Constitution and Purpose
The International Committee for the Development of People (CISP) is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) established in 1983, with its head office in Rome. CISP’s principles and objectives are summarized in its Declaration of Intent and Code of Conduct for Cooperation Programmes available on its website (www.sviluppodeipopoli.org). The Declaration of Intent entitled “For Rights and Against Poverty. The approaches and operational priorities of CISP - Development of Peoples" was drafted with the contribution of the Rome Office and all national offices.

Main Activities and Priority Areas of Action
In cooperation with various local partners, CISP has carried out and carries out projects in the areas of humanitarian assistance,rehabilitation and development in more than 30 countries in Africa, Latin America, Middle East, Asia and East Europe. The Declaration of Intent identifies CISP priority areas of action as follows: a) The right to social and economic security: income generation opportunities, migration and development, food security, b) the right to health and access to water and sanitation; c) the right to future: the rights of children, adolescents and youth and the protection of the environment and natural resources; d) the right to humanitarian assistance: emergency and first reconstruction aid; e) support of public policies on social cohesion and civil society. In the European Union, CISP implements projects focused on awareness rising, training, education for development,fight against racism and social exclusion, promotion of international solidarity, and support of initiatives aiming at enhancing the role of Diasporas in the development of their countries of origin. In close collaboration with the Institute for Advanced Study of Pavia (IUSS) at the University of Pavia and two other NGOs, CISP successfully established the Cooperation and Development School of Pavia in 1997. The school currently manages two international Masters Programs offered in Pavia. It also promoted two international Masters in Cartagena des Indias (Colombia) and in Bethlehem (Palestine). A third similar experience is being established in Nairobi (Kenya).