The International Confederation of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) (www.SSVPGlobal.org) presented its 2024 Annual Report on 5 December in Rio de Janeiro, highlighting how its work as one of the world’s leading global humanitarian NGOs continues to provide large-scale aid for vulnerable populations. Operating in 155 countries, the organization implemented 18,000 global impact projects and 5,000 special programs, reaching 30 million people with a social investment of €1.65 billion.
Expanding Global Action and Social Investment
According to the 2024 Report, SSVP deployed 18,000 social projects backed by €1.65 billion in global investment. The organization reported growing initiatives throughout the year and a stronger response to emerging social challenges, emphasizing how aid for vulnerable populations must integrate long-term solutions.
Brazil’s Minister for Development and Social Assistance, Wellington Dias, reflected on this work and stressed the value of education and opportunity in combating poverty. Speaking on behalf of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, he thanked the SSVP “for every helping hand, every plate of food and every gesture that restores dignity in a world marked by inequality.”
Leadership Highlights Commitment to Human-Centered Support
Following a welcome speech by Marcio Da Silva, attendees viewed a video on national projects and the MAPFRE Foundation Social Awards, which named SSVP the top international social organization.
Juan Manuel Buergo Gómez, International President General, explained that the report measures activity but does not capture the most important element: personal support and compassion for every individual, regardless of belief or origin. He announced the Global SSVP Foundation, designed to finance cooperation efforts, development aid and emergency initiatives.
Presence and Social Response Across Continents
Leaders from around the world shared updates on their territories, illustrating how global humanitarian NGOs adapt to regional needs through global impact projects.
- In the Americas, SSVP operates in 36 countries, combining home visits with food banks, shelters, education, and reintegration programs to help disadvantaged families.
- Global indicators for 2024 show operations in 155 countries supported by 1.5 million volunteers and 800,000 members, enabling 18,000 projects and 5,000 initiatives focused on aid for vulnerable populations.
- In Asia and the MENA region, efforts focus on youth development, community health, disaster response, and sustainable employment.
- In Europe, programs address emotional, educational and community needs, with emphasis on mental health, loneliness, and targeted support for vulnerable groups.
- In Oceania, SSVP works in remote areas, supporting homeless populations and funding community projects through charity shops.
- In Africa, initiatives assist at-risk families and orphans, providing education, food, emotional support and hope in areas with limited resources.
Projects Delivering Local Impact
Testimonies highlighted how social action is based on local presence, listening and customized solutions. In housing, SSVP joined the Famvin Homeless Alliance and “13 Homes” campaign, creating over 2,700 homes and supporting more than 10,800 people with safe housing and rehabilitation.
Other global impact projects included charity pharmacies in the United States delivering over 237,000 prescriptions annually, food distribution and support programs in Peru, and sanitation infrastructure improvements in Sri Lanka.
Mobile Hygiene Units in Brazil offer showers, care, and emotional support for homeless individuals, while initiatives in Oceania and Asia provide safety, cultural empowerment and resource generation for marginalized people.
Education remains central to the mission, from floating schools in Benin to university programs in Syria, opening opportunities in fragile contexts. Thousands of projects led by global humanitarian NGOs like SSVP illustrate the ongoing priority of aid for vulnerable populations.
Human Connection at the Core of the Mission
In Europe, national meetings brought together volunteers and beneficiaries, reinforcing that person-to-person care remains the foundation of Vincentian service, even within large-scale global impact projects.
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SSVP continues to develop social programs in Africa supporting orphans with daily access to food, education and care. Founded in Paris in 1833, the organization now spans 155 countries with 800,000 members and 1.5 million volunteers, reaching more than 30 million people every day. It holds UNE-EN ISO 9001:2015 certification and is registered with Spain’s ONGD-AECID development register.
This story was first reported by The International Confederation of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. Read the full article here.
