Strategy 2030

Strategy 2030 sets out how we will build on over 100 years of humanitarian action to adapt to emerging 21st century challenges. It ensures we will remain a dynamic global network of organizations that are fit for purpose and can best serve our communities.

What is Strategy 2030?

Strategy 2030 represents the collective ambitions of our 191 National Societies, supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and lays out our vision for the organization of the future.

It is about change—not just what we do and how we do it, but about the changes shifting in the world today and those which lie ahead in the coming decade.

Strategy 2030 recognizes there is much more to humanitarianism than simply supporting people to withstand crises. It therefore goes beyond resilience, and sets out how the IFRC can help individuals and communities not just survive, but thrive.

Created after consultation with over 10,000 members, experts and partners, Strategy 2030 outlines our three strategic goals. These are rooted in our Fundamental Principles and aligned with major global humanitarian and development frameworks.

Three strategic goals

In Cox's Bazar refugee camp, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society volunteers are trained in cyclone preparedness and early warning measures to protect people from severe weather

People anticipate, respond to, and quickly recover from crisis

We will improve local response and preparedness. And we will tackle underlying causes of crises to reduce their impact or prevent them from occurring.

A young daughter from a family of herders in Khuvsgul province, northern Mongolia smiles at the camera. Her family received food, warm clothes and cash assistance to help them cope with the recent dzud (a severe winter)

People lead safe, healthy and dignified lives and have opportunities to thrive

We will encourage well-being at all levels. This includes promoting positive social, mental and physical health, as well as supporting people’s livelihoods.

A volunteer with the Mozambique Red Cross smiling and clapping with women and children at an accommodation centre in Beira where families received humanitarian support following Cyclone Idai

People mobilize for inclusive and peaceful communities

We will promote and support more inclusive, equitable and cohesive societies. We will embody our humanitarian values in all that we do.

Five global challenges

Viet Nam Red Cross Society volunteers help relocate and provide emergency assistance to communities affected by Typhoon Molave in October 2020

Viet Nam Red Cross Society volunteers help relocate and provide emergency assistance to communities affected by Typhoon Molave in October 2020

Photo: IFRC

The five global challenges below are what we believe to be the most pressing existing and emerging risks facing our network in the next ten years. They are interconnected and will require committed local action to manage them and bring about positive global change:

  1. Climate and environmental crisis
  2. Evolving crisis and disasters
  3. Growing gaps in health and well-being
  4. Migration and identity
  5. Values, power and inclusion

Seven transformations

A Tanzania Red Cross communications officer is in Nyaragusu refugee camp where the IFRC an Tanzania Red Cross have been providing emergency health care, shelter, water and sanitation to thousands of people

A Tanzania Red Cross communications officer is in Nyaragusu refugee camp where the IFRC an Tanzania Red Cross have been providing emergency health care, shelter, water and sanitation to thousands of people

Photo: IFRC/Damien Fulton Naylor

Strategy 2030 also identifies seven transformations essential for our network to be prepared to respond to the above challenges, to mobilize local action for global reach and to achieve our strategic goals:

  1. Supporting and developing National Societies as strong and effective local actors
  2. Inspiring and mobilizing volunteerism
  3. Ensuring trust and accountability
  4. Working effectively as a distributed network
  5. Influencing humanitarian action
  6. Undergoing a digital transformation
  7. Financing the future