Sami Naïr, fourth winner of the International “Erasmus of Rotterdam” Award bestowed by “Humanismo Solidario”

The Algerian-French philosopher and political scientist, creator of the concept “co-development” was unanimously chosen to receive the award. The award will be bestowed upon him on Friday, December 14 at the Casa Árabe headquarters in Madrid.

The ceremony, which begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Casa Árabe Auditorium, will include speeches by Pedro Martínez-Avial, the General Director of Casa Árabe; Luis García Montero, director of the Cervantes Institute; Federico Mayor Zaragoza, an honorary advisor for “Humanismo Solidario”; Francisco Morales Lomas, president of “Humanismo Solidario,” and Francisco Javier Lucas Martín, of the Human Rights Institute of the University of Valencia, and a former director of the College of Spain in Paris, who will be giving the speech for bestowing the award.

The jury, made up of 38 members, wished to highlight the creative work by Mr. Sami Naïr, his tireless efforts as a researcher, educator and informer in the realm of humanistic activities, at all times defending the values of ethics and solidarity, able to contribute to the necessary construction of development and dignity amongst people, and above all his commitment to the rights of immigrants. All of this is coupled with his extensive intellectual contributions developed at the sidelines of temporary currents and marked by his lifelong position of contributing through education, culture and the transmission of knowledge to achieving a better world and promoting the values of solidarity, interculturalism, humanity and dignity set forth and sought out by the International Association “Humanismo Solidario,” making him worthy of receiving this award.

At prior editions, the winners of the  “Humanismo Solidario” International Award have included writer and thinker Mr. José Luis Sampedro, the philosopher Mr. Emilio Lledó, and the novelist Mr. Jorge Galán. The award, which does not come with any economic compensation, consists of a sculpture by artist Luis M. García Cruz, an allegory to the figure of Erasmus of Rotterdam, its purpose being to highlight personages and institutions that have stood out for defending the principles of solidarity, interculturalism, humanity and dignity, and the values of humanity in their intellectual, philosophical, creative or literary works.

Sami Naïr is a philosopher, political scientist and sociologist who specializes in migratory movements. He created the concept of co-development. He is a professor of Political Science and the director of the Centro Mediterráneo Andalusí at the Pablo Olavide University in Seville, and the holder of the Political Theory Chair at the University of the Sorbonne. He headed the first Department of Mediterranean Studies, founded at the University of Valencia.

A former member of the European Parliament, he was a member of the Commissions of Foreign Affairs, Individual Rights, Common Security and Defense Policy. He is currently an Advisor to the French State under a special status.
Award for International Cooperation given by the Caja de Ahorros de Granada (2000), Cristóbal Gabarrón Foundation Award for a Humanistic Career (2006), Emilio Castelar Award for Defending Freedoms (2011) and the “Terenci Moix” International Award (2012).