Martina Pignatti (UWC Adriatic 1996-98) and Domenico Chirico (UWC Adriatic 1990-92) from the not-for-profit association “Un ponte per …” returned to our College on Thursday 18th February 2016 for an International Affairs presentation on “A bridge of solidarity with the Middle East: building peace from the grassroots”.
Students were delighted to interact with two alumni that have been so actively involved in peacebuilding and humanitarian aid operations in the Middle East: to name but a few of their projects, they have been engaged in Harvesting Peace in Palestine, Exploring Peace in Rojava-Syria, Welcoming Refugees in Lesbos, Greece and in Non Violent Action Against DAESH.
Martina gave an impassioned account of successful activities undertaken by Un Ponte Per…, such as its role in the approval of new, groundbreaking trade union legislation in Iraq (replacing Saddam Hussein’s tight grip on trade unions through legislation that had survived until last year) and the drive to empower women in the peacemaking process in the Middle East. She mentioned these initiatives as successful projects that have a strategic impact on the regions involved even though they often do not make the headlines.
Domenico, provided a lot of data on humanitarian aid issues in Syria and Iraq, two countries he regularly works in. He illustrated the internal situation in these countries and the increase in the inflow of refugees, pointing out to the EU’s inability to cope with the issue while Syria’s neighbours are enduring much greater pressure from this problem.
Their presentation could hardly end without referring to the tragic loss of Giulio Regeni, whose commitment to the struggle for freedom and democracy in the Middle East they share through their daily endeavours and shared UWC values.
