The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) has consistently demonstrated strong commitment to the social sector. Its collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs began in 2008, focusing on key areas such as youth participation in local governance, the promotion of gender equality, and the strengthening of systems for delivering high-quality social services to the population.
The approach agreed upon with the Ministry has evolved along two complementary and synergistic levels. At the strategic level, the Italian contribution has been structured around three pillars:
- i) optimizing available resources;
- ii) developing a legislative framework aimed at delivering person-centered social services;
- iii) promoting a model for Social Development Centres (SDCs), including the definition of regulations and procedures.
At the operational level, the strategy has involved defining the catchment area for each SDC and facilitating the delivery of socio-health services. Notable achievements include: the geolocation of centres to ensure more efficient resource management; the development of an IT system for digitizing medical records and data analysis; the establishment of procedures and standards aimed at improving service quality and accessibility.
Currently, AICS continues its commitment to service delivery within the framework of Delegated Cooperation Programs, which build upon the initiatives implemented under bilateral agreements between Italy and Lebanon.
In this context, the 2025 Pilot Program for Integrated Services for Persons with Disabilities aims to contribute both to the strengthening of social policies targeting individuals with disabilities and to the systematic and complementary provision of services. The initiative involves collaboration between the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Public Health, and the Ministry of Education, with technical assistance provided by the Global Health Centre of the Tuscany Region and AICS.