On 25 September 2025, MEDFEST 2025 – A Sustainable Path begins, transforming Olbia into the capital of the Mediterranean until 28 September, celebrating the uniqueness of the Mare Nostrum’s countries through dialogues on biodiversity, innovation, music, and cultural cooperation. 
Promoted by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia (Department of Tourism, Crafts, and Commerce) and the Municipality of Olbia, the festival gathers institutions, scientific communities, businesses, and civil society, reinforcing the Mediterranean’s role as a hub for sustainable solutions and intercultural diplomacy. The programme unfolds through talks, B2B meetings, interactive exhibitions, and performances, featuring over ten sessions on One Health, global health, biodiversity conservation, digital innovation, robotics, Renewable Energy Communities, territorial marketing with “MED in Italy”, Tourism 4.0, blue corridors for marine wildlife protection, and cohesion policies for the green and digital transition.
The second edition, presented on 25 September at the Archaeological Museum’s Congress Hall in Olbia with greetings from Orazio Schillaci (Minister of Health), Nello Musumeci (Minister for Civil Protection and Sea Policies), and Gilberto Pichetto Fratin (Minister of Environment and Energy Security), includes contributions from Settimo Nizzi (Mayor of Olbia), Giuseppe Meloni (Vice President of Sardinia Region), Franco Cuccureddu (Tourism Assessor), and Francesco Felici (General Director of the Ministry of Tourism). Giuseppe Ligorio, Festival President, highlighted its rapid growth: “At just our second edition, MEDFEST is a benchmark. With pride and responsibility, we build the future, engaging youth through projects like MEDYOUNG with universities, institutions, and businesses for a sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive Mediterranean.” Daniela Ropolo, Head of Sustainable Development at CNH and Vice President, noted the novelties: “With MEDYOUNG and the MEDFEST BUSINESS HUB, hosting over 50 international buyers in 650 meetings, the festival tackles environment, health, energy, and tourism, blending science with entertainment like the MEDFEST Awards and Blue Night.” On 25 September, One Health explores the link between biodiversity, air quality, water, and food safety, followed by the CNR’s RAISE, an ecosystem of robotics and AI for sustainable cities and ports. “The Mediterranean in Motion” connects innovation and environmental regeneration, while cohesion policies highlight how European funds drive the green transition. On 26 September, “A Sea of Opportunities” merges sports and sustainability with Gregorio Paltrinieri and partners like Unipol and Arena, followed by discussions on decarbonising mobility and Renewable Energy Communities.
On 27 September, “MED in Italy” promotes food, tourism, and SMEs in the Mediterranean, while the Einstein Telescope brings the science of gravitational waves to Olbia. On 28 September, “Bridges of Peace in the Mediterranean” closes the festival with an interfaith dialogue among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam leaders, followed by the Oration for Peace. The Molo Brin becomes the MEDVILLAGE, a 50,000-square-metre area with interactive exhibitions, workshops, and performances. The 25 September opening lights up the Ferris wheel and Archaeological Museum with a video-mapping on the sea and research. AQUAE by CNR explores waves, currents, and seabeds, while “Obiettivo Scienza” showcases research through panels and videos. INSULA MEDITERRANEA celebrates Mediterranean flavours, blending Sardinia and Egypt, with installations on the Einstein Telescope and BYD’s sustainable mobility enriching the experience. MEDYOUNG engages thousands of youth with talks, educational kits, and digital resources, while nightly free performances culminate on 27 September with the Blue Night, featuring comedian DADO, Kid Creole & The Coconuts, and an RDS DJ set. The MEDFEST Awards on 26 September celebrate excellence in music, cinema, art, sports, and research, with hosts like Claudio Guerrini and Barbara Politi. With 24 countries and 522 million people, MEDFEST transforms the Mediterranean into a hub of economic and cultural cooperation, as TheUnique celebrates, highlighting an event that embodies Made in I
