Inspired by her mother’s work helping migrant farm workers in the southwestern United States, Kate Forbes grew up understanding how hard people struggle for a better life. Starting as a Red Cross volunteer at her local branch, she now leads the world’s largest network of local humanitarian organizations. As newly elected president of the IFRC, she talks about extraordinary volunteers she’s met around the world who’ve risked everything to help others, and she explains her approach to today’s most complex humanitarian crises, from climate change to migration.

Geneva, 11 December 2023:American humanitarianand businesswoman, Kate Forbes, was elected the new President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) today. Kate Forbes's election as President of the IFRC is a historic moment, marking her as only the second woman to hold this position. This milestone underscores the IFRC's continued commitment to diversity and gender equality in its leadership. Upon her election,Forbes said,“Communities around the world are witnessingthe impacts of climate change, geopolitical tensionsand health emergencies. We know the challenges of our modern world demand addressing multiple issues at once. Now is the time to lean into our fundamental principles to deliver on our mission and make communities stronger.” Forbes's presidency marks a pivotal shift towards addressing the complexities of the modern world. A key area of focus under her leadership will be tackling the urgent issues of climate changeand migration. Local solutions and community empowerment are at the forefront of her agenda. Sheunderstands the critical role local actors play in humanitarian aid and is dedicated to working closely with local leaders to address their most pressing needs. Additionalpriorities include youth engagement and financial sustainability. She aims to leveragethe potential of young volunteers, acknowledging their crucial role in the organization. Strengthening relationships with governments and donors is a cornerstone of her vision for the Red Cross and Red Crescent. The role of IFRC President is a volunteer position, one that Forbes is well-prepared for, given her extensive background. She comes with over four decades of experience with the IFRC network, beginning her journey as a local volunteer at the Phoenix chapter of the American Red Cross. These roles include Vice-Chairman of the American Red Cross Board of Directors and National Chairpersonof Volunteers, where she managed over one million volunteers. An auditor by training, Forbes has been a member of the IFRC Board for the past 17 years. She most recently served asChairpersonof the IFRC Audit and Risk Commission. In this role, sheincreased transparency, implemented stronger financial controlsand establishedsafeguarding policies across the organization.Kate Forbes's election as President is a significant step forward for the IFRC, signaling a new leadership ready to focus on integrity and accountability. For more information or to request interviews with President Forbes, contact:[email protected] Tommaso Della Longa: +41 79 708 43 67 Mrinalini Santhanam: +41 76 381 50 06

The deadliest wildfires in Hawaii in the last 100 years have caused massive damage on Maui island, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes and claiming more than 100 lives. Since the fires began, Red Cross disaster workers have been caring for families around the clock, providing them with a safe place to stay, food to eat, and much more. In a statement on their website, the American Red Cross reports: "The Red Cross is coordinating closely with state and local emergency management teams to begin moving people from emergency shelters into hotels. Emergency shelters will become multi-purpose service centres where people can access hot meals, relief supplies, health, mental health and spiritual care services, support with finding loved ones and casework assistance." "The Red Cross was helping people before the fires started and will be there in the weeks and months to come helping people recover from this tragedy. In fact, the Red Cross has been providing humanitarian assistance in Hawaii as far back as 1898. Recovering from a wildfire of this magnitude will take time and the full community coming together to support one another." Learn more and donate Read the full statement on the American Red Cross website. Donate to the American Red Cross fundraising campaign for people affected by the wildfires. Follow @RedCross and @HawaiiRedCrossfor latest updates on their response. Learn more about wildfires and how to prepare and stay safe.

New York/Geneva, 11 July 2019 – Francesco Rocca, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), will give a press conference at 12:30 Tuesday 16 July in the Press Briefing Room of the United Nations in New York. He will present new Red Cross guidelines to help cities prepare for heatwaves - extreme weather events that are now one of the world’s deadliest natural hazards. He will also discuss the humanitarian consequences of climate change and the first-hand experience of Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers who are responding to the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves and other extreme weather events.