Hugo Passarello Luna

What I thank the experience the most for is the chance to have met so many admirable people who had a big impact in the way I see the world

 Hugo Passarello Luna has made an impressive impact in his home city of Buenos Aires since returning in 2006. Hugo is working as a freelance journalist and documentary/journalistic filmmaker through various projects.

In late 2006 he founded Argentina Elections, which is considered the leading electoral resource in Argentina, earning the recognition of the National Electoral Chamber and national political parties. It has also been part of the ACE Electoral Knowledge Network which was developed by leading global electoral organisations including UNDESA (United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs).

Hugo is part of the Goals for Girls project that teaches young girls self-confidence and teamwork through soccer. Hugo is working on a feature length documentary about the project aiming to break the cultural gender taboo of girls not being able to play certain sports. The film will be finished in time for the FIFA’s Women World Cup in 2011 in Germany. In May 2011 he was  awarded the Daniel Pearl prize of the Wall Street Journal for his article 'In a Buenos Aires slum, dreaming of Paris.' about the Goals for Girls project.
 
What do you think you do differently as a result of your UWC education?
Upon my return to Argentina, in 2006, I decided to start  the journalistic website Argentina Elections to help shape the political and electoral debate back home, as the presidential elections were about to take place. The idea started in Peru with Peru Elections. For me it was a way to concretely apply what I learnt at UWC and give back to my community.

Are you still involved in the UWC movement?
I help the national committee but it is thanks to thanks to other alumni who put an immense effort to keep things going that every year we can do a selection and fundraise to ensure that our students can go to UWC.

What impact did you think your UWC education has had on your life?
UWC represented what I was looking for while in Argentina: a multicultural environment, academic challenges, motivated and admirable people. What I thank the experience the most for is the chance to have met so many admirable people who had a big impact in the way I see the world.

Edited from profile featured in United World,  May 2010