At the opening of the ceremony, the Foundation's president, Michael Capasso, hailed Bouayach's remarkable impact on human rights, as this award reflects her tireless dedication and dynamism in the field.

Capasso added that the award, a trophy crafted by renowned Italian sculptor Mario Molinari, symbolizes dialogue and cooperation between peoples. "It comes as no surprise that Bouayach has unanimous support, especially within civil societies, where she enjoys continually renewed credibility."

For her part, Morocco's Ambassador to the Holy See and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Rajae Naji Mekkaoui, praised the commitment of "a tireless activist involved in the defense of human rights." 

She highlighted that this "well-deserved" award reflects the Kingdom's constant commitment to promoting human rights, and improving the status of Moroccan women under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. 

For Bouayach, this award is a "great pride" and "immense honor" both as a woman and an activist, and serves as a tribute to Morocco for its dedication to the universal values of dignity, justice, and equality, under the enlightened leadership of HM King Mohammed VI.

Speaking at the event, she highlighted that the Kingdom has positioned itself as a determined player, acting as a bridge between continents, cultures, and religions, while promoting an open and tolerant vision based on plurality and inclusion.

The past year was marked by a historic step with the vote for the universal moratorium on the death penalty, a decision aimed at strengthening fundamental freedoms and promoting a more inclusive and equitable Moroccan society, she said.

Additionally, she praised the proposed amendments to the Family Code, presented last December after a thorough consultative process, as "ambitious" and "promising."

She noted that the Mediterranean Prize 2025 celebrates the journey of all women and individuals who, often under challenging conditions, work with courage and selflessness for dignity and justice.