Prince of Asturias Foundation

Prince of Asturias Foundation The Prince of Asturias Foundation (not to be confused with the Asturias region in Spain) is a non-profit organization established in 1984 by Felipe González, the then Prime Minister of Spain, and Juan Carlos I of Spain, the King of Spain, with the aim of promoting cultural, scientific, and social development. The foundation is named after Afonso, Prince of Asturias, the eldest son of King Alfonso XIII of Spain and Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain, who died before his father. The foundation's main objective is to contribute to the development of Spain and the Ibero-American community. The foundation is headquartered in Oviedo, Asturias, Spain, and has a significant presence in Madrid.

History and establishment

The Prince of Asturias Foundation was established by Royal Decree on October 18, 1984, with the goal of promoting cultural, scientific, and social development in Spain and Ibero-America. The foundation was created as a result of the merger of two previous institutions: the Prince of Asturias award and the Asturias Foundation. The foundation's first president was Felipe González, who played a crucial role in shaping its mission and objectives. Juan Carlos I of Spain also played a significant role in the establishment of the foundation, providing royal support and patronage.

Awards and prizes

The Prince of Asturias Foundation is best known for its annual Prince of Asturias Awards, which recognize outstanding achievements in various fields, including the arts, sciences, and social work. The awards are considered one of the most prestigious honors in the Ibero-American world, and are often referred to as the "Nobels of the Hispanic world". The awards are presented in several categories, including Literature, Arts, Science and Technology, and Social Sciences. Past winners of the awards include Mario Vargas Llosa, Pablo Picasso, and Nelson Mandela, as well as Alberto Calsoleras, José Saramago, and Mirella Maiorca.

Organizational structure

The Prince of Asturias Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees, which is composed of prominent individuals from various fields, including politics, culture, and science. The board is chaired by the King of Spain, who serves as the foundation's Patron. The foundation also has a Secretariat, which is responsible for the day-to-day management of the organization. The Secretariat is headed by a Secretary General, who is appointed by the Board of Trustees. Felipe González served as the foundation's first president, and was succeeded by Alfonso Maturana.

Cultural and social initiatives

The Prince of Asturias Foundation is involved in a wide range of cultural and social initiatives, including the promotion of education, culture, and social welfare. The foundation supports various programs and projects aimed at promoting Ibero-American cooperation and exchange, including the Prince of Asturias Youth Forum, which brings together young people from across the Ibero-American world to discuss issues of common interest. The foundation also supports various NGOs and non-profit organizations working in areas such as education, health, and human rights.

International presence and influence

The Prince of Asturias Foundation has a significant international presence, with partnerships and collaborations with various organizations and institutions around the world. The foundation is a member of the Network of Foundations of the Ibero-American Summit, which brings together foundations and institutions from across the Ibero-American world to promote cooperation and exchange. The foundation also has partnerships with various universities and research institutions, including Harvard University and the University of Salamanca, and has supported various international initiatives aimed at promoting peace, democracy, and human rights, including the Inter-American Development Bank and the United Nations Development Programme. Juan Carlos I of Spain has played a significant role in promoting the foundation's international presence and influence.