About us
World Needs® came into being on 26 May 2020.
From its origin as an association to becoming a Registered Trademark, evolving into a Non-Governmental Development Organisation, we have nurtured meaningful partnerships for our growth - always built on the work of volunteers.
Message from the President
André Caravela Machado
Chairman of the Board
A message from all of us, to everyone.
Over time, my academic background combined with my professional experience have, at first glance, little to do with one another. I have chaired World Needs since 2020 - and it is, by far, the role that demands the most of me, and the one that gives the most back.
André Caravela Machado
Chairman of the Board
A message from all of us, to everyone.
Over time, my academic background combined with my professional experience have, at first glance, little to do with one another. I have chaired World Needs since 2020 - and it is, by far, the role that demands the most of me, and the one that gives the most back.
World Needs has never been the work of one person. It was born in May 2020, founded by five young Portuguese people, and it has grown with every volunteer, member and partner who crossed our path and chose to stay. What we are today is the work of all of them.
We measure what we do differently: in a child learning to brush their teeth in a classroom in Cape Verde, in an elderly person who no longer spends the day alone, in a beach that is cleaner twice a year. None of this shows up on a balance sheet. And yet it is what drives us.
We work side by side with local organisations and ministries, because development only lasts when it is built with the people who live there. We arrive as partners, not as substitutes.
The volunteering we practise does not ask for heroism. It asks for consistency: people willing to show up, again, and once more. If you are already part of this, thank you. If not yet, the door is open - to everyone.
André Caravela Machado
Chairman of the Board, on behalf of World Needs
Founded by five young Portuguese people
Founded on 26 May 2020 by five young Portuguese people, World Needs® is a Non-Governmental Development Organisation, established as a private non-profit association and recognised as a Youth Association by IPDJ, I.P.
Since then, shared commitment and shared knowledge have allowed our activities and initiatives to come to life, enriching the founding idea and making it more mature and focused on our purpose. We keep growing thanks to the volunteers and members who add value to our cause - our journey continues.
Since the moment we were founded, we have been consistently approached by people who cross our path, with a genuine interest in getting involved with the Organisation. It is possibly this openness that has allowed us to welcome valuable contributions from volunteers, who enrich our journey and make possible the range of activities that today form the core of World Needs®'s identity.
Mission
To work towards social development as a driver of human recognition, promoting education, culture, science and solidarity, from a timeless and intercultural perspective.
Purpose
We work to reduce social inequality and protect the planet through volunteering.
Values
Transparency · Ethics · Morality · Respect · Cooperation
Institutional recognition
An organisation with formal status, recognised in Portugal.
Instituto Camões, I.P.
Recognised as a Non-Governmental Development Organisation (NGDO) under Portuguese development cooperation policy.
IPDJ, I.P.
Youth Association registered with the National Register of Youth Associations (RNAJ) of the Portuguese Institute for Sport and Youth.
United Nations
Satellite entity aligned with the promotion of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (2030 Agenda).
2030 Agenda & Paris Agreement
Five priority SDGs guide our work.
Our Social and Environmental Responsibility Plan makes a priority commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and reinforces our alignment with the Paris Agreement (COP21, in force since 2016), contributing to limiting the rise in global average temperature and promoting climate resilience in vulnerable communities.
Pillars of the CSR Plan
- Respect - for the environment and sustainability (SDG 13)
- Cooperation - humanitarian, in support of communities (SDGs 1, 10, 16, 17)
- Ethics and Morality - in promoting Human Rights
- Transparency - across our areas of work, with a public annual indicators report
Governance
An associative model with five governing bodies, under our Statutes.
Members of the General Assembly Board, the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Board are elected for five-year terms, with the possibility of re-election.
General Assembly
Made up of all members in full standing of their rights. Board composed of a chairperson, vice-chairperson and secretary.
Board of Directors (Executive Office)
Chairman, four Vice-Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer and eight Members. Manages and represents the Association, overseeing the World Needs Collective Trademark.
Supervisory Board
Chairperson, vice-chairperson and secretary. Oversees the Association's accounts, assets and compliance with the Statutes.
Ethics Committee
Independently monitors the dissemination and compliance of the Association's Code of Conduct.
Advisory Council
Up to ten members of recognised merit, providing guidance and advice in relation to civil society.
André Caravela Machado
Currently chairs the Board of Directors of the World Needs Association.
Institutional documents
Browse the documents that govern the Association.
Statutes, code of conduct, responsibility plan and annual reports - all available for download.
Statutes
The 18 articles governing the Association: nature, members, governing bodies and operation.
View PDF (18 pg.)Code of Conduct
The ethical principles guiding World Needs members, volunteers and collaborators.
View PDF (15 pg.)Corporate Identity Manual
The rules for using the logo, colours, typography and the rest of the brand's visual identity.
View PDF (31 pg.)Social and Environmental Responsibility Plan
The commitments, pillars and Sustainable Development Goals that guide our work.
View PDF (18 pg.)Activity Report 2025
An overview of the actions and projects carried out by the Association throughout the year.
View PDF (8 pg.)Annual Report and Accounts 2025
The Association's annual accounts, submitted for the Supervisory Board's opinion.
View PDF (8 pg.)Partnerships on the ground
We always work with local organisations.
In Cape Verde, our mission is carried out together with community associations and local institutions, who know the territory and the real needs of each community - World Needs joins as a partner, not a substitute.
Legal identification
Association details
- NameAssociação World Needs
- NIPC (Tax ID)515 989 908
- Registered officeRua Vasco da Gama, n.º 16, Vale de Cambra
- IBANPT50 0033 0000 4560 3252 529 05
- Established26 May 2020
- Legal naturePrivate non-profit association
Want to see our projects up close?
From Santiago Island to the beaches of Aveiro - see where we work and how to take part.