Dr. Paolo Petrocelli is a senior cultural and performing arts manager, academic, author driven by the belief that culture, arts and education are a major force for growth, development and change globally. He is the Founder and Honorary President of the Italian Youth Association for UNESCO, the largest youth organization in the UNESCO system. In 2023, he has been recognized as Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum for continued contributions to arts and cultural development internationally. Currently, Petrocelli serves as the Head of Dubai Opera in the United Arab Emirates.