MSC Foundation at the heart of philanthropy in International Geneva

Executive Director Daniela Picco joins Bilan Magazine dialogue with the Geneva Council of State, Red Cross Red Crescent, and UNICEF

The MSC Foundation was among the leading voices from philanthropy, government and international organisations at the Bilan and J. Safra Sarasin event, Philanthropy: A Credible Alternative for International Geneva? The event, held on 26 March at the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum in Geneva, focused on the evolving role of private donors in global humanitarian efforts now that various countries have reallocated their cooperation budgets.

MSC Foundation Executive Director Daniela Picco spoke alongside Nathalie Fontanet, President of the Geneva Council of State, Olivier Ray, Director of Resource Mobilization, Red Cross Red Crescent Movement Relations, Communications and Partnerships at the ICRC, and Christopher Fabian, Co-Founder of the UNICEF GIGA initiative. Moderated by Frédéric Thomasset, Editor-in-Chief of Bilan Magazine, the discussion explored how philanthropy can complement international cooperation in an era of increasing funding challenges for humanitarian aid.

Daniela explained the contribution of the MSC Foundation’s distinctive approach, which leverages the MSC Group’s global shipping and logistics networks to significantly strengthen our partners’ emergency relief and sustainable development initiatives worldwide.

Building on the consensus that governments are primarily responsible for humanitarian aid and sustainable development efforts, speakers agreed that philanthropy does have a crucial complementary role to play in international efforts supporting vulnerable communities and as well as in spreading the values of international solidarity that Geneva’s cantonal, national and international institutions have come to embody.

The MSC Foundation is proud to have contributed to this important ongoing conversation and to work alongside partners who share our commitment to making a difference for vulnerable communities and our blue planet.