Mr President of the Republic, Mr Ministers, Mr Representative of the ICRC, Excellencies, Presidents and Secretaries General of National Societies, Dear Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,
In a few moments, the curtain will fall on our five days of intensive activity, of discussions and of seeking common strategies.
Our discussions revolved around three guiding themes: Strategic partnership, the mobilization of resources and social mobilization in response to our common concerns in Africa with regard to food security, HIV/AIDS and health.
The undertaking was significant, and the results of your work have been crystallized in the Algiers Plan of Action. This is tangible proof of the efforts and passion that all of you have invested.
I would like to thank all those involved in drawing up this precious document which gives a new dimension to the humanitarian action of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Africa. It strengthens your statute, and provides a framework for partnership and sustainable development.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am very happy to note the common wish for efficient contribution to the process of "Our Federation of the Future." During the 6th Pan African Conference, the determination to have a frank, clear and open dialogue was born. From this moment forward, the Secretariat can consider this Plan of Action as a concrete contribution from African National Societies to the process of "Our Federation of the Future."
I very much appreciate the dialogue and the various suggestions you have all made for reinforcing the Federation Secretariat, and I fully agree with your determination to have a strong, dynamic and better-structured Secretariat, both in terms of geographical distribution and skills.
Dear Friends,
Through this Plan of Action, you have built on the experience from Ouagadougou and have shown how the Red Cross and Red Crescent can continue to make a difference in the complex world of humanitarian assistance.
As auxiliaries to public authorities, you have shown the extent to which you can improve the fate of the most vulnerable. You can be proud of these results, and must further develop this effective and reliable partnership with civil society by focusing your work on the Plan of Action of the international conference, the strategy of the Movement, and Strategy 2010.
I am grateful to participating National Societies who have traveled a long way to be here and made precious contributions to the success of this 6th Pan African Conference. You have agreed to an open dialogue with our African National Societies, and this dialogue has helped open doors for a richer, more lively and committed partnership.
I would also like to thank our dear representatives from the private sector and the United Nations for the active role they have played in the plenary sessions and in the commissions, and for their much appreciated contribution in drawing up the Algiers Plan of Action. You too have helped open up new doors for partnership for African National Societies.
This historic action has made this 6th Pan African Conference of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies a day to remember. We would like for partnership to be real, equitable and transparent, and to respond to the aspirations and expectations of our vulnerable communities. We would like to maintain a culture of good governance, while further developing and strengthening our relevant policies and strategies.
It goes without saying that this partnership can only be effective by strengthening our institutional capacities, creating an adequate framework for partnership, and effectively and fully participating in national regional mechanisms for access to global funds.
Dear Friends,
This Conference provides a special opportunity for us to increasingly reinforce and demonstrate our commitment towards vulnerable people, who see the Red Crescent and Red Cross as a beacon of hope for improving their living conditions.
I would like to thank National Society volunteers for their work, dedication and enthusiasm. During these past days, they have been wonderfully represented by Algerian Red Crescent volunteers. Please extend our thanks to all your volunteers, and share with them the challenges we have discussed during this Conference.
Mr President of the Republic,
My stay in your beautiful country has indeed been very pleasant. You have a wonderful people, a vibrant Red Crescent Youth and a dynamic National Society. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is grateful for this, and for the warm hospitality of the people of Algeria and of Algiers. The limitless devotion of the Algerian Red Crescent in organizing this Pan African Conference has been key to its success. Thank you for the extraordinary work that has been carried out.
Mr President of the Algerian Red Crescent, Dear Participants,
You are the builders of the Red Cross and Red Crescent of the future in Africa. With Youth, you will, we will all make a difference.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my sincere hope that the Algiers Plan of Action will open new horizons for the Red Cross and Red Crescent. Together, we are sure to be successful, and will be successful! Thank you.