Assicurazioni Generali, one of the world's largest insurance companies, today announces the launch of The Human Safety Net, a global initiative to support the most vulnerable communities. The Human Safety Net is promoted by Generali, but is open to alliances and partnerships between individuals and organizations that share its values and mission.
Improving and protecting people's lives
The Human Safety Net is based on the belief that creating communities of people who help other people can bring about long-term change. It responds to Generali's commitment to help create a healthy, resilient and sustainable society, where people can progress and thrive. The Human Safety Net's programs address three important socio-demographic issues affecting the communities in which we live and work: creating equal life opportunities for children in disadvantaged situations, helping refugees create their start-ups and saving newborns from debilitating and potentially fatal consequences of asphyxiation. These programs respond to three different challenges, but share a single goal: to unlock the potential of disadvantaged people so they can transform their lives, those of their families and the communities in which they live.
An impressive restoration project that will reconnect and give new life to Piazza San Marco
As part of its long-term commitment, Generali will create a headquarters for The Human Safety Net within one of its most prized real estate assets: the Procuratie Vecchie in the emblematic Piazza San Marco in Venice. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and synonymous with creativity, ingenuity and inclusiveness, the city of Venice represents the ideal location for The Human Safety Net.
Generali is engaged in an important restoration project of the Procuratie Vecchie which will also include other parts of the square and the Royal Gardens. When the works are completed, some historic routes will be recreated, creating a renewed flow within the area of Piazza San Marco. Generali has assigned the restoration of the Procuratie Vecchie to the well-known architect David Chipperfield who, respecting its historical and cultural heritage, will transform the building into the beating heart of The Human Safety Net. The Procuratie Vecchie will open their doors to anyone looking for inspiration in the projects of The Human Safety Net or want to exchange ideas, volunteer or promote collective action. The hub will host regular exhibitions, events and public discussions on pressing demographic and societal challenges, from poverty to immigration.
Comment by Philippe Donnet, Chief Executive Officer of the Generali Group: “The beauty of Venice is a source of inspiration for the whole world and Generali is very proud to enrich the artistic heritage of the city through the restoration of Piazza San Marco. By opening these historic spaces to the public for the first time in 500 years, we are creating a dynamic new space where people can come together to discuss some of the most pressing social issues facing our global society today. We are grateful to the Venetian authorities for their support in this project. Venice has always been a crossroads of different cultures from all over the world and our hope is that this tradition can be further enriched by The Human Safety Net and its “people helping people” movement. David Chipperfield was a natural fit, due to his love of Venice and his vision for a heritage-friendly renovation both architecturally and socially.”
David Chipperfield, founder of David Chipperfield Architects: “The Human Safety Net and its headquarters in Venice, a city steeped in history and culture, bring knowledge and inspiration to the community. I am happy to work on this project which, architecturally and socially coherent, will involve and unite ideas and people from all over the world. Working in synergy with Generali aims to transform the Procuratie Vecchie into a dynamic space that represents the global mission of The Human Safety Net and at the same time preserves the imposing beauty and history of the buildings.”
Three programs
THE HUMAN SAFETY NET for families: This program will promote equal life opportunities for children growing up in poverty. The Human Safety Net will support 30.000 parents in the first six years of their children's lives, which is scientifically proven to be the most formative period. During these years, what the child will achieve in school, health and career takes shape.
THE HUMAN SAFETY NET for refugee start-ups: Generali has taken a different approach to addressing the refugee crisis in Europe. The program aims to realize the entrepreneurial potential of refugees so that they can obtain livelihoods in their new 'home country' with dignity. The goal is to help refugees create 500 new businesses, jobs and professional opportunities.
THE HUMAN SAFETY NET for infants: Generali will work with the medical community and parents to improve prevention and treatment for a devastating newborn disease called 'asphyxia'. Asphyxiation disables many children for the rest of their lives and sometimes even leads to a tragic death. The program aims to train and equip professionals to help save 1.000 lives from this potentially fatal disease. Generali employees across the Group submitted more than 300 project ideas to benefit the communities to The Human Safety Net team. The three selected programs share the goal of unlocking the potential of disadvantaged people. Generali aspires to involve its entire organization in the initiative, including its customers, other individuals and NGOs who share its vision. This chain of 'people helping other people' is at the heart of the initiative.
