Event hosted by the Sovereign Order of Malta

On May 25, 2023, we came together for a significant event hosted by the Sovereign Order of Malta, celebrating 25 years of Fondazione Child‘s commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of children worldwide. This event marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing mission to protect vulnerable children, particularly those affected by war, mental health challenges, and exploitation.

Collaborative Partnerships  

This milestone was achieved through the combined efforts of Telefono Azzurro and Fondazione Child, who have long championed child protection at an international level. Their work is supported by high-level collaborations with organisations such as ICMEC and various institutional partners, all driven by a shared goal: to safeguard the dignity and mental health of children impacted by conflict, trauma, and abuse. Anna Maria Corazza Bildt, Board Member – International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC) and former Member of the European Parliament, a long-time supporter of the foundation, expressed her appreciation, stating, “I am a great supporter of this work, especially on this 25th anniversary. The exceptional efforts we call the ‘Warsaw to Rome process’ are essential in supporting Ukrainian children facing mental health issues, and we will continue these initiatives next year to reach more children.”

Focus on Global Impact  

Key discussions highlighted the ongoing initiatives in Ukraine, where the foundation is actively involved in providing mental health support to children affected by the war. Ernesto Caffo, president of Fondazione Child, explained, “25 years ago, Fondazione Child was born out of Telefono Azzurro, with a focus on mental health and the trauma of children—victims of war, exploitation, and disappearance. Our goal has always been to find the best solutions to listen to children and protect their dignity. We have developed intervention projects in Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and, most recently, Ukraine.”

Expert Contributions  

The event featured compelling contributions from key figures who have supported the foundation’s mission. Chiara Del Gaudio, a prominent journalist and long-time supporter of children’s rights, expressed her honour in being part of this effort, stating, “I am proud to be part of the team at Fondazione Child and Telefono Azzurro, which works tirelessly to protect children’s rights around the world. A special thank you to the Sovereign Order of Malta for hosting us in this magnificent venue.” Similarly, Chiara Porro, Australia’s Ambassador to the Holy See, highlighted her involvement, saying, “For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Telefono Azzurro and Fondazione Child. Child protection is a real priority for my country, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share lessons learned from Australia’s Royal Commission into institutional child abuse.”

Engaging Discussions and Panels  

Participants engaged in rich panel discussions and presentations, which focused on the intersection of child protection and global challenges such as digital safety, migration, and the climate crisis. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication in the Vatican, who received special recognition, commented, “Receiving this award is an honour and a responsibility. We must remember that communication shapes the identity of our children and future generations. Protecting their dignity in the information we share is vital.”

Pietro Sebastiani, Board Member of the Fondazione Child, further stressed the importance of international cooperation, stating, “Fondazione Child is the operational arm of Telefono Azzurro for interventions outside Italy. As was highlighted today, the case of Ukraine is crucial, but the foundation’s scope extends to addressing issues faced by children worldwide, including those related to climate change, war, and economic struggles. International cooperation is essential for such complex challenges.”

Looking Ahead  

This event was not only a reflection on past achievements but also a call to action for future initiatives. Fondazione Child remains steadfast in its mission to place children at the centre of global interventions, ensuring their voices are heard, and their dignity is preserved. As we move forward, the foundation is committed to expanding its reach, working towards a future where no child is left behind.

A heartfelt thank you to the Sovereign Order of Malta for hosting us in such a magnificent venue and to all the participants whose dedication to this cause continues to make a profound impact on the lives of children around the world. Together, we are building a safer and more just future for the next generation.