From September 25 to 28, 2025, Olbia - with its natural charm and strategic location - will become the beating heart of the Mediterranean, hosting the next edition of MEDFEST, an event that redefines the concept of a trade fair by transforming into a high-impact international B2B platform.
A Connected Ecosystem for the Future of the Mediterranean
MEDFEST positions itself as a key reference point for a region of crucial economic, cultural, and environmental importance by integrating four fundamental pillars: business, sustainable tourism, renewable energy, and biodiversity. This innovative approach aims to foster lasting connections and synergies between companies, institutions, and global economic operators, generating concrete and tangible opportunities for its partners.
To accelerate its strategic growth and international expansion, MEDFEST announces two decisive new partnerships.
The first is with ISN – International Strategic Network, a company specialized in international relations, supported by four prominent Italian ambassadors – Gianni Castellaneta, Sebastiano Cardi, Ettore Sequi, and Francesco Talò – who have held top diplomatic posts in Washington, Beijing, NATO, and the United Nations in New York. They are joined by Gaetano Castellini Curiel, a business consultant, who will help lead MEDFEST’s global outreach.
The second is MWW – Mancini Worldwide, a company with extensive experience in international relations and foreign market development. MWW played a key role in the success of Expo Milan 2015 – which welcomed over 22.5 million visitors .- and has since continued to support major world expos, institutional events, and global promotion projects for Italy.
With over 100 international missions carried out in the past five years, Mancini Worldwide brings MEDFEST invaluable expertise in promoting Italian regions on a global scale.
“Now more than ever, it is essential to build authentic connections between territories, institutions, and global markets. The goal of MEDFEST is to create lasting value through meaningful experiences and quality relationships,” said Alessandro Mancini, CEO of MWW and General Director of the MEDFEST Business Hub.
Thanks to these new “mergers,” the MEDFEST Business Hub becomes a unique opportunity and a distinctive element, attracting a curated selection of buyers from strategic markets such as the United States, Latin America, the Middle East, India, and the broader Mediterranean region.
High-Level Institutional Meetings and Content
The 2025 edition will also feature high-level institutional meetings and content. Four days of international and institutional discussions, enriched by live streaming and top-tier expert contributions, will provide a platform for strategic dialogue.
Through collaboration with prestigious partners like the National Research Council (CNR), the National Biodiversity Future Center, WWF, and Italy’s Ministries of Tourism, Environment and Energy Security, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Civil Protection and Maritime Policies, as well as leading international experts in tourism, aerospace, and renewable energy, the event will present a rich program focused on sustainable development in the Mediterranean.
MED YOUNG: Educating the Future
Another cornerstone of the event is MED YOUNG, an educational and design competition aimed at raising awareness among young people about environmental protection, regional enhancement, and sustainable tourism. In collaboration with LIBRI Educational Projects, MED YOUNG has already involved over 30,000 students and aims to prepare future generations for a proactive role in the future of the Mediterranean.
“Young people represent the future and are the heirs of our legacy. The MED YOUNG project will educate over 400,000 students across Italy, Spain, Egypt, and Turkey by 2028. In September, over 2,000 students will be in Olbia to present the reports they’ve created as part of their MED YOUNG educational journey,” stated Daniela Ropolo, Vice President of MEDFEST.
“We are excited about this project, which turns ambition into real-world impact.”
Tourism and Diplomacy as Pillars
Tourism and diplomacy will also play key roles in MEDFEST 2025.
“Hosting ambassadors from all Mediterranean countries and their respective tourism authorities and ministries represents a vital opportunity for growth and global visibility. These encounters strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties while promoting economic and tourism exchange,” said Ambassador Gianni Castellaneta, President of ISN and Secretary General of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative.
MEDFEST is set to become the event that brings together businesses, institutions, youth, and cultures in a grand celebration of the Mediterranean, promoting sustainable development, tourism, and biodiversity. More than a showcase for professionals, it aims to become a powerful engine for growth and opportunity for all its partners.
An ever-evolving project, MEDFEST is a source of pride for the Region of Sardinia and its institutions, which have believed in and actively supported the birth of a unique event that will soon expand across Europe.
Franco Cuccureddu, Sardinia’s Regional Minister of Tourism, comments:
“MEDFEST is an event that not only enhances our region but also presents an extraordinary opportunity for growth. We are proud to support an initiative that combines innovation, sustainability, and international outreach. Over time, it will become a key fixture in the European and global event landscape.”
Giuseppe Meloni, Regional Minister for Planning, Budget, Credit, and Land Management, adds:
“Choosing Olbia as the host city for MEDFEST 2025 rewards a Sardinia that is strongly investing in scientific research and technological innovation. Our regional system—composed of universities, centers of excellence, and innovative companies—will play a leading role in an event that looks to the Mediterranean’s future through a sustainable and international lens.”
Settimo Nizzi, Mayor of Olbia, concludes:
“It is with great pride that Olbia prepares to welcome MEDFEST 2025, an extraordinary event that celebrates the vibrant spirit and endless potential of the Mediterranean. Our city, with its strategic location and rich cultural and natural heritage, is the perfect place to host this international platform. We are confident that MEDFEST 2025 will be a vital opportunity for growth – for Olbia, its citizens, and everyone working for a better future for this region. Together, we will show that the Mediterranean is not only a cradle of civilizations but also a driver of global progress.”
MEDFEST is getting ready to unite businesses, institutions, youth, and cultures in a celebration of the Mediterranean, promoting sustainable development, tourism, and biodiversity.
