On 28 November, a group of 13 UWC Adriatic students, accompanied by the College’s Rettore, Dr. Khalid El-Metaal, and Maria Chiara Billi, Education Projects and Academic Manager, attended the 30th-anniversary celebrations of the European Training Foundation (ETF) in Turin. This special invitation was extended by UWC Adriatic alumna and ETF Director, Pilvi Torsti (UWCAD 1990-92), who warmly welcomed the group to this milestone event.
The conference, themed “Envisioning the Future,” brought together global leaders, educators, and policymakers to explore education’s pivotal role in addressing challenges such as climate change, technological advancements, and sustainable development. For UWC Adriatic students, the event was an opportunity not just to listen but to actively participate, offering their perspectives and connecting with those shaping the future of education.
The conference was more than a series of discussions for the students—it was a chance to exchange ideas with leading figures in education and policy. Rawane, a first-year student from Morocco, shared her reflections:
“The most powerful moments came from conversations that broke down barriers. A Moroccan official from the Ministry of Employment and Labour described us as a transformative generation, and an Algerian journalist reinforced that belief by envisioning youth-driven change across borders. These encounters showed me that transformation starts when we dare to speak, listen, and collaborate for the greater good.”
Another highlight came for Yuanqi, a first-year student from Hong Kong, who engaged in discussions on peer learning and sustainable education:
“It was fascinating to discuss how sustainability could be incorporated into curricula through practical actions that also build empathy and critical thinking. Listening to so many perspectives deepened my belief that connecting knowledge with soft skills is essential for creating meaningful change.”
Luke, a second-year student from Ireland, was struck by the accessibility of the policymakers and experts:
“I never expected experts in fields like AI and education to pause their conversations and genuinely listen to a young person’s perspective. The ETF event showed us that there are institutions out there that share UWC values and offer young people pathways to make an impact.”
Students explored themes such as technology in education, the geopolitics of collaboration, and education’s role in fostering cultural and economic ties. Their participation in group discussions, including presenting outcomes and representing diverse viewpoints, exemplified UWC Adriatic’s emphasis on learning beyond the classroom.
As one student aptly noted, “The conference reminded us that education is not just about knowledge—it’s about connecting with others and finding shared solutions to global challenges.”
The event also allowed students to network at the magnificent Venaria Reale during the evening reception. Whether speaking with policymakers, NGO leaders, or peers, UWC Adriatic students left with a stronger sense of how they, too, can contribute to shaping the future.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the European Training Foundation and Dr. Pilvi Torsti for creating this inspiring opportunity. The experience underscored the importance of global education, empowering our students to engage critically and confidently with the challenges of tomorrow.
First-year students: Anisa (Uzbekistan), Ashref (Palestine), Bora (Kosovo), Ecaterina (Moldova), Gaia (Italy), Mariana (Portugal), Rawane (Morocco), Sona (Armenia), Valeriia (Ukraine) and Yuanqi (Hong Kong)
Second-year students: Cherif (Tunisia), Dejana (Serbia), and Luke (Ireland).
