JANUARY 2017
Dear Readers,
When we cross the symbolic threshold of a new year, we may admittedly be fearful but also hopeful of all that it can bring.
We know the reasons for our fears and they are largely justified. But none of the bad news the world is facing is irreversible – except for the extinction of species, for which we must fulfil our duty to remember so that the slaughter can finally be brought to an end. By setting a new course, we can fix our sights on new horizons. And there was good news, too, in 2016: China closed 1000 coal mines; the Divest/Invest movement, which the Foundation was one of the first in France to join, enabled $5 trillion to be divested from fossil fuel holdings; world hunger is at its lowest level in 25 years; violence is generally in decline; life expectancy in Africa has increased by 9.4 years. We must accordingly continue to act, at all levels – individual and collective – as we are all responsible, and civil society has a vital role to play.
Since 2004, Fondation Ensemble has played its own role by committing nearly € 22.5 million and partnering 265 projects. The outcomes of the call for proposals just launched on our website will enable us to continue playing an active role in 2017. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who has faithfully supported us from the very beginning: our strongly committed board of directors, our ever efficient board of experts, our project sponsors, our local and international partner associations and, of course, the Foundation’s excellent team! For let us never forget the connections that bind us all … together.
Jacqueline Délia Brémond
Co-Chair/Co-Funder
