This year, AVSI celebrates its 50th anniversary by bringing together staff, donors, longtime supporters, and beneficiaries in various events and activities around the world.
On November 10th, 2022, representatives from various US government agencies, non-governmental organizations, foundations, private corporations, UN agencies, and long-time AVSI friends and supporters joined AVSI-USA at the Italian Embassy in Washington to celebrate the path taken and to look forward to the next 50 years and beyond, and the many ways AVSI’s “promise” can be renewed.
The event focused on the past, present, and future of AVSI with a special attention to what AVSI-USA has accomplished since 2000 and their vision for the future. Welcoming greetings by the Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Mariangela Zappia, and opening remarks by the CEO elect of Global Partnership for Education, Laura Frigenti opened the cocktail hour.
Remarks by Mariangela Zappia, Ambassador of Italy to the United States
“International cooperation for sustainable development is a pillar of Italian foreign policy” highlighted the Ambassador of Italy, Mariangela Zappia.
In her speech (featured by the ANSA agency), the Ambassador highlighted AVSI’s long-standing collaboration with the US government. She also celebrated how AVSI has launched several projects in response to refugee crises in South America, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
She recognized AVSI’s key contributions to the objectives of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. The Ambassador shared how she values Italy’s commitment to achieving them, most recently witnessed by the active participation of the Prime Minister in the COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh and Rome’s candidacy to host the Universal Expo 2030, centered on sustainable development issues. She also highlighted our shared focus on female empowerment, and gender-based violence; praising AVSI’s full adherence to the UN agenda on women, peace, and security.
The evening was followed by videos, testimonies, awards, and speeches reflecting on AVSI’s work and projecting a vision for the future. Among the speakers: Lucia Castelli AVSI Senior Child Protection Advisor, Joyce Malombe, Program Director at Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, Beverly Nyberg Former US State Dept. Office of Global AIDS, the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) .
“We are there because we have compassion for the people. Com-passion. We are passionate about them, and we have passion for them and with them. And as you get to know the people, really get to know them. You learn to believe that even if they are in need, they are not their need; they are people and have value, always have something to say and tell. They are always the ones creating the development of that country.”
“This is not only about a job, it’s about providing means to the achievement of a decent livelihood and the importance of work for the dignity of the human person.”
The evening awards
During the event AVSI-USA presented three awards to key people, who’ve shaped our past, and reflect our vision and mission
The evening’s awards included: A Promise to the Future of Our Children, honoring Joyce Malombe, Program Director at Wellspring Philanthropic Fund;
A Promise of Partnership, honoring Beverly Nyberg, Former US State Dept. Office of Global AIDS, the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR); and
A Promise to Uplift the Most Vulnerable, honoring Sharon and Michael Mollerus, long-time AVSI friends
Remarks by Jackie Aldrette, Deputy Secretary General of AVSI concluded the event
As we celebrate 50 of this AVSI adventure, and look ahead to the years to come, all of us at AVSI want to renew our promise to all our beneficiaries, the thousands of other children, young people and adults who have encountered, that we will do what it takes to remain close and committed, even if the form and the face of our accompaniment will change over time.
The person at the center… this is our method, and a people for development… our motto, meaning can’t do this alone.
AVSI want to renew our promise to all our beneficiaries that we will do what it takes to remain close and committed
Jackie Aldrette, Deputy Secretary General of AVSI Foundation.
