The General Assembly of the Founding Members of CISP – Sviluppo dei Popoli ETS met in Rome on June 20 to approve the 2025 financial statements and discuss the challenges awaiting international cooperation in the coming years.
In a global context deeply affected by ongoing conflicts, growing inequalities, climate crises, and rapid geopolitical changes, the Assembly provided a vital opportunity for joint discussion and strategic reflection. It strongly reaffirmed the role of development cooperation as a fundamental tool for building peace, promoting social justice, and defending human rights.
The approval of the 2025 financial statements confirmed CISP's solidity and its ability to continue operating effectively despite an increasingly complex landscape, which has been significantly impacted by the reduction of international cooperation funding from many major donors.
The morning session included an open dialogue with CISP representatives working in Palestine, Lebanon, and Cuba. They shared firsthand insights from contexts shaped by profound humanitarian, social, and political crises. Their contributions served as a powerful reminder of how crucial it is today to keep investing in international cooperation as an instrument of solidarity, rights protection, and peacebuilding.
Looking ahead: three priorities for CISP towards 2030
The focus then shifted toward the future. During the second part of the Assembly, discussions centered on the key trends transforming the international cooperation sector.
The debate highlighted shifting operational environments, the impact of global crises, and the shrinking availability of resources. At the same time, it focused on opportunities for innovation and organizational capacity building—both essential to continue generating a meaningful impact in the years to come.
For CISP, three strategic priorities will guide the organization's work in the near future: reaffirming human development and peace as fundamental rights; maximizing the impact of actions fighting poverty and inequalities; and strengthening expertise, innovation, and organizational capacity to prepare CISP for the challenges of the next decade.
"Development cooperation builds peace," it was noted at the closing of the meeting. This is not just a slogan chosen for the day, but a true compass guiding every operator, member, and partner of CISP. Building peace means investing tangibly in people, strengthening local communities, and protecting their rights. It is a shared responsibility that demands vision, high-level professional skills, and a constant collective commitment.
The 2025 Financial Statement and the 2025 Social Report are available for download on the Transparency page.