Paolo Petrocelli is a senior cultural manager and university professor driven by the belief that culture, arts and education are a major force for growth, development and change globally. Paolo is the founding director-general of the Stauffer Center for Strings in Cremona, Italy, the first international music center for higher education dedicated entirely to string instruments. He is the founder and president of EMMA for Peace (Euro-Mediterranean Music Academy), one of the world's largest international non-profit organizations for the promotion of a culture of peace through music diplomacy and education in Europe, Middle East and the Mediterranean region. Paolo is the founder and honorary president of the Italian Youth Association for UNESCO, the largest youth organization in the UNESCO system, and cultural diplomacy officer for the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates. As a cultural and performing arts manager, university professor and researcher, he collaborated with some of the most prestigious international organizations, major music institutions and world-renowned artists like United Nations, European Commission, Rome Opera House, Coldplay. In 2022, he has been selected by the think tank Friends of Europe among the 40 most influential young personalities in Europe and nominated European Young Leader.