For the first time, UWC Adriatic’s academic year opened as part of Trieste’s most iconic event: the 57th edition of the Barcolana and the fifth Barcolana Sea Summit. It was a fitting setting to mark both the start of a new academic journey and the beginning of a promising partnership grounded in shared values – respecting and protecting the sea, the importance of education and scientific research, and the need to respond to today’s challenges with knowledge, creativity and purpose.
Following opening remarks by Regional Ministers Alessia Rosolen and Fabio Scoccimarro, and by Mitja Gialuz, President of the Barcola and Grignano Sailing Club, the ceremony featured contributions focused on marine sustainability. Speakers included Paolo Montagna and Federica Foglini from Italy’s National Research Council (CNR), as well as a video message from Professor Andrea Rinaldo (University of Padua) on the ecological role of rivers. The voice of the students was also centre stage, with three research projects presented as finalists of the Oceans of Opportunity Research Challenge – a weekend-long scientific hackathon organised in collaboration with the CNR and focused on the issue of invasive species in the Adriatic Sea.
Two key moments shaped the heart of the event: an interview conducted by the Masters of Ceremonies, students Kwakhanya (South Africa) and Emilia (Italy) with UWC Adriatic’s Rettore, Khalid El-Metaal, and President Roberto Antonione. Their conversation explored the College’s core values—student energy and idealism, diversity in all its forms, and the core belief that young people can and must be agents of change. The ceremony concluded with the Parade of People, Nations and Cultures, with students taking the stage in traditional dress to represent the 78 countries of the College and the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Music, dance, and theatre performances gave rhythm to the entire event, transforming it into a true celebration of community and connection. From the choir’s performances of Malaika and Una fresca bavisela, to Maho’s (Japan) interpretation of a Bach sonata on violin, and a traditional Armenian dance – each performance captured the vibrant, creative and international spirit that defines life at UWC Adriatic.
Photo credits: Andrea Agati
