Walter Cotte, who joined the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in January 2013, has more than 40 years of humanitarian and development experience.
Previously, Mr. Cotte was the National Executive Director of the Colombian Red Cross Society from 2008 to 2012. His past leadership roles with the organization include Head of Operations and Disaster Management (1994-2008), and Head of Volunteers for Relief and Search and Rescue (1985-1994). His Red Cross Red Crescent experience includes a six-month secondment to the IFRC as its Head of Operations in Asia Pacific in 2003.
He has served as a consultant with the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination system and the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group, was a member of the Columbian Government’s National Disaster Board and a member of the board of the Colombian National Fire Association.
Mr. Cotte studied Social Management and Administration at the CUN University of Cundinamarca, and Industrial Safety at the National Council of Safety. He is fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese and has good knowledge of French and Italian. He also has a high level of training and specialisation in disaster management from Tadeo Lozano University and in “Better Programming for Peace Process” from the National University of Colombia.
He is currently studying for a Masters in Cooperation from Kalu Foundation, and a programme of special studies in environmental management.