UWC Adriatic O.N.L.U.S. was honoured today to welcome the President of the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia for the official opening of its newly renovated student residence, located in the former Hotel Ples in Duino. The President was accompanied by Alessia Rosolen, Regional Councillor for Employment, Education, Training, Research, Universities and Family, and Sebastiano Callari, Regional Councillor for Public Assets, State Property, General Services and IT Systems.
They were received by Roberto Antonione, President of our College; the Rector, Khalid El-Metaal; the Mayor of Duino Aurisina, Igor Gabrovez; and a large group of teachers and students.
During the visit, the President enjoyed student performances and had the chance to engage in conversation with an international group of our students – young people from Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Ghana, Morocco, Mexico, Norway, Hungary and Russia, alongside five Italian students including two from Friuli and one from Trieste. The students shared the transformative impact of their educational experience and expressed gratitude for the unwavering support provided by the Region since our College’s founding in 1982.
President Antonione highlighted the recent participation of UWC Adriatic students at the Stati Generali della Lingua Italiana in Rome, where students from conflict-affected countries shared powerful testimonies on coexistence and dialogue in front of Ministers Antonio Tajani and Giuseppe Valditara.
In his address, President Fedriga emphasised the importance of further supporting and strengthening the College’s mission:
“Currently, only two Italian regions – Piedmont and Sardinia – offer scholarships for students to attend UWC Adriatic. At the next Conference of Regions, I will propose that more territories adopt similar measures, giving young people across the country the opportunity to challenge themselves and engage with vastly different cultures and experiences. Friuli Venezia Giulia has always had an international soul, and our College embodies that spirit perfectly.”
He added:
“The Region has proudly contributed to the refurbishment of this student residence, which also includes educational spaces. The project went beyond seismic compliance – it brought significant overall improvement to the facility.”
Our Rettore, Dr. Khalid El-Metaal, speaking on behalf of the institution, offered his thanks:
“We are deeply grateful to the regional administration for its enduring support of our College. Our community is proud to live in close connection with this territory – a relationship marked by constant and meaningful exchange.”
President Fedriga concluded:
“It is truly extraordinary how this place brings together young people even from countries in conflict and helps them engage in meaningful dialogue. It is an educational experience of inestimable value.”
