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Vision

Auxilia Foundation initiative

The Auxilia Foundation is a non-profit organization driving inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development by uniting global leaders across sectors to champion innovation, culture and environmental stewardship, ensuring no one is left behind in shaping a human-centered future. We foster impactful public-private collaboration by bringing together policymakers, businesses, economists, academia, NGOs, and multilateral organizations to co-create solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

Vision

Auxilia Foundation initiative

The Auxilia Foundation champion the search for bold, democratic solutions to our urgent, common challenges that advance equity, and human dignity in pursuit of a sustainable future for people and planet that leaves no one behind. We support public-private cooperation engaging business leaders, economists, policy-makers, academia and multilateral organizations to shape global projects, fostering an inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Ultimately, by prioritizing inclusive and sustainable economic growth, the Auxilia Foundation is contributing to a more resilient and equitable world for current and future generations.

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Our Themes

Transform Innovate Grow

Agenda 2030
The United Nations Agenda 2030 and its 17Sustainable Development Goals are at the heartof Auxilia’s mission, shaping our vision for a morejust, inclusive and sustainable world. As thedriving force behind our work, the SustainableDevelopment Goals guide our efforts to combatinequalities, harness culture as a catalyst forhuman progress, address climate change,promote economic development and strengthencommunities to confront the most pressingchallenges of our time.
Change Leaders
Human capital is the true catalyst for positive change insociety, driving innovation, economic growth, and socialprogress. Empowered individuals—equipped with knowledge,skills, and opportunities—become the architects oftransformation, challenging inequalities, fosteringsustainability, and shaping inclusive communities. Investing ineducation, lifelong learning, and leadership developmentstrengthens human potential, ensuring that progress is bothequitable and sustainable. When people thrive, societiesflourish. Change leaders emerge from all backgrounds, unitedby a bold vision and the determination to shape a betterfuture.
Social Inclusion, Equalityand Human Rights
Social inequality, gender violence, and human rights remaincritical challenges as the wealth gap grows. Economicdisparities and limited access to education, healthcare, andemployment prevent millions from reaching their potential.To address this, we need bold, collective action—advancinginclusive policies, equitable systems, and equalopportunities. By championing social justice, education, andempowering marginalized communities, we can build asociety where prosperity is shared, and everyone has theopportunity to lead a better life.
Planet
Environmental sustainability is about adoptingpractices that minimize ecological impact, enhanceresource efficiency, and safeguard the planet’shealth. This includes reducing carbon emissions,protecting biodiversity, embracing circular economyprinciples, and transitioning to renewable energy.Recognizing the urgency of climate action, we arecommitted to integrating sustainability into everyaspect of our work. Through innovative solutions,responsible practices, and collective action, westrive to protect ecosystems, combat climatechange, and create a resilient, sustainable futurefor generations to come.
Thinking Culture
Culture is the cornerstone of social progress, preservingour history, shaping our present, and inspiring atransformative future. Through diverse artisticexpressions, it fosters unity, meaning, and social change.The creative industries—spanning art, design, and digitalcontent—fuel economic growth, strengthen culturalidentity, and drive societal evolution. Together, visualarts, design thinking, and the creative economy pave theway for a more sustainable, inclusive, and impactfulfuture, where creativity redefines the defining issues ofour time.
Visual Arts
The Auxilia Foundation safeguards a significant heritageof contemporary visual art. For over a decade, throughcollaborations with national and international artists, wehave been fostering creativity, innovation, andaccessibility to the arts as a means of culturalpreservation and knowledge sharing. Our commitmentextends to supporting emerging artists, preservingartistic heritage, and leveraging visual art as a powerfultool for social impact and inclusion, ensuring thatcreativity continues to drive cultural and socialdevelopment.
Digital transformation
Digital transformation is the catalyst for drivinginnovation, empowering us to generate, test, andscale groundbreaking ideas, processes, and solutionsthat deliver profound value to people. It demandsopen-mindedness, diverse expertise, and a culturethat turns challenges into opportunities for lasting,sustainable impact. By integrating innovation withdigital transformation, we can fast-track progressand deliver inclusive, resilient solutions that shape abetter, more equitable future.Digital transformation
Data
Data permeate every aspect of our work, with global datageneration projected to reach 180 trillion gigabytes annually by2027. By harnessing data responsibly and prioritizing safety,privacy, and human rights, we can accelerate progress across allsectors. Investing in predictive and prescriptive analytics, poweredby AI and machine learning, enhances forecasting and decision-making. Leveraging data-driven solutions enables organizationsto optimize resource allocation, increase efficiency, and drivesustainable growth, ultimately creating lasting social impact.Data
Society 6.0
The transition to a social economy focused on well-being andequitable wealth distribution is vital for social stability, sustainability,and inclusive growth. Technology, including data, AI, deep tech,fintech, and blockchain, plays a key role in enabling financialdemocratization, transparency, and fairness. Blockchain fostersdecentralized finance (DeFi), reducing reliance on traditionalinstitutions, while AI analytics improve policymaking to ensureresources reach those in need. Society 6.0 leverages thesetechnologies to create efficient, transparent, and sustainable supplychains, driving fair wealth redistribution and fostering an inclusive,responsible economy.

People

Massimiliano Fanni Canelles

Elisabetta Vignando

Raffaella Ferrari

Giancarlo Bonomo

Marco Asquini

Chiara Cosatti

Sabina Addamiano

Maria Giovanna Vida

Assunta Mezzina

Elisa Fabbro

Maddalena Sciolla

What we do

We are committed to driving lasting change through high-impact capacity building initiatives for public institutions, private enterprises, and communities. Our mission is to equip stakeholders with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to advance sustainable economic and social development. Operating at the nexus of innovation, public policy, and social impact investing, we cultivate strategic partnerships to co-create scalable, inclusive solutions that strengthen resilience and foster long-term prosperity for all.

How we work

The Auxilia Foundation operates with a bold, disruptive, andimpact-driven mindset—leveraging cutting-edge technology,radical innovation, and data intelligence to dismantle outdatedsystems and forge powerful pathways toward equity,sustainability, and shared prosperity. Rooted in a deepcommitment to environmental justice, social equity, andwealth redistribution, we craft transformative strategies thatunlock human potential, empower communities, and protectthe planet for generations to come.

Our impact

20 Countries
40 projects developed
10 million Euros mobilized
200 top government decision-makers and international organization representatives engaged
300 entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, economists, journalists, and researchers involved
100 international institutions connected to drive global change

Where we bet

Click on the countries to find out what it’s all about!

Europe

The Auxilia Foundation operates across Europe within the framework of EU/ERDF funding programmes, collaborating with multilateral organisations, academic institutions, and key stakeholders. We develop innovative, human-centred projects with a strong focus on gender equality, youth entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, cultural development, and creative industries. By fostering partnerships with corporate innovation teams and impact investors, we co-create solutions that drive meaningful social and economic change.

Balkans

In the Balkans, Albania, Bosnia andHerzegovina, Bulgaria,, Kosovo,Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romaniaand Serbia we lead advocacy campaigns topromote gender equality and empowermarginalized groups. Through targetedinitiatives, we raise awareness, drive policychange, and create opportunities for women, girls, and ethnic minorities.

Ukraine

In the wake of the regional upheaval caused byRussia’s war of aggression, we are steadfast inour commitment to supporting Ukraine’s journeytoward open and inclusive societies. Our focusremains on empowering individuals andcommunities dedicated to revitalizing democracy.We prioritize fostering political resilience,advancing human rights, and strengtheningdemocratic governance. Through closecollaboration with local stakeholders, we aim toensure sustainable, inclusive development, allwhile navigating the complex and shiftinggeopolitical landscape.

Georgia

In Georgia, we are committed to promoting socialinclusion, sustainable development, anddemocratic resilience. Through collaboration withlocal stakeholders, policymakers, and civil societyorganizations, we support initiatives thatempower marginalized groups, foster genderequality, and strengthen economic opportunities.Our efforts focus on capacity-building programs,advocacy for social and economic reforms, andthe promotion of cultural and creative industriesas drivers of sustainable growth.

Egypt

Auxilia Foundation’s work in Egyptfocuses on empowering youngpeople with disabilities throughtechnical assistance projectscentered on creativity and design.In collaboration with localfoundations and NGOs, weprovide personalized training,mentoring, and skillsdevelopment aimed at creatingjob opportunities, enhancing livingconditions, and enabling youth toactively contribute to theircommunities and the localeconomy.

Jordan

In Jordan, we collaborate with multilateral donorsand SMEs to promote women’s empowerment as akey driver of inclusive and sustainable industrialdevelopment in the MENA region. Our initiativesfocus on enhancing women’s participation in theworkforce, fostering entrepreneurship, andproviding capacity-building programs to strengthentheir role in economic growth.Through technicalassistance, access to finance, and skill development,we support women-led businesses and industries,ensuring long-term sustainability and greatereconomic resilience.

Gulf Countries

In the Gulf countries, wefocus on fosteringinnovation, sustainability,and economicdiversification throughstrategic collaborationswith government entities,private sector leaders,and research institutions.Our initiatives supportentrepreneurship, skillsdevelopment, and theadvancement of womenin business andleadership.

Tunisia

In Tunisia, we drive change by harnessing innovation, empowering youth, and accelerating sustainable development. Through powerful alliances with NGOs, businesses, and tech hubs in Tunis, we deliver high-impact programs that fuel women’s entrepreneurship, build future-ready skills, and generate lasting employment—putting young people at the forefront of economic and social transformation.

Vietnam

In Vietnam, we are actively engaged in climatechange response initiatives, focusing onsustainability, resilience, and environmentalprotection. Through partnerships with localinstitutions, NGOs, and the private sector, wesupport projects that promote renewable energy,sustainable agriculture, and disaster riskreduction. Our efforts aim to enhancecommunity adaptation strategies, mitigateenvironmental impact, and foster greeninnovation, ensuring long-term sustainability andalignment with global climate action goals.

Sri Lanka

Auxilia has been active in Sri Lanka for over twentyyears, implementing numerous health andhumanitarian assistance projects focused onchildren and vulnerable communities. Our effortsprioritize the defense of the rights of at-risk groups,providing essential health care, education andsocial support. Through collaboration with localpartners, we work to improve child well-being,access to medical services and communityresilience, ensuring a sustainable and long-termimpact.

Argentina

In Santiago del Estero we collaborate with NGOsand local authorities to enhance the quality of life inrural communities. Our initiatives focus oneducation (ICT and literacy training for students andteachers), health and nutrition (basic healthcare forchildren and families), and access to clean water(sustainable water solutions). To date, we havesupported over ten communities, positivelyimpacting more than 1,000 children and 500families.

Mexico

aIIn partnership with several Mexican NGOs, weare dedicated to strengthening women’sleadership and advancing human rights. Wesupport initiatives that combat gender-basedviolence and promote women’s empowerment,addressing social discrimination and abuseagainst girls and women. Through impactfuladvocacy campaigns, we strive to foster socialjustice in all its forms.

Cuba

We are actively engaged in strengthening Cuba’s culturaland creative industries through impactful, sustainability-driven initiatives. At the heart of this effort is NET ZEROCAMPUS 2030, a pioneering capacity-building projectdesigned to equip young people and women with the skillsneeded to thrive in the creative economy. In partnershipwith ONDi, FCBC, MINCEX, and MINCULT, the initiativepromotes zero-impact innovation and capacity building tosupport inclusive, environmentally conscious growth in theCuban creative sector.

ongoing Projects

L’Accademia delle Ragazze is a groundbreaking initiativelaunched in October 2024 in Friuli Venezia Giulia toempower young girls in sport and challenge genderstereotypes. Focused on athletes under 12 in football, rugby,and baskin, the project fosters equality throughempowerment programs, awareness campaigns, and theannual #EqualPlay Award. In partnership with schools,families, and sports associations—and aligned with SDGs 3,5, and 10—the Academy is a powerful movement forinclusion and a redefinition of women’s role in sport andsociety.
Net Zero Campus 2030 is an international cooperation project funded by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region under Regional Law 19/2000. Led by the Auxilia Foundation in collaboration with the National Design Office of Cuba (ONDi), the Cuban Cultural Heritage Fund (FCBC) and the Alto Adriatico Technology Pole, the initiative promotes environmental sustainability in Cuba’s cultural and creative industries. It offers young people and women advanced training in zero-impact design, with a focus on the use of recycled and biodegradable materials. At the heart of the project is a twinning program that connects Cuban designers and artisans with the Italian interior design sector to foster innovation, improve skills and build strategic partnerships in line with Sustainable Development Goals 4, 5, 11, 12 and 13.
El concurso ecoDesign forma parte del proyecto NET ZERO Campus 2030, financiado por la Región Friuli Venezia Giulia y promovido por la Fundación Auxilia, ONDI Oficina Nacional de Diseño, FCBC Fondo Cubano de Bienes Culturales y el PoloTecnologico Alto Adriatico.

En el contexto de la industria cultural y creativa cubana, el concurso, tiene como objetivo apoyar el desarrollo económico y social del país, con foco en mujeres y jóvenes diseñadoras y artesanas de las provincias de La Habana, Mayabeque, Artemisa y Pinar del Río.
El concurso impulsa el diseño sostenible en elsector del hábitat, promoviendo el uso de materialesecológicos y de bajo impacto. Favorece la capacitaciónde jóvenes talentos y artesanos, estimula la innovaciónen técnicas y tecnologías verdes, y fortalece lacolaboración entre academia, investigación yempresas para avanzar hacia una industria cultural ycreativa con impacto ambiental cero. Tiene comoobjetivo desarrollar rutas de aprendizaje y diseñar yproducir una familia de objetos vivos, impulsados porel diseño y producidos de manera 100% sustentable.
Reducir, reutilizar y reciclar es el concepto clavedel proyecto, en línea con la protección del medioambiente y el desarrollo económico sostenible.
Organizadores y patrocinadores del concurso:

Objetivos del concurso

El objetivo es seleccionar 10 proyectosque formarán una colección deobjetos para el hogar realizados conmateriales 100% sostenibles y deimpacto ambiental cero, utilizandomateriales y técnicas ecológicas yrespetuosas con el medio ambiente.

El concurso incentiva propuestas deparejas de diseñadores y artesanos,fomentando así la colaboración entre lacreatividad y la artesanía en el contextodel diseño sostenible.

¿Quién puede aplicar?

  • Diseñadores y artesanos de todas las edades, con especial atención a la participación de mujeres y jóvenes. Podrán postularse de forma individual o en parejas colaborativas, formadas por 1 diseñador y 1 artesano.
  • Comunidades locales interesadas en explorar nuevas formas de diseño centradas en la sostenibilidad.
  • Organizaciones e instituciones sectoriales comprometidas con la promoción de la sostenibilidad ambiental.
  • Centros de formación, universidades y polos tecnológico s que quieran contribuir a la difusión del conocimiento y competencias en el ámbito del diseño sostenible.
    El concurso está reservado para residentes de las provincias de La Habana, Mayabeque, Artemisa y Pinar del Río.

¿Cuales son los productos?

Los participantes diseñarán una familia de productos útiles parael hogar, eligiendo entre las siguientes categorías: textiles,iluminación, muebles, contenedores y accesorios paradiferentes ambientes del hogar.
Cada participante podrápresentar un máximo de dos (2) productos pertenecientes a lascategorías antes mencionadas.

Criterios de selección
de los ganadores

Los proyectos serán evaluados por el Jurado del Concursocompuesto por los socios del proyecto Net-Zero Campus yexpertos externos según los siguientes criterios:
  • Colaboración efectiva entre diseñadores y artesanos en elproceso creativo, con especial atención a la integración delos jóvenes y las mujeres: 10 puntos
  • Presentación individual del proyecto: 8 puntos.
  • Innovación y creatividad en el diseño y uso de materiales y tecnologías: 9 puntos
  • Sostenibilidad, considerando el uso de materiales reciclados, biodegradables o de bajo impacto ambiental: 9 puntos
  • Viabilidad técnica y funcionalidad del(los) producto(s) propuesto(s): 8 puntos
  • Calidad estética y conceptual, alineada con los principios del diseño sostenible: 8 puntos
  • Potencial de desarrollo y escalabilidad dentro de un modelo de economía circular: 8 puntos

Servicios para
ganadores de concursos

Los participantes seleccionados accederán a formación especializada y mentoría en diseño sostenible y talleres sobre economía circular y tecnologías verdes. Recibirán capacitación en el uso de materiales ecológicos y técnicas de bajo impacto, incluyendo impresión 3D con materiales reciclados. Además, las colecciones serán presentadas en ferias, exposiciones y plataformas digitales para asegurar visibilidad nacional e internacional. Todos los participantes recibirán una certificación oficial de participación.

Fechas clave

El concurso de ideas se lanza el 30 de abril de 2025.
Fecha de cierre: 15 de junio
Los ganadores se anunciarán el 30 de junio.
La ceremonia de entrega de premios tendrá lugar en LaHabana el 11 de julio de 2025.

Para más información rellene en línea el formulario aquípara contactar con los organizadores

Cómo participar

Los participantes podrán postular de forma individual o en equipos colaborativos conformados por un/a diseñador/a y un/a artesano/a. Cada propuesta debe incluir:
  • 2 imágenes del producto (formato JPG)
  • 1 documento PDF (máx. 2 páginas) con la descripción del proceso creativo, materiales, tecnologías y enfoque sostenible.
Se pueden presentar hasta 2 productos en un máximo de 2 categorías, elegidas entre: Textiles, Iluminación, Muebles, Contenedores y Accesorios para el hogar.

Sube tus archivos llenando este formulario:
La convocatoria estará abierta del 30 de abril al 15 de junio de 2025.
Para más información, escriba a awardcuba@afoundation.eu

Advocacy
Campaigns

Our advocacy campaigns tackle urgent globalchallenges by dismantling systemic barriers anddriving structural change for a just, inclusive world.Through bold collaboration, we mobilize a globalalliance focused on women’s empowerment, humanrights, youth employment, sustainable development,and environmental justice, aiming to build resilientcommunities and reshape the future around dignity,equity, and shared humanity.

Join our initiatives:
HERightsHERFuture
#EndGenderViolenceTogether
HERightsHERFuture is a bold, transnational initiativefocused on defending human rights, advancing genderequality, and ending gender-based violence. With a focuson girls, women, and marginalized communities, thecampaign utilizes prevention, education, and advocacy todrive long-term social change. By uniting a diversecoalition, it promotes a shared agenda for inclusiveprogress and seeks strategic partners in five EU and fiveMiddle Eastern countries to create a future of genderjustice, dignity, and equal opportunity.
Apply to participate
NOriversNOlife
#protectingWaterpreservingLife
Every day, the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks filledwith plastic waste is dumped into our oceans, rivers, andlakes—devastating ecosystems and threatening life onEarth. Our campaign addresses the urgent global crisis ofplastic pollution, focusing on river plastic as a majordriver of environmental degradation. By utilizingadvanced technologies and circular economy solutions,we aim to protect rivers and preserve water as a vitalresource. We are selecting innovative companies andstartups to lead Italy’s first national roadshow, engagingregions and municipalities with scalable solutions tocombat pollution and tackle the climate crisis.
Apply to participate
#Unbreakable Europe
#UnbreakableEurope is an initiative to reimagine the European Union as a force for peace, economic solidarity, and democratic renewal amid global instability. It aims to unite young visionaries and change-makers to create radical solutions for a people-centered Europe. The initiative seeks disruptive ideas and leaders to shape a social economy prioritizing justice, inclusion, and well-being. In partnership with academic institutions, NGOs, and innovation centers, it offers two scholarships in Italy for the most outstanding proposals.
Apply to participate

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Vision

Auxilia Foundation initiative

The Auxilia Foundation champion the search for bold, democratic solutions to our urgent, common challenges that advance equity, and human dignity in pursuit of a sustainable future for people and planet that leaves no one behind. We support public-private cooperation engaging business leaders, economists, policy-makers, academia and multilateral organizations to shape global projects, fostering an inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Ultimately, by prioritizing inclusive and sustainable economic growth, the Auxilia Foundation is contributing to a more resilient and equitable world for current and future generations.

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Organisations we collaborate with

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AUXILIA FOUNDATION
Email: direzione@afoundation.eu
Phone: +333 444 555 6677
PEC: pec@pec.it
PIVA: 1234567890
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