What is UNIV?

An international gathering of university students where they delve deeply into important matters relevant to the university, highlighting the spirit of service towards those most in need.

UNIV is an annual academic congress for university students conducted by the Istituto per la Cooperazione Universitaria (ICU) since 1968. Its culminating activity is an International Congress held in Rome, Italy where students from over 85 countries gather to discuss important issues in society in relation to a given theme.

Youthful and international, each year UNIV draws thousands of university students from the five continents to Rome. They come to expand their horizons, exchange ideas and constructively reflect on the most important issues for today’s youth and society. UNIV began with this objective: to annually offer a profound experience to roughly 3000 young people, where their ideas can come to life and grow, all in the context of Rome’s cultural, spiritual and artistic heritage. Year after year, our students have met and listened to the protagonists of diverse areas of culture as well as those who can testify to and explain the challenges facing our society.

Starting in 1968, the UNIV gatherings arose as initiatives encouraged by St. Josemaria, the founder of Opus Dei. Since then the tens of thousands of students and university professors who have participated in this international meeting have been exposed to the lives and ideas of the great men and women who have lived in Rome, past and present. UNIV is a chance for them to expand their horizons, to be close to the heart of the Church, and to listen to and grow in affection for the Holy Father.

During the UNIV week, students experience Rome through various cultural encounters, conferences, round tables, showrooms, and concerts.

WATCH: What is UNIV? by UNIV Inspire

In order to reach female students in the Philippines, the ICU has chosen as its local partners the University and Study Centers operated by Kalinangan Youth Foundation, Inc. (KALFI), a non-government organization (NGO) that aims to provide holistic formation to high school, university students and young professional women.

For more details about the UNIV Congress, you may visit their website on this link.

What is USAP?

UNIV Seminar Asia Pacific (USAP) is a multidisciplinary and collaborative learning experience for young female students from senior high schools and universities in the Philippines and neighboring countries. A variety of activities are conducted to explore a given theme. The theme for UNIV 2025 is "Citizens of Our World".