A Letter from the Founder (Madrid, 2001)
The objective of the Rafael del Pino Foundation is to contribute to improving the knowledge of Spain’s leaders of the future; encouraging personal initiative; and upholding the principles of the free market and free enterprise.
Our leaders have shown over many years that with tenacity and effort they can reach places of excellence in all fields of knowledge and professional and business activities. That is why I believe it is worth dedicating our efforts to ensuring that both today’s Spanish leaders and those of tomorrow can successfully develop their full potential in a progressively globalised world in which competitiveness is a fundamental reference.
The Foundation does not restrict the concept of leader to the business world. The notion of leader should apply to a wide spectrum of activities associated with different fields of knowledge, in which I would highlight the following: the economy and enterprise, the law and justice, the media, politics and public management, international relations and education.
Our historical and cultural heritage is important. For this reason the Foundation also wishes to promote knowledge of history, contribute to protecting Hispanic cultural heritage and foster the growing importance of the Spanish language as a vehicle for communication in the world.
I have set up the Rafael del Pino Foundation to give back to Spanish society a part of what that same society has given to me in the course of my personal and professional life. It is my wish that the Foundation be independent and enjoy a long life. For that I have the commitment of my family.
Over the many years that I have spent in business, I have learned that institutions, like buildings or roads, are built step by step, with some haste, and above all without interruptions. Objectives must also be achieved with a desire for excellence. I hope the Foundation will pursue them with the spirit of effort that has inspired all of the people who have worked with me over my more than 50 years of professional life.
Rafael del Pino y Moreno