Paolo Petrocelli is an internationally recognised cultural leader, academic and author committed to advancing culture, education and international cooperation as forces for positive global change. He is the Founder and President of EMMA for Peace, an international nonprofit organisation promoting peace through music diplomacy, intercultural dialogue and global partnerships.

A UNESCO Intercultural Leader for Peace and Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, Petrocelli was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2023 and a European Young Leader by Friends of Europe in 2022.