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Today, we continue our series of short interviews with key figures at CISP by posing five questions to Gianluca Falcitelli, Director for the Mediterranean and Middle East geographic area.
It was in the early 1980s. Together with a group of friends who shared different experiences in civil, political and solidarity engagement, we wanted to internationalise our commitment and decided to create an association dedicated to promoting solidarity actions and working in areas of the world affected by poverty and injustice.
At the beginning, we were about 20 people. Many of us were still studying or had just started working, but we all shared the desire to make a meaningful impact. CISP was born as a volunteer organization, where everyone contributed their time and financial resources. Our first project took place in Somalia—a health initiative aimed at improving basic services for women and children in a rural area, funded through private contributions and donations
This was followed by trips to various other countries, including Colombia, Ethiopia, and Argentina, where we identified new project opportunities in sectors such as agricultural development, artisanal fishing, rural development, and public health. Initially supported by private donations, we later secured funding from institutions such as the European Commission and the Italian Development Cooperation. This allowed us to expand our reach and involve numerous Italian experts and institutions. And we haven’t stopped since.
In this region, we operate in countries such as Algeria, Palestine, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Jordan, implementing development projects across various sectors. These include improving water infrastructure in Lebanon (WASH sector, which covers water, sanitation, and hygiene), education (educational programs and school rehabilitation), healthcare, economic development, and sustainable tourism.
For instance, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, we have worked in health, socio-educational support, and economic development, while also assisting vulnerable rural communities such as the Bedouins, who face threats from both territorial occupation and climate change. In Lebanon, we implemented a decade-long program to strengthen the Lebanese Red Cross's emergency and first aid system, connecting it to Italian well-established model from the Lazio Region.
Another critical area of focus is humanitarian and emergency aid, particularly for Syrian and Palestinian refugees and displaced populations in Lebanon. Additionally, in the Sahrawi refugee camps in southern Algeria, we provide food, education, and healthcare support.
In the past, I have also worked in Tibet and China, contributing to the development of first aid and emergency medicine systems, once again fostering collaboration between Italian experts and local healthcare facilities. Moreover, we played a role in the reconstruction of homes and health services in Sri Lanka following the 2004 tsunami.
Twenty years ago, our priority was providing material aid—such as goods, equipment, and supplies—due to the severe lack of resources in the countries where we worked. Today, in many places, the issue is no longer resource availability but rather their unequal distribution. Wealth and essential services are often concentrated in the hands of specific groups or private interests, creating deep inequalities. For example, in many countries, healthcare and education are increasingly dominated by the private sector, making quality services inaccessible to large segments of the population.
In response, we have adapted our approach. While we still provide material aid where and when necessary, our focus has shifted toward strengthening the organization and accessibility of essential services, ensuring they reach the most disadvantaged communities. We foster collaboration between institutions managing similar services in different countries, promoting knowledge exchange and innovative solutions.
Moreover, our work today carries significant socio-political value. By maintaining a presence in regions where human rights violations are widespread, we help break their isolation and keep the international community’s attention on their struggles. Ultimately, our goal is not just to provide aid but to contribute to lasting political and social change.
Let me start with what it has taken—nothing. I have never felt that I had to sacrifice anything for this job. On the contrary, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have a career that has allowed me to merge my professional skills with my passion for social commitment and solidarity.
When we started over 40 years ago, we were young and inexperienced, but we gained expertise over time, enabling us to work more effectively. What has always driven us is the enthusiasm to make the world a better place.
Paolo Dieci, my dear friend and schoolmate, with whom I co-founded CISP and helped sustain it over the years, used to say: “Maybe we won’t change the world, but at least we can change someone’s life.” And that, in itself, is a great reward.
International cooperation has changed significantly since we began four decades ago. Entering this sector today is more challenging, both due to limited resources and the increasing professionalization of the field work. Today, international cooperation needs skilled professionals from various disciplines - people who can combine their expertise with a genuine commitment to social justice and solidarity.
This is a unique field that demands both competence and a strong desire to help others.
My advice is to build strong expertise in a field you are passionate about and then apply it to international cooperation. Use your skills to make a real difference in the lives of disadvantaged communities.
Read the first interview in this series with Deborah Rezzoagli, and stay tuned for the next ones!
