In its 2017 report, Dianova committed to aligning its objectives with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development

Press release – 6,729 people benefited from the Dianova network’s physical and mental health, and prevention and addiction treatment programmes; 3,373, of education and training activities, and 729, of social and humanitarian initiatives. In total, 10,831 people from various regions of the world received assistance from Dianova member organizations in these three main areas during 2017.

Since 2014, Dianova has endeavoured to integrate new, associate and affiliate members to reinforce a network that is now operating in 20 countries in Africa, America, Asia and Europe[1]. “For Dianova International, it is important to further expand its cooperation network: having a stronger network implies having a greater capacity to develop advocacy activities in international organizations and being able to inspire changes in national policies”, explained Montse Rafel, Director General of the NGO.

View summary, download report or read introduction by Dianova’s president here

A Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals

The Dianova Network is committed to aligning its objectives with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, a global action plan approved by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 that seeks to eradicate extreme poverty, reduce inequalities and preserve the environment.

In the Education and training area (SDG 4), the network activities point to technical training; formal and non-formal education for young people in vulnerable situations; raise awareness of gender equality, climate change, respect for human rights and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles; and the implementation of school-based substance abuse prevention activities.

One of the central goal that drives the Dianova Network is to contribute to people’s development and empowerment. Educational activities also aim to develop a number of social and technical skills necessary for effective social and vocational integration, especially for people at risk of social exclusion and other vulnerable populations.

As regards the Physical and mental health and addiction area (SDG 3), the network is focused on helping people to recover their self-confidence and to achieve self-reliance. Activities consist of evaluation, diagnosis and referral services; assistance services in the HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and other pathologies fields; a series of addiction prevention and treatment programmes (including drug and alcohol addiction, internet addiction disorders, and dual pathology); assistance programmes for other mental health disorders; and social reintegration programmes. In this regard, advocacy initiatives are developed at the national and international levels to reinforce policies and programmes in these domains.

Dianova’s Social and Humanitarian Support programmes (SDGs 8, 10 and 11) include housing and community support services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness; professional integration programmes; reception services for migrants and refugees, and distribution of food and medicine.

International Relations and Advocacy

The areas of activity of the Dianova Network include two main cross-cutting themes: gender equality (SDGs 5 and 10) and, partnerships and cooperation (SDG 17). In 2017 alone, representatives of Dianova International along with its members and partners, participated or contributed to more than a hundred events in 14 countries on three continents (America, Europe and Asia), including, among others, conferences, international forums and expert committees. International relations and advocacy activities have increased 53% with respect to 2016, through the development of Dianova International activities in New York (USA).

Lastly, more than 4 million people have been impacted by Dianova’s awareness and health promotion campaigns.

About Dianova

Dianova is an international NGO which comprises associations and foundations operating in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa. Dianova’s member organizations contribute to the development of individuals, communities and organizations through a variety of programmes and interventions in the social, health and humanitarian sectors.

Principal Affiliations

Dianova International has Special Consultative Status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC), it is a registered civil society organization to the Organization of American States (OAS) and an official partner of UNESCO. Dianova is also a member of the executive boards of: the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationships with the United Nations (CoNGO), the World Federation of Therapeutic Communities (WFTC), the NGO Committee on Mental Health, and the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs (VNGOC).

For additional information, please contact

• Ms. Montserrat Rafel Herrero, Director General
• Tel. (34) 93 636 57 30
• E-mail: montse.rafel@dianova.ngo | Web: www.dianova.ngo

[1] Four organizations have become members of the Dianova Network in 2018; they are therefore not included in the 2017 annual report – read article