About us
Organization
ASIA, Association for International Solidarity in Asia, was founded in 1988, on the initiative of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, Dzogchen Master and profound connoisseur of Tibetan culture and history. The Association is the practical expression of his commitment: to protect the identity and future of the Himalayan peoples through International solidarity.
As a nongovernmental organization (NGO), ASIA is accredited by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and is classified as a third sector organization (ETS) under Italian law. It is registered in the National Register of the Third Sector (RUNTS) under no. 7299 at the Directorate of Health, Welfare, and Social Cohesion – Department of Welfare and Social Innovation of the Region of Tuscany.
ASIA operates across the Asian continent, particularly in India, Nepal, Mongolia, Myanmar, and Bhutan, as well as in Italy.
Since its founding, it has supported more than 1,500,000 people.
In addition to gaining expertise and experience in managing development and emergency projects, ASIA and its entire staff—both in Italy and around the world—have embraced and internalized the values encountered in many of the ancient cultures they have worked with. Values such as awareness, compassion, altruism, openness to different cultures, and the direct involvement of local communities have become an integral part of ASIA's approach.
Our association's goal is not only to fight poverty, but also to foster a culture of peace and tolerance, contributing to the creation of a better society - one that respects both individuals and the environment in which they live.
Our Vision
ASIA considers the cultural diversities, traditions, and historical heritage of the peoples of the Asian continent—and in particular of Tibet and the Himalayan area—as an invaluable wealth to be safeguarded and transmitted to future generations, through sustainable and participatory development of the custodian communities. In particular, ASIA shares the values of peace, respect, and tolerance that are inherent to the Tibetan cultural and spiritual tradition, and considers them a heritage of all humanity.
Our Mission
ASIA works for the conservation of the identity and the historical and cultural heritage of the peoples of the Asian continent, with particular attention to Tibet and the Himalayan area. It promotes sustainable development processes that place local communities—with their human, cultural, and environmental resources—at the centre.
ASIA is committed to ensuring sustainable development for the communities of the countries in which it operates.
Every project, large or small, responds to the values that underpin our mission and the needs of local communities.
We are at the forefront of emergency management, we protect the historical, cultural, spiritual and environmental heritage of the communities of the Himalayas and Southeast Asia, and we ensure education, health and training to free populations from poverty and vulnerability.
In Italy too, we carry forward initiatives aimed at raising civil society's awareness of the principles of global citizenship education and interdependence among all beings, to actively build a more just world.
Cultural and Environmental Respect
We honor local traditions, biodiversity, and ancient knowledge as vital to humanity's future. We work to preserve, uplift, and share them.
Participation
We know that real change happens when people come together. That's why collaboration—with communities, partners, and donors—is at the heart of everything we do.
Interdependence
Everything is connected. Even the smallest action has an impact. That's why we choose sustainable practices and care deeply for the environment.
Education
Education is a basic right—and a powerful tool for better futures. We work to ensure children can learn while honoring their cultural roots.
Solidarity
We stand for empathy, dignity, and fairness. A better world is possible when we care for one another.
Transparency
We manage our resources with care, integrity, and accountability—backed by audits, clear reporting, and rigorous internal controls.
Bylaws
ASIA's bylaws, drafted and registered in accordance with Italy's Third Sector Code, set out the fundamental rules governing the organization's operations, its internal structure, and its social purpose—fully aligned with ASIA's mission of solidarity, inclusion, and respect for local cultures.
The document defines the institutional activities ASIA may carry out in pursuit of its goals, outlines the organization's governance and representation, and details the roles and responsibilities of its various governing bodies, all of which are committed to upholding ASIA's founding values.
Download the bylawsGovernance
The highest governing body of ASIA is the General Assembly of Members. It is responsible for setting the overall direction of the Association and approving both the annual budget and financial statements, with the fiscal year ending on December 31. Every three years, the Assembly elects the Board of Directors, the President (who serves as the legal representative), the Board of Auditors, and the Board of Arbitrators. All roles are voluntary, have a three-year term, and are eligible for re-election. The ASIA Governance currently in office covers the three-year period 2023–2026.
Board of Directors
- Andrea Dell'Angelo
- Giorgio Cancelliere
- Riccardo Ducci
- Gabriele Mugnai
- Daniela Garbo
- Gaetano Ruvolo
- Wolfgang Schweiger
- Roberto Zamparo
Board of Auditors / Single Auditor
- Francesco Laurìa
Board of Arbitrators
- Marco Almici
- Carla Caponi
- Leopoldo Sentinelli
Network
Interdependence has been a guiding principle of ASIA's work since its foundation. We believe that collaboration and connection between different organizations brings immense added value. For this reason, we have chosen to be part of networks and alliances that share our values and vision.
- La Gabbianella, a coordination network of 46 associations involved in Long Distance Sponsorship
- Tavolo della Pace (Peace Table)
- Tavolo Nuova cooperazione – a civic committee of the City of Rome
- Mountain Partnership