Santeramo, Italy – Journalist and UNICEF Italy spokesperson Andrea Iacomini will present his new book, “La Forza sia con te: Cronaca di una missione in Ucraina” (May the Force Be With You: Chronicle of a Mission in Ukraine), this Saturday, March 7th, at the “G. Colonna” municipal library in Santeramo. The event, scheduled to start at 5:30 PM local time (UTC+1), will offer insights into Iacomini’s experiences documenting the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its impact on children.
The presentation will follow opening remarks from Santeramo’s mayor, Vincenzo Casone. Iacomini will be joined by Maria Antonietta Montedoro, a psychologist and psychotherapist, and Emanuela Lassandro, president of the UNICEF Bari provincial committee, for a discussion about the book and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine. The proceeds from the book sales will be donated to UNICEF Italy projects.
Iacomini’s book, according to a statement, offers a human perspective on the war in Ukraine, focusing on the resilience of the Ukrainian people, particularly children. The book’s title is inspired by a detail from the conflict – the message delivered by air raid alert apps once the danger has passed: “La forza sia con te” (May the Force Be With You). This juxtaposition, the statement notes, highlights the country’s ability to endure amidst constant threat.
The book launch follows a successful initial presentation in Rome and a subsequent first reprint within weeks, indicating a growing public interest in understanding the realities of the conflict. Iacomini has a long history of engaging with young people, having met students in over 1,000 Italian municipalities since 2019. He intends to continue this outreach, bringing his firsthand testimony to schools across Italy and emphasizing the importance of awareness and support for Ukraine, especially as the country faces a particularly harsh winter.
The situation in Ukraine remains critical. UNICEF has reported that temperatures as low as -18°C (0°F) and damage to energy networks are leaving thousands of families without heating and access to water. The organization is actively distributing generators and providing financial aid to support vulnerable populations, including newborns. Iacomini’s work with UNICEF aims to amplify these urgent needs and encourage continued support.
Andrea Iacomini, born in Rome in 1974, is a graduate of LUISS G. Carli University and the University of Tor Vergata’s School of Journalism. He has served as the spokesperson for UNICEF Italy since 2019. He recently presented his book to the Italian Chamber of Deputies on February 19, 2026, alongside Vice President Anna Ascani, further raising awareness of the situation in Ukraine.
This event in Santeramo provides a local opportunity to engage with Iacomini’s work and learn more about the ongoing humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. It’s a chance to hear directly from someone who has witnessed the conflict firsthand and to support UNICEF’s vital work with children affected by the war. The presentation offers a poignant reminder that even in times of conflict, hope persists, particularly through the strength and resilience of Ukraine’s youngest citizens.
Following the Santeramo presentation, Iacomini is scheduled to continue his tour of Italy, bringing his message to schools and communities across the country. The next confirmed event is the presentation at the “G. Colonna” municipal library on Saturday, March 7th, at 5:30 PM local time.
