The Fundación Ayuda en Acción announces the appointment of Rafael Dezcallar as the new Chairman of its Board of Trustees. Dezcallar, a diplomat with an extensive international career, will take over from Jaime Montalvo, who from now on will be Honorary Chairman.
Throughout his career, Dezcallar has been Spanish Ambassador to China, Germany and Ethiopia. He has also served as Deputy Director-General for the United Nations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation and as Director-General for Foreign Policy. In addition, since the end of 2020, he has served as Vice Chairman of the Ayuda en Acción's Board of Trustees.
“Chairing the Ayuda en Acción Board of Trustees is a unique opportunity to contribute to the creation of opportunities for those most in need, with a special focus on youth and future generations,” said Dezcallar after his appointment.
The diplomat acknowledged the important global challenges of today, underlining that Ayuda en Acción's values should guide its international action: “Our commitment to human rights, independence and transparency, empathy as a fundamental principle and a commitment to innovation are the pillars that will drive us forward. These values will guide us in our search for solutions that will have a lasting impact on communities”.
In addition to his diplomatic career, Dezcallar has lectured at world-renowned universities and published books and articles in nationally and internationally recognized media.
Jesús Gracia, Paloma Bravo and Milagros Paniagua: new members of the Board of Trustees
Along with the change in the Chairmanship, our Board of Trustees has been reinforced with new members. This October, diplomat Jesús Gracia, who has served as State Secretary for International Cooperation and for Ibero-America, as well as Director of the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Spanish Ambassador to Rome and Havana, has joined as a member.
Paloma Bravo and Milagros Paniagua joined Ayuda en Acción's Board of Trustees last June. Bravo is a writer and a content, marketing and communications specialist, and is currently the General Manager of Communications and Institutional Relations at Vocento. Paniagua is a specialist in data analysis and the use of information technologies applied to social sciences, and between 2020 and 2023 she was Secretary General for Social Inclusion and Social Welfare Objectives and Policies at the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration.
Jaime Montalvo: “I will always be related to this organization that I love so much”.
Jaime Montalvo has been a key figure in Ayuda en Acción since joining the Board of Trustees in 1999, serving as Chairman since October 2003. During his leadership, Montalvo has been a key player in the institutional strengthening of the organization and in the development of strategies to combat poverty and inequality at a global level. His experience as President of the Economic and Social Council and his knowledge of Latin America have been invaluable to the Foundation. He will now continue as Honorary Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
"I will always be related to the organization that I love so much. I firmly believe in all the work done and in all the opportunities for the future of the organization,” he said after the changeover.
Ayuda en Acción expresses its sincere gratitude to Jaime Montalvo for his commitment, dedication and leadership during these years, and welcomes Rafael Dezcallar, being confident that his management will contribute to the growth and strengthening of our mission in favor of the most vulnerable communities.