The Spyri Prize is a recognition from Culture Ticino Network Association introduced in 2013 and which is handed, during the World Forum for Peace, to people who have distinguished themselves in the field of peace and solidarity.
This symbolic prize comes from the famous “Heidi” novel, written by the authoress Johanna Spyri. The little girl can be see as an example of help to others, remembering the support to her disabled friend and to his grandfather about mountain work. A big heart full of peace and solidarity, which pushed the Culture Ticino Network Association to have inspiration from this little girl, which represents the values of the Association itself, naming the award to the writer.
13th World Forum for Peace (2025)
Father Paolo Dall’Oglio
During the Evening for Peace and Solidarity Gala Dinner held on 22 November 2025 at the Hotel de la Paix in Lugano, we experienced a moment of great emotion and significance with the presentation of the Spyri Award. This award was established in 2013 to celebrate those who, with courage and dedication, have distinguished themselves in their commitment to peace, solidarity and human rights.
This year, our Committee chose to award this prestigious prize to a figure who has made the pursuit of peace his life’s mission. He is an extraordinary person who, through interfaith dialogue, the promotion of civil society in Syria and his tireless commitment to harmonious coexistence between Christians and Muslims, has been able to build bridges where others saw only barriers.
Father Paolo Dall’Oglio, founder of the monastic community of Deir Mar Musa, distinguished himself for his commitment to a democratic and non-violent transition during the darkest years of the Syrian civil war. This commitment came at a very high price: expulsion from Syria in 2012 and kidnapping in 2013, after which there has been no news of him.
His story, despite its tragedy, is also a testimony to light, courage, determination and boundless love for humanity. His example reminds us that we must never give up, even in the face of the most difficult challenges, and that the power of peace can transform our world.
The Spyri Award 2025 was presented by Margherita Maffeis Natale, founder and president of the Culture Ticino Network Association, to Father Paolo Dall’Oglio’s sister, who accepted the award with great emotion. Alongside her on stage, the voice and intensity of Father Paolo’s message of peace resounded, a message that continues to live on and inspire the hearts of us all.
His testimony remains a beacon that guides our daily actions, a call to fight for a more just, more humane and more supportive world.
12th World Forum for Peace (2024)
Mr. Rafael De La Rubia
On Saturday, November 9, 2024, during the inaugural evening of the 12th World Forum for Peace, our association, Culture Ticino Network of Lugano, had the pleasure of awarding the prestigious Spyri Prize to Rafael De La Rubia, a humanist and social activist internationally recognized for his commitment to promoting peace and nonviolence.
As the founder of the organization World Without Wars and Without Violence and the initiator of the World March for Peace and Nonviolence, Rafael De La Rubia has inspired global movements aimed at fostering solidarity and intercultural dialogue. Throughout his long career dedicated to spreading universal values of peace and justice, he has participated in numerous international events and initiatives to promote a culture of nonviolence.
Although he was unable to attend the ceremony in person, he sent a video message expressing his gratitude for the recognition and encouraging the association to continue its initiatives for peacebuilding.
The award was received on his behalf by delegates from the Third World March for Peace and Nonviolence, Mrs. Tiziana Volta and Mr. Salvatore Fraticelli, who attended the event as his representatives.
11th World Forum for Peace (2023)
InSuperAbili Association Lugano
On Saturday, November 18, 2023, during the opening night of the 11th edition of the World Forum for Peace, our association, Culture Ticino Network from Lugano, had the pleasure of awarding the special Spyri award to the InSuperAbili Association for its outstanding contribution to Peace and Solidarity by offering and promoting the practice of sports and recreational activities for people with disabilities. Our President presented the award to Alessandro Viri, Vice President of the InSuperAbili Association of Lugano.
10° World Forum for Peace (2020)
Mrs Maristella Polli– Ex journalist RSI, 16 years in politics.
On Saturday, November 19, 2023, on the occasion of the significant 10th anniversary of the World Forum for Peace, the Board of Directors of the Cultural Association Ticino of Lugano wanted to honor an individual who has not only been actively engaged in the realm of solidarity for years, but who has also always been close to our Association and the values that are dear to us.
This person is well-known at all levels for their social commitment. A charismatic individual, who has never ceased to spread the culture of peace and who has always placed the individual at the center, reminding everyone that rights are inviolable and that one must not remain indifferent in the face of injustices.
9° World Forum for Peace (2019)
Ms. Susan Ople – president of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute in Manila, Philippines.
8° World World Forum for Peace (2018)
Prof. Franco Cavalli – president and founder of an Association that ensures medical aids to the population of Central America (AMCA).
7° World Forum per la Pace (2017)
Ms. Maria Lota Gonzales Martin – president and founder of “Children Paombong Philippines Association” (COPPA)
6° World Forum for Peace (2016)
Dott. Piera Levi Montalcini – President of Levi-Montalcini Association
5° World Forum for Peace
Miss Esther Stella – President of ATKYE Committee and founder of the “Club Donne per la Pace”
3° World Forum for Peace (2013)
Fra’ Martino Dotta – ex representative of the Association “Tavolino Magico”
2° World Forum for Peace (2012)
Mr. Lahat Abdou Mbaye – Coordinator of Association “Pro Senegal”
