EvK2CNR president
Zubair Qureshi
ROME
Mr Agostino Da Polenza, president of EvK2CNR, has been honoured with the prestigious Friendship Award in recognition of his decades-long contribution to scientific cooperation, environmental conservation and sustainable development in Pakistan, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The award was presented at an official ceremony hosted by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Italy, Ali Javed, in Rome in the presence of Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
The ceremony also recognised Prof Adriano Rossi, president of ISMEO, for his contribution to archaeological cooperation; Marco Marchetti for his work in Pakistan’s olive sector; and Father Robert McCulloch for his services in healthcare, education and social welfare.
Da Polenza has played a significant role in promoting Pakistan-Italy cooperation for more than three decades through initiatives led and supported by EvK2CNR in Gilgit-Baltistan. His work has focused on scientific research, climate resilience, environmental protection and sustainable ecotourism in Pakistan’s mountainous regions.
These initiatives have contributed to research and evidence-based approaches to addressing climate change and protecting the fragile mountain environment, which faces growing environmental challenges.
His efforts have also helped strengthen institutional and scientific links between Pakistan and Italy, alongside the financial and technical assistance extended by the Italian government for research and sustainable development projects in Pakistan, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan.
In recognition of his services to Pakistan, Da Polenza was conferred the Tamgha-e-Pakistan by President Asif Ali Zardari in 2025.
The latest award acknowledges his longstanding commitment to bilateral friendship, scientific collaboration and sustainable development, as well as his contribution to initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of communities living in Pakistan’s mountainous areas.
The recognition highlights the role of sustained scientific partnerships and people-to-people engagement in strengthening relations between Pakistan and Italy.
