Giulio Regeni (UWC USA 2005–2007) exemplified the values at the heart of the United World Colleges: a deep curiosity for other cultures, a strong commitment to civic responsibility, and an unwavering belief in dialogue as a path to understanding.
Driven by a deep interest in the Middle East and the social and political dynamics of the region, in January 2016 Giulio was in Cairo conducting research for his PhD thesis at the University of Cambridge when he was abducted, tortured, and killed.
Since then, his parents, Paola and Claudio, have never ceased to demand truth and justice. They have done so with extraordinary strength and dignity, speaking out against this unacceptable violation of human rights and tirelessly standing up for “all the Giulios and Giulias of the world”.
This academic year, as they have done ever since, Paola and Claudio visited the College again in December 2025. They met with our first-year students, sharing stories from Giulio’s time at UWC USA and offering a deeply moving testimony that never fails to leave a lasting impression on all who listen.
The tenth anniversary of Giulio’s disappearance and killing is approaching, and on Sunday 25 January, from 2.45 pm, a commemorative event will take place in Fiumicello, which the College will attend as it has done every year. The event will be live-streamed on the YouTube channel “Giulio siamo noi”.
During the event, the documentary Giulio Regeni. Tutto il male del mondo will be screened in its national preview. The film will be released in cinemas across Italy on 2, 3 and 4 February.
