February 2022

 

We’re delighted to give you a quick preview of the results of the MSC Foundation’s work in 2021, advancing our existing programmes and launching new ones despite the ongoing challenges of the Covid pandemic.

 

Perhaps most important of all, we demonstrated our truly global emergency response capabilities during the year, leading 17 prompt relief initiatives in 14 countries. From assisting actions that combat COVID to supporting communities devastated by hurricanes, volcanic eruptions and urban disasters, our Foundation was able to provide swift, life-changing support for thousands of people in need around the world.

 

Our commitment to the blue planet saw us continue to advocate and partner worldwide for environmental conservation, organising the Expert Panel Discussion “Save the Coral, Save the Oceans” on MSC Seashore, which provided a productive platform for 5 key international coral restoration experts.

 

The day afterwards, we launched the construction of the MSC Marine Conservation Centre on Ocean Cay, with a ground-breaking ceremony involving the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Right Honourable Philip Davis.

 

We also continued to grow, building strategic conservation partnerships to restore ocean health with the University of Miami, NOVA Southeastern University and the Ba’a Foundation in Saudi Arabia.

 

We supported the production of eco-friendly bricks from recycled plastic waste and built 10 more classrooms for a total of 50 in the Ivory Coast under our Plastic Waste Goes to School programme, which won a UNICEF Global Inspire Award.

 

And we celebrated 10 years of partnership with Mercy Ships, bringing hope and healing across Africa thanks to its dedicated volunteers. Overall, they’ve performed 19,740 free surgeries and 218,100 dental procedures, while also providing medical training for 15,150 participants.

 

Then, nearing the end of the year, we donated “Festive Smiles” gifts to 180 children from families in need in Switzerland during the holiday season.

 

Those are just some of the year’s achievements we are proud to inform you of as a valued MSC Cruises guest. Soon you’ll be able to read about all of them on the mscfoundation.org.