Exploring Music Trade and Talent Diversity at the 15th Bosphorus Summit

Bringing the Med Wave Home: Music in the Mediterranean at the 15th Bosphorus Summit

As part of the 15th Bosphorus Summit in Istanbul, MESO had the privilege of organizing the panel “Music in the Mediterranean: Exploring Music Trade and Talent Diversity”, highlighting the strategic role of the region in shaping the future of the global music ecosystem.

Held under the auspices of the International Cooperation Platform, the summit brought together high level policymakers, business leaders, and cultural stakeholders from across the globe. The panel created a rare and timely opportunity to place music at the heart of economic and diplomatic discussions, focusing on how collaboration across Mediterranean countries can unlock new pathways for talent development, music trade, and creative export.

This initiative was more than a cultural gesture. It was a call to action. At a time when the global music landscape is rapidly evolving, the Mediterranean region holds unique assets — from its rich diversity and strategic geography to its rising creative scenes and cross-border potential. Yet these assets remain underleveraged.

By anchoring music within the broader conversation on cooperation and regional development, this panel aligned with MESO’s ongoing efforts through Athens Music Week, the HEMI network, and collaborations such as Fundación SGAE, to ensure the Mediterranean becomes a visible and competitive force in the global music economy.

Athens and Istanbul are part of the same current. The Med wave is growing stronger, and it is time to bring its rhythm to the world.

More about Bpsphorus Summit here