NGO / Non-Profit Associations
"Transforming lives through global humanitarian action since 1965."
COOP Cooperation Internationale is a humanitarian, non-denominational, and independent organization dedicated to combating poverty and promoting global well-being. Established in 1965 by Vincenzo Barbieri, a pioneer of international volunteering in Italy, COOP is headquartered in Milan and maintains 20 local offices across the Global South.
The organization provides emergency assistance to populations affected by crises, including disasters and conflicts, while supporting their long-term civil, economic, and social development.
COOP operates in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, collaborating with local stakeholders such as civil society organizations and public administrations. In 2013 alone, the association implemented 160 projects across multiple sectors, including agriculture, water and sanitation, healthcare, humanitarian aid, human rights, education, socio-economic services, and migration—all interconnected within its integrated programs.
Additionally, COOP runs a Child Sponsorship initiative in eight countries—Peru, Haiti, Senegal, Sierra Leone, the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—supporting 2,700 children with access to food, education, healthcare, and protection.
In Italy, COOP engages in advocacy, fundraising, volunteer recruitment (with nearly 400 active volunteers), and academic collaboration, including the promotion of the Cooperation and Development Master’s program at the Institute for Advanced Study of Pavid. The organization is also an active member of several NGO networks, including Link 2007 and AGILE (Italian Humanitarian Emergency Response Agency).
COOP’s work is backed by major institutional donors, local governments, foundations, corporations, and individual contributors. Notably, the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO) recognizes COOP as a key partner.
