Introduction letter to the CESVI 2024 Annual Report
By Gloria Zavatta and Stefano Piziali
What you are about to read is not just an account of numbers, projects and results. It is the sincere and necessary account of a year lived alongside 2 million people, among the most vulnerable on the planet. It is a testimony of how, even in an increasingly complex and fragile world, solidarity can still make a difference.
2024 was a year of great challenges for those who, like us at CESVI, work tirelessly to provide aid,, dignity and hope. Resources for humanitarian aid began to dwindle well before 2025 when many Western countries, including the United States, announced major cuts in funding for international cooperation and humanitarian aid, leaving many organisations struggling and reducing their capacity to respond. Yet, emergencies do not stop: on the contrary, they increase. And needs are growing.
In this context, CESVI has chosen not to back down. With courage and competence, we have continued to work in 28 countries, providing water, food, care and protection to those fleeing war, hunger or violence. We have supported people who want to rebuild their lives,, even in the most remote or forgotten places.
In the Gaza Strip, in the midst of a humanitarian crisis, we distributed water and life-saving therapeutic food. In Ukraine, we provided psychological support, healthcare and shelter construction for those most affected.. In Libya, we offered protection and care to migrants. After the earthquake in Myanmar in March 2025, we stepped in to provide educational support to displaced children.. In Venezuela, amidst instability and poverty, we supported the most vulnerable families. In drought-stricken Zimbabwe, we collaborated with farmers to strengthen food security. In Pakistan, we supported communities against the effects of climate change, and in Ethiopia, we promoted shared management of water and natural resources between farmers and pastoralists.
However our commitment is not limited to emergencies. We believe in prevention and sustainable development. We invest in agriculture, education, women’s empowerment and environmental protection. In Italy, we continue to support children and adolescents in fragile situations in some of the most challenging neighbourhoods in several cities..
Working in fragile contexts means facing regulatory obstacles, political pressures and access restrictions. To guarantee our present and future interventions, we have therefore set aside significant resources in the 2024 budget to preserve our capacity for action. While this has led to a significant reduction in operating surplus, it enables us to address current and future crises with confidence.
It is the same confidence that our donors place in CESVI, which is evident in each of our programmes, as well as the strength of the local communities, who are the true protagonists of our interventions. Furthermore, none of this would have been possible without the tireless efforts of our staff, the collaboration of our partners, and the support of those who have chosen to stand by us, even in challenging times.
This Annual Report, published in CESVIìs 40th anniversary year, is not only an act of transparency and a heartfelt thank you. It is our way of saying: “Look what we have achieved together”. But it is also a way of saying: “Look what we can still do”.
We had the opportunity to discuss this with the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, in early 2025. He recognised the vital role of international cooperation for the future of humanity.
Building on CESVI’s work, Ilaria Dallatana will take over as President in June 2025. Together with her, we want to emphasise a clear message: the world needs more humanity, not less. More attention, not less. More help, not less.
CESVI will continue to be there every day where it is needed. Where there is CESVI, there are you.