On 18 and 19 February 2026, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the passing of Umberto Eco, the Fondazione Umberto Eco is promoting the global live-streaming marathon “A World-Wide Talk for Umberto Eco”, an extraordinary 24-hour “planetary conversation” spanning all the world’s time zones.
The broadcast will begin at the first moment of 19 February in the earliest time zone on the planet (at 2pm EAT of the 18th February) and will continue uninterrupted for a full day, connecting universities, cultural institutions, scholars, readers and friends of Eco in a collective tribute to the great Italian intellectual.
Nairobi is also taking part in this international initiative.
The Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Nairobi will contribute to the marathon with a video segment produced during the open lecture “Interpreting the World: Umberto Eco Between Philosophy and Storytelling”, held on 11 February at the Department of Literature of the University of Nairobi.
During the event, Dr. Massimiliano Pilotti explored Eco’s work as a philosopher and semiotician, while Dr. Alex Nelungo Wanjala examined his role as a writer, with particular reference to The Name of the Rose. The programme was further enriched by a performance by the University of Nairobi Travelling Theatre, inspired by Eco’s work.
Part of the lecture and a short interview with the speakers were recorded and will be included in the official marathon programme, thus bringing the voice of Nairobi into this global dialogue.
We invite the public to follow the live streaming and join this celebration dedicated to one of the greatest intellectuals of the twentieth century.
🔗 Watch the marathon live here!
A unique opportunity to discover and explore together the world of Umberto Eco.
