The Government, NGOs and Monegasque associations gathered for their annual meeting on 13th March.

The purpose of the annual gathering is to exchange ideas, policies and information between all Monegasque entities that are involved in humanitarian and development work. Around 30 NGOs and associations met with the Direction de la Cooperation Internationale (DCI), whose director Frederic Platini, outlined Government policies. He said that 10 million euros has been put aside for public development aid for 2010, 9% of which is allocated to Monegasque NGOs. The DCI also explained the procedure for associations wishing to obtain co-financing from the Government, as well as how to take advantage of traininig programs for association workers and volunteers.

Five organizations presented their work:

• Armenia’s Children’s Fund
• Namaste
• Walking for Kids
• Lions Club Monaco
• Soroptimist International de Monaco

Progress reports were also presented for the work of two projects that unite Monegasque associations and the Government, Monaco Collectif Humanitaire and Monaco Collectif Haïti.

Monaco Collectif Humanitaire

Established in 2008 on the occasion of the Prince's 50th birthday. With more than a million euros collected, it has already allowed 80 children to be operated on in Monaco who could not receive treatment in their own countries.

Monaco Collectif Haiti

Around 700,000 euros have been collected and new fund raising is being carried out. Reconstruction projects are being identified.

Monegasque cooperation and NGOs : 15th meeting for international solidarity