A story that sets us apart
Justice, our DNA
We are a Non-Governmental Organization that has been fighting for social, economic and environmental justice in the world since 1964.
We are part of a global popular movement born to change the world, starting with ourselves.
The criticism of a system that generates inequalities and the push for greater justice are part of the history and present of Mani Tese, a movement that realizes its ideals with concrete actions, practical examples of a possible alternative.
For the rights of the weakest since the beginning
A long plot of civil passion
Mani Tese was born in 1964 as a popular movement to denounce and fight injustice and inequality in the world. At the end of the 60s and the beginning of the 70s Mani Tese promoted large non-violent demonstrations to fight hunger and poverty and for cooperation between peoples.
1967
Launch of the "Operation 1%" campaign which proposes individual self-taxation and the commitment of public bodies (municipalities, state).
1968
The first "National Day of Fight Against Hunger" is organized, which takes shape in various initiatives in the main Italian cities.
1968
The "work camps" initiative is starting on a national scale: collection of materials and study are an opportunity to raise awareness and bring together young people.
1969
Since its inception, Mani Tese has financed 308 micro-projects for a value of 415 million lire and emergency interventions for a value of 114 million.
1970
The first national "march" was organized and took place in Parma with the participation of 18 thousand people.
1971
An international march for development takes place in Rome: about 100.000 participants. On this occasion, a delegation from Mani Tese is received by the Prime Minister.
1972
A march for justice is held in Florence, attended by 35.000 young people. Speakers include Monsignor Camara, Follerau, and Father Rogers.
1977
Launch of "work camps" for the recovery of used clothes, so that they can be recycled and become an instrument of solidarity.
1985
In the International Year of Youth, the National Conference entitled "Youth, Development and the Participation of Peoples" is held in Florence.
1989
Big conference "Latin America Es Tu Hora".
1993
"Participation of Peoples for a New World Society" becomes the theme of the 1993 International Conference in Florence "This World is Also Ours", attended by approximately 1300 people and 61 NGOs.
1996
Mani Tese directs the "New International Economic Order Campaign" on the financialization of the economy and in particular on the Tobin Tax.
2006
Mani Tese is awarded the concession of the ethical brand of the Italian Donation Institute "Donare con Fiducia". Mani Tese organizes the conference "Chi Global? Citizens of a world between centers and peripheries" in Riva del Garda.
2008
Mani Tese contributes to the launch in Italy of the Global Campaign for Education. Mani Tese organizes in Riva del Garda the International Conference "The Balances of Hunger: Is Cooperation the Answer?".
2011
The conference "We are what we eat. The right to food, democracy, markets" is held at the Palazzo dei Congressi in Florence. Two series of broadcasts are produced by Radio Popolare Network on the project "From sovereignty to food security".
2012
Theatrical tour "When I eat I feel like a king" in 9 provincial capitals with the actor Diego Parassole and the jazz singer Cinzia Tedesco.
2015
Expo dei Popoli is the global forum of peasant movements and civil society organized by 52 Italian associations and NGOs and 14 international networks coordinated by Mani Tese.
2016
Mani Tese launches the campaign "I exist – Say no to modern slavery" with the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi and is received by the Pope in Rome.
2018
Mani Tese participates in the March for Peace and Brotherhood Perugia-Assisi.
2019
Mani Tese creates in Milan the interactive installation "The Fashion Experience" that explains the environmental and social impact of fast fashion.
2020
During the pandemic Mani Tese delivers food and medical devices to Africa, India and Guatemala.
2021
Reattiva is born, the social enterprise of Mani Tese dedicated to training.
1964: Mani Tese is born
In December, the Mani Tese Federation was officially established, with its own Statute, as a lay movement that aims to conduct a campaign against hunger with method and continuity.
1965: First project in Bangladesh
The first project in Bangladesh is funded.
1966: Civil Service
The campaign for civil service is launched.
1967: Operation 1%
Launch of the "Operation 1%" campaign which proposes individual self-taxation and the commitment of public bodies (municipalities, state).
1968: World Day of Fight Against Hunger
The first "National Day of Fight Against Hunger" is organized, which takes the form of various initiatives in the main Italian cities. The "work camps" initiative starts on a national scale: collection of materials and study are an opportunity to raise awareness and bring together young people.
1969: 308 micro-realizations
Since its inception, Mani Tese has financed 308 micro-projects for a value of 415 million lire and emergency interventions for a value of 114 million.
1970: On the march in Parma
The first national "march" was organized and took place in Parma with the participation of 18 thousand people.
1971: Marching to Rome
An international march for development takes place in Rome: about 100.000 participants. On this occasion, a delegation from Mani Tese is received by the Prime Minister.
1972: Marching in Florence
A march for justice is held in Florence, attended by 35.000 young people. Speakers include Monsignor Camara, Follerau, and Father Rogers.
1973: On the march to Brussels
NGO march-demonstration in Brussels to demand greater cooperation between the EEC and Third World countries.
1974: At the FAO in Rome
Participation in the World Food Conference at FAO in Rome as delegates
1975: NGO/EEC Conference in Brussels
Participation in the 1st NGO/EEC conference in Brussels to verify the possibility of collaboration in the implementation of projects under the Lomé Agreement. Mani Tese proposes a World Day of Information on Development Problems in Italy; on this occasion the film "5 Minutes to Midnight" is screened in Rome at the Palazzo dei Congressi.
1976: The Mani Tese '76 Association is born
The Mani Tese '76 Association is established, with the Mani Tese Federation ceding all of its activities, assets and the Mani Tese brand.
1977: Launch of "work camps"
Launch of “work camps” for the recovery of used clothes, so that they can be recycled and become an instrument of solidarity.
1978: Alternative Trade Campaign
Launch of awareness campaign for alternative trade.
1979: "A Day Off for the Third World"
"A Day Off for the Third World" Campaign.
1980: Mani Tese recognized as an NGO
Mani Tese is recognized as an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the ability to carry out cooperation activities in developing countries.
1981: National Third World Week
National Third World Week. In March 1981 Mani Tese was established as a Moral Entity by decree of the President of the Republic.
1982: Cooperation proposal
In response to the appeal of 1300 mayors for the approval of a bill against extermination by hunger, Mani Tese proposes to improve the quality of cooperation interventions.
1983: Peace March in Geneva
Mani Tese launches the idea of a Peace March in Geneva. In the field of micro-realizations Mani Tese transmits 1 billion and 134 million of which 161 for emergency programs.
1984: 20 years of Mani Tese
For the 20th anniversary of Mani Tese, a special edition of the monthly magazine and a seminar on the philosophy and image of the association are being produced.
1985: National Youth Conference
In the International Year of Youth, the National Conference entitled "Youth, Development and the Participation of Peoples" is held in Florence.
1986: Campaign against weapons
The Documentation Center is born for the collection and classification of documents on development issues. The Campaign against the "Merchants of Death" begins, to put pressure on the parliamentarians of the Defense Committees of the Chamber and Senate and to review the law on arms production and trafficking.
1987: "Democracy is Participation"
First "Democracy is Participation" Campaign. The "Recycling and Solidarity" Cooperative is established in Milan.
1988: CRES is born
The "Development Education Research Center" (CRES) is formally established and receives recognition from the Ministry of Education for the creation of training sessions for teachers.
1989: Latin America Conference
Big conference "Latin America Es Tu Hora".
1990: Launch of the "Eritrea Campaign"
A press conference heralds the launch of the “Eritrea Campaign”.
1991: "Reversing Columbus' Course" Initiative
The cultural initiative "Reversing Columbus' Course" is held in Genoa. The Bulgarini publishing house publishes "Tropical Forests: What Future?" and "Brazil, the Land of Others".
1992: Intervention in the Somalia emergency
Conference "Eritrea, What Future" as part of the Eritrea Campaign. The Somalia emergency explodes, Mani Tese moves on multiple fronts: fundraising for a rapid response program, and denunciation of the responsibilities of the Italian Government. The Veneto Region awards Mani Tese the Veneto Peace Prize.
1993: International Conference in Florence
'Participation of Peoples for a New World Society' becomes the theme of the 1993 International Conference in Florence 'This World is Ours Too', attended by approximately 1300 people and 61 NGOs.
1994: Anti-Mine Campaign
The Anti-Mine Campaign is launched. The Rwanda Emergency explodes in all its drama. Mani Tese, together with other European NGOs, participates in the implementation of a program in the regions of Mutare and Bugesera, aimed at the resettlement of 200.000 refugees.
1995: Global Campaign on Women
Mani Tese joins the Global Campaign on Women held in Beijing. International conference “the future that unites us. Civil society’s responses to globalization” with over 1000 participants.
1996: "New International Economic Order"
Mani Tese directs the “New International Economic Order Campaign” towards the financialization of the economy and in particular towards the Tobin Tax.
1997: Nobel Prize for the campaign against landmines
The “Italian Campaign against Mines”, coordinated by Mani Tese, wins the Nobel Peace Prize.
1998: "Banca Popolare Etica" is born
The “Verso la Banca Etica” Cooperative becomes “Banca Popolare Etica” and Mani Tese is a founding member.
1999: Preparation "Millenium Assembly"
Mani Tese participates in the Commission for Social Development and is involved in the preparation of the “Millenium Assembly”, the General Assembly that the United Nations will hold in 2000.
2000: Global March Coordination
The notable success achieved by the Global March in Italy led the International Secretariat of the Global March to ask Mani Tese to preside over the European coordination of the Movement.
2001: “Earth is the only one we have”
Mani Tese adheres to and promotes the self-managed popular Referendum “The Earth is the only one we have and it is not for sale”. In April 2001, the Mani Tese members gathered in Assembly decide to change the name of the association from “MANI TESE'76” to “MANI TESE”.
2002: World Economic Forum in Davos
Mani Tese is present: at the World Economic Forum in Davos, which took place in Porto Alegre, at the extraordinary edition of the Perugia-Assisi March to say enough to the massacre of the Palestinian and Israeli peoples and at the European Social Forum.
2003: WTO Conference in Cancun
Mani Tese participates in the World Trade Organization Conference in Cancun. The Banca Etica credit card is launched.
2004: The Social Cooperative is born
The Mani Tese Social Cooperative is born. Mani Tese promotes the first world conference of former child workers.
2005: No Tav membership
Mani Tese joins the mobilization that opposes the construction of the High Speed/High Capacity line on the Turin-Lyon route.
2006: Ethical brand "Donate with Trust"
Mani Tese is awarded the concession of the ethical brand of the Italian Donation Institute “Donare con Fiducia”. Mani Tese organizes the conference “Chi Global? Citizens of a world between centers and peripheries” in Riva del Garda.
2007: First Feltrinelli campaign
First edition of the fundraising campaign “Much more than a gift package” in partnership with Feltrinelli bookstores.
2008: Global Campaign for Education
Mani Tese contributes to the launch of the Global Campaign for Education in Italy. Mani Tese organizes the International Conference “The Balances of Hunger: Is Cooperation the Answer?” in Riva del Garda.
2010: “Campaign for Food Sovereignty”
Mani Tese launches the “Campaign for Food Sovereignty” which reaches over 1 million people and collects 10 thousand signatures that are delivered to the European Parliament.
2011: Conference "We are what we eat"
The conference “We are what we eat. The right to food, democracy, markets” is held at the Palazzo dei Congressi in Florence. Two series of broadcasts are produced by Radio Popolare Network on the project “From sovereignty to food security”.
2012: The Committee for the Expo of the Peoples is born
The Committee for the Expo of the Peoples is established.
2013: 10.000 signatures delivered to the European Parliament
To ask for a new CAP - Common Agricultural Policy that supports small-scale farmers and leads the transition to fairer and more sustainable food supply chains. The World March for Food Sovereignty takes place. Inside, the theatrical tour “When I eat I feel like a king”.
2014: “The Right Future” Campaign
Mani Tese promotes the Campaign “The Right Future” for access, management and control of natural resources, financing the production of the film denunciation: “Adelante Petroleros”.
2015: The Expo of Peoples takes place in Milan
180 delegates from over 50 countries around the world respond to the challenge launched by Expo 2015 “Feeding the Planet” with a ten-point declaration entitled “Food Sovereignty and Agroecology to cure sick food systems”
2016: Launch of the "I exist" campaign
Mani Tese launches the campaign “I exist – Say no to modern slavery” with the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi and is received by the Pope in Rome.
2017: Federation of Hands Tense
The MANI TESE ETS FEDERATION is born, a new reality made up of national, local and territorial organizations that draw on the experience and history of the Mani Tese Association, which has been committed to fighting injustice in the world for over 50 years.
2018: Made in Justice Program Launch
Mani Tese launches the Made in Justice program to educate, inform and collaborate with the public opinion on the limits of “business as usual” and on the virtues of new ethical and inclusive business models, involving civil society actors (profit and non-profit) in a path of dialogue and collaboration that can translate sustainability into daily practices.
2019: The fashion experience
For the first time Mani Tese organizes an interactive experiential installation to raise awareness of the true cost of fast fashion, the “disposable” fashion that has become widespread in recent years. “THE FASHION EXPERIENCE – the truth about what you wear” is visited in Milan by over 5000 people.
2020: The beauty of staying
During the pandemic, Mani Tese organizes a series of meetings with experts to address an unknown and unexpected historical period. Among the various meetings, we particularly highlight the talk “Pandemic under investigation” with guests Federica Angeli, Gad Lerner, Tiziana Ferrario, Gianluigi Nuzzi, Eva Giovannini, Francesco Piccinini, Stefania Prandi, Riccardo Iacona and Emilio Ciarlo.
2021: Reattiva is born
Reattiva is born, the social enterprise of Mani Tese dedicated to training. Mani Tese participates in COP26 in Glasgow through its Country Manager in Kenya.
2022: Mani Tese condemns the war in Ukraine
Volunteers from some local branches are making their spaces available for the collection and distribution of basic necessities for Ukrainian refugees.
2022: Mani Tese condemns the war in Ukraine
Volunteers from some local branches are making their spaces available for the collection and distribution of basic necessities for Ukrainian refugees.
2023: Mani Tese is part of the Due Diligence Impresa 2030
Italian campaign for mandatory European due diligence on human rights and environmental issues.
2024: Mani Tese Turns 60!
Un anno di iniziative per celebrare lo storico impegno della ONG che dal 1964 si batte per la giustizia nel mondo.
Inaugurazione della sede a Bruxelles: un nuovo punto di riferimento per l'impegno sociale e ambientale nel cuore dell'Europa