Agostino Da Polenza Honored in Rome for Three Decades of Service to Pakistan-Italy Friendship

Syed Naveed Hussain

ROME: Italian scientist and EvK2CNR President Agostino Da Polenza was honored with the prestigious Friendship Award in recognition of his more than three decades of contributions to Pakistan-Italy relations, scientific cooperation and sustainable development in Gilgit-Baltistan. The award was presented at an official ceremony hosted by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Italy, Ali Javed in the presence of Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, highlighting Da Polenza’s enduring role in promoting climate resilience, environmental conservation and the protection of Pakistan’s fragile mountain ecosystems.

The ceremony also recognized Professor Adriano Rossi, President of ISMEO, for archaeological cooperation; Marco Marchetti for his contribution to Pakistan’s olive sector; and Father Robert McCulloch for his services in healthcare, education, and social welfare.

Da Polenza is a symbol of the enduring friendship between Italy and Pakistan. For more than three decades, he has led and supported initiatives through EvK2CNR in Gilgit-Baltistan, promoting scientific research, climate resilience, environmental conservation, and sustainable ecotourism. His efforts have helped strengthen evidence-based decision-making to address climate change and protect the region’s fragile mountain environment.

His contribution has also helped strengthen cooperation between the two countries, complemented by the generous financial and technical support of the Government of Italy for scientific research and sustainable development in Pakistan, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan.

In recognition of his services to Pakistan, Mr. Da Polenza was conferred the Tamgha-e-Pakistan by President Asif Ali Zardari in 2025. The latest honour celebrates his longstanding commitment to friendship, scientific cooperation, and sustainable development for the benefit of Pakistan’s mountain communities.