The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the International Federation. It meets every two years and comprises representatives from all member National Societies.
The 15th session of the General Assembly was held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, 11-15 November 2005.

A Governing Board acts between general assemblies, meeting twice a year with the authority to make certain decisions. The board comprises the Federation's president and vice presidents, representatives from elected member Societies and the chairman of the Finance Commission. The chairman of the Youth Commission is invited to participate in the board meetings.

Four other commissions cover: health and community services, youth, disaster relief, development.
To ensure that progress continues to be made to “improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity”, the General Assembly in 2003 reconfirmed the four Commissions to ensure that appropriate policies are developed, reviewed and recommended.