Introduction - by the CEO

Francisco A. Diaz Lison delivering a speech at the Philanthropy Academy organised by the Compagnie Monégasque de Banque (CMB) Monaco - January 2018

2018 will go down as a year of questioning for the Foundation: questions, however, that did not keep us from continuing actions worldwide which are instrumental in strengthening the links between the protagonists of the exciting adventure which represents the life of the Cuomo Foundation.

The organisers and participants of an Academy for Philanthropy once asked us how one became a philanthropist. We shared with them the experiences, fears and doubts that we had encountered as a philanthropic organisation. During the discussion, we stressed above all the need to act. One can, of course, use a scientific method and rigorous tools to manage a philanthropic action. Yet, once faced with a multitude of needs, areas to improve, obstacles, doubts and questionings, the only potent remedy remains ‘action’.

In addition to the financial support we provide, we also contribute our commitment and varied skills abilities, resulting from our teams’ diverse backgrounds, yet maintaining always a high respect for the values and knowledge of our partners. We are more than mere sponsors; we are stakeholders in our own right constantly committed, capable and responsible. Therefore, collaborations and unions with associations like ours can allow and permit greater actions of co-operation and participation. The prudence is the keyword when it comes to measuring the degree of maturity of a particular request or a solicitation we receive. The examination of such proposals asks for an approach that must combine emotion and clarity—both essential to the understanding of issues, expectations and— ultimately—results.

In 2018, we were able to officially open the Cuomo Center in Dakar. Over 300 children have already been operated on since the commencement of its medical actions.

The construction work of the new Mambakkam High School in India has been completed. 800 students will be able to benefit from these innovative infrastructures. Furthermore, its architectural excellence has been awarded the Indian Green Building Council’s (IGBC) Platinum Certification.

Several thousand people, living in a hostile environment in the region of Gorom Gorom, Burkina Faso, now have access to safe drinking water, due to a local initiative supported by the Foundation.

These are only a few examples of practical actions undertaken by our operational teams that we can be really proud of.

Francisco A. Diaz Lison

CEO, Cuomo Foundation