'United Together for Hope and Dignity': IFRC President Kate Forbes addresses opening of the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent

Kate Forbes, IFRC President

Kate Forbes, IFRC President

Photo: IFRC

Excellencies, distinguished leaders, colleagues, and friends,

Welcome to the 34th International Conference. 

This is an opportunity for us to come together—to celebrate and support the profound impact that the Red Cross and Red Crescents make in communities around the world. 

This forum is vital for our work and for us to address today’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Work we have done since 1867.

Our previous meetings have produced powerful outcomes including shaping the Geneva Conventions, the campaign to ban landmines and adopting disaster relief guidelines. 

More recently, our work has focused on the issues of sexual and gender-based violence, mental health support and pandemic prevention. 

In today’s increasingly polarized world, the agenda for this year’s conference remains impactful, focusing on important issues such as:

  • compliance with International Humanitarian Law, 
  • safeguarding humanitarian access 
  • and the protection of civilians and humanitarians. 

Over the past year, during my visits to Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, I’ve seen how important these issues are for our staff and volunteers but also, more importantly, for the people we serve. 

As we respond to an increasing number of climate-related disasters, we must increase our humanitarian efforts to strengthen communities before disaster strikes to save lives and livelihoods. 

The outcomes of these meetings will help us provide communities with the tools and resources they need before and after disaster strikes. 

Last year, over 117 million people were forcibly displaced due to conflict, violence, human rights violations and the escalating impacts of climate change and disasters. 

During their harrowing journeys, many turned to our National Societies who were there to provide humanitarian assistance.  

The decisions we make in the next three days will shape our work in supporting those in search of safety, dignity and a better future. 

It is incumbent upon us to translate these resolutions into meaningful and impactful action. 

Ensuring that we can deliver humanitarian aid and that we can do so safely is absolutely fundamental to our work. 

Our volunteers—over 16 million strong—make it possible. They are the ones who stand on the frontlines, providing aid, relief and support in increasingly difficult and dangerous situations. 

But they cannot do it alone. They need to know that States recognize, value, and, importantly, protect their efforts and their lives.

The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement calls for the preservation of the International Conference as a humanitarian safe place—one where we put aside political differences and focus on the pressing humanitarian needs before us. 

It must remain a place where we can have open, respectful and constructive dialogue, and where we work together to find solutions in the spirit of humanity and solidarity. 

Our shared goal must be to strengthen and safeguard humanitarian action. 

To achieve this, we need to create pathways for cooperation and support, ensuring that our staff and volunteers can reach those in need. 

This Conference offers the space and opportunity to come together on these pathways, reinforcing our commitment to provide impartial, neutral and independent assistance where it is needed.

So today, we must reaffirm our partnership and dedication to humanitarian principles. 

Let’s work together to strengthen our ability to offer lifesaving work safely and effectively.

Let’s work together to continue to bring hope and dignity to those who need it most around the world. 

Thank you so much for being here and thank you for your commitment.