevisione Italiana, the summit will be held within the framework of the MED Dialogues, under the central theme “The Mediterranean: A Meeting Place.”
The event brings together Directors General, CEOs, and Presidents of Public Service Broadcasters from 18 countries spanning Europe, Africa, and Asia, including representatives from Vatican Radio. This high-level forum aims to highlight the enduring importance of Public Service Media (PSM) in advancing peace, intercultural understanding, and democratic values across a region long defined by its cultural and civilizational crossroads.
Opening the summit will be Noel Curran, Director General of the EBU, who will set the tone for discussions centered on how public broadcasters can serve as bridges of dialogue in an increasingly divided world. The Mediterranean, historically a meeting ground of faiths, languages, and ideas, provides an apt setting for the summit’s exploration of the media’s responsibility in promoting mutual respect and shared humanity amid mounting geopolitical tensions particularly those emerging from the Middle East and North Africa.
Among the distinguished participants is Vatican Radio, underscoring the Catholic Church’s active role in intercultural and interreligious dialogue through communication. Alessandro Gisotti, Deputy Editorial Director of Vatican Media, will moderate a panel focusing on “Public Service Media and the Promotion of Peace,” featuring contributions from notable peace advocates, including Lisa Clark, former President of the International Peace Bureau. The session will examine how journalistic integrity, balanced reporting, and educational programming can foster reconciliation and understanding between communities.
A key highlight of the summit will be a special session on cultural diplomacy in the multimedia sector, delving into how digital transformation, cross-border collaborations, and storytelling initiatives can strengthen cultural cohesion in the Mediterranean basin. As part of the broader Culture pillar of the MED Dialogues, this session aims to position media not only as a transmitter of information but as an active player in shaping constructive narratives that unite rather than divide.
The choice of Naples as the host city carries deep symbolic significance. Known as a cultural and maritime crossroads since antiquity, Naples embodies the Mediterranean’s shared heritage and diversity. By hosting the summit in such a historic location, organizers reaffirm the conviction that communication when grounded in truth, inclusivity, and respect can serve as a cornerstone for peace and democratic coexistence.
The EBU Mediterranean Leadership Summit is expected to produce a joint declaration reinforcing the commitment of public broadcasters to uphold the principles of independence, transparency, and service to the public good. Participants will also explore new frameworks for cross-regional cooperation, including joint media initiatives and training programs aimed at strengthening journalistic ethics and combating misinformation.
As global instability and cultural polarization continue to challenge societies, the Naples summit stands as a timely reminder that public service media remain one of the strongest tools for building bridges of understanding. By convening leading voices from across the Mediterranean, the EBU and RAI seek to inspire a renewed sense of collective responsibility ensuring that media remains not just a mirror of society, but a catalyst for peace and shared progress.