International event: Child Foundation at the Circolo degli Esteri

July 25, 2024 – International event organized by the Child Foundation at the Circolo degli Esteri

The recent international event organized by the Child Foundation at the Circolo degli Esteri in Rome broadened perspectives and highlighted the challenges faced by children worldwide. A diverse panel of guests shared insights on the condition of childhood across different contexts and the shared commitment to defend and promote children’s rights.

During the annual gathering, the Child Foundation honored several distinguished individuals: Cardinal Peter Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences; Ambassador Riccardo Sessa, President of the Italian Society for International Organization (SIOI) since 2023; Professor Franco Pavoncello, President of John Cabot University since 2006; Hon. Silvia Costa, former Member of the European Parliament and co-founder of Telefono Azzurro with Professor Caffo in 1987; and Minister Antonio Tajani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Vice President of the Council of Ministers.

Following the opening remarks by Professor Ernesto Caffo, President of the Child Foundation, who outlined the current state of the foundation, its projects, and international commitments to child protection, the first awards were presented.

The Child Foundation is currently focused on concrete actions to defend children’s rights in war-torn contexts such as Palestine, Israel, Ukraine, and Russia. Additionally, the foundation is committed to projects that safeguard children’s dignity in the digital world, promote their mental health, and protect unaccompanied minors or victims of abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.

“In a rapidly changing world, protecting children’s rights and well-being globally is not only a moral imperative for our community but also a fundamental investment in a sustainable future,” says Professor Ernesto Caffo, President of Fondazione S.O.S. Il Telefono Azzurro ETS and the Child Foundation for the Study and Research on Childhood and Adolescence ETS. “Our work has always placed the child at the center internationally, and we are committed to strengthening collaborations with other international organizations, European and global networks, universities, the Holy See, and national and European institutions where we have found essential allies over the years.”