Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day – 8 May – is a fitting moment to reflect on the immense service given by Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world, and by their global umbrella organization, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies – IFRC).
The Red Cross and Red Crescent is arguably the most iconic socially-oriented global brand. Instantly recognizable, it represents first aid, medical and humanitarian support, community service, and unassuming, practical action in the face of crisis.
Like so many others, I grew with this venerable Red Cross brand as part of the fabric of my community, my city and my country. But when I entered the world of disaster risk reduction, my relationship with the Red Cross and Red Crescent deepened as I engaged professionally with the people who make up the movement, working tirelessly for their National Societies all around the world.
In my present role , I have the privilege to work closely with the IFRC and its inspirational Secretary-General, Jagan Chapagain, in steering the UN Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All Initiative. It is a true privilege to be a partner in this vital undertaking. Fittingly, the IFRC leads the preparedness and response capabilities pillar – drawing on the deep community reach of all the National Societies (UNDRR leads the pillar for disaster risk knowledge; the World Meteorological Organization leads on detection, observation, monitoring, analysis, and forecasting; and the International Telecommunication Union on warning dissemination and communication).
But this is far from my first experience with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Over the past three decades, I have worked side by side with Red Cross colleagues in more than two dozen countries, and with every interaction I’ve learnt something new.
As I reflect on these experiences, a flood of memories returns:
- Meeting Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran colleagues immediately after landing in Bam after the 2003 earthquake, and jointly launching IFRC and UN Flash Appeals.
- Collaborating with IFRC colleagues (particularly Madeleen Helmer) during the establishment of the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre.
- Witnessing the birth of the Maldivian Red Crescent Society in the wake of the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
- Supporting colleagues and friends from the Nepal Red Cross Society in developing their DP-Net (Disaster Preparedness Net) – a disaster-preparedness network that paid rich dividends in the aftermath of the 2105 Gorkha earthquake.
- Learning from the volunteers of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), who form the bed rock of the country’s Cyclone Preparedness Programme.
- More recently, engaging with the Vanuatu Red Cross Society, on their leading work on post-earthquake school safety in the country’s recovery.
- And just this week, exchanging insights with the President of the Spanish Red Cross, who told me how they mobilized the response to Valencia floods.
My experiences are too many to recount them all. But as I reflect on their essence, three core lessons stand out:
- First, each interaction with the Red Cross is a humbling experience. It is a gentle invitation to step out of policy wonkishness, reminding us what this work is ultimately about: serving communities – and especially the most vulnerable. We must keep returning to this core question: ‘Are we meeting the needs of those we serve?’
- Second, each interaction is always the same yet different! All National Societies are guided by the same humanitarian principles, yet each is deeply rooted in its own social, cultural, and political context. Their organizers and volunteers come from the communities they serve –giving them a superpower of local engagement and impact.
- And finally, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement shows that voices for societal change don’t always have to be shrill. As auxiliary institutions that work alongside governments – but on their own principled terms – Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are unique. They get a lot done quietly and unassumingly, and as a result can often operate in contexts where most other assistance providers struggle to gain access.
On this World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, I offer my heartfelt congratulations – and thanks – to all my colleagues and friends in the Movement. I’m deeply grateful for the chance to work alongside you.