Suva, Fiji, 17 October 2025 – As the Pacific grapples with intensifying climate risks, dwindling humanitarian funding, and rising disaster displacement, Red Cross leaders from across the region have convened in Suva to strengthen disaster preparedness, climate resilience and locally led humanitarian action.
Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) - on her first official visit to the Pacific - joined the meeting, underscoring IFRC's deep commitment to elevating Pacific voices and ensuring the region’s unique challenges are represented in global humanitarian priorities.
“The Pacific may be on the frontline of the climate crisis, but it is also on the frontline of resilience, innovation, and hope,” said Forbes during her keynote address. “True humanitarian leadership is grounded in local realities, informed by cultural wisdom, and driven by compassion - not capacity alone.”
A key focus of the meeting is the vital role of young people in shaping the future of humanitarian action. Forbes reaffirmed the Red Cross’s commitment not only to include youth in decision-making, but to empower them as leaders in community engagement, climate action, and digital innovation.
“We must create spaces for youth to direct their energy and creativity toward building solutions for their communities,” she said. The active participation of Red Cross youth in this meeting highlights the Movement’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of humanitarian leaders.
With more than four decades of experience in the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, Forbes is a long-standing champion of transparency, equity, and volunteer-driven impact. As former Chair of the IFRC Audit and Risk Commission, she played a critical role in strengthening accountability and ensuring humanitarian resources reach communities swiftly and responsibly.
During her visit, Forbes will meet with volunteers and partners and participate in a community engagement visit to Moala village on 18 October - witnessing firsthand how local Red Cross initiatives are helping build community resilience in the face of overlapping crises.
This meeting comes at a pivotal moment for the region, as Pacific communities continue to face more frequent and severe climate-related emergencies, all while operating with limited resources and growing international competition for funding.
As Forbes emphasized, “Sustainability is not a luxury; it is a necessity for credibility and continuity of our efforts.” The IFRC remains committed to supporting Pacific National Societies in building strong, sustainable foundations that can meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s uncertainties.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected]
In Suva: Seci Burese, +679 9923937
In Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances, +60 19 271 3641