33rd International Conference of the Red Cross Red Crescent to open today
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33rd International Conference of the Red Cross Red Crescent to open today

12/9/2019

The 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent is set to start today, Monday, in Geneva, Switzerland. Held by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the event is attended by delegations of almost all National Societies around the world, including Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS). The delegation of QRCS is headed by Ali bin Hassan Al-Hammadi, Secretary-General. Members are Dr. Mohamed Salah Ibrahim, Executive Director of Relief and International Development Division, Muna Fadel Al-Sulaiti, Executive Director of Volunteering and Local Development Division, Dr. Fawzi Oussedik, Head of International Relations and International Humanitarian Law, and Zeena Mahjoub Elhusein, International Humanitarian Movement Coordinator. Reema Masoud Al-Mereikhi, Board Member, has already left back to Doha, following her participation in the IFRC Youth Forum, which preceded the conference. Over three days, the 22nd Session of the General Assembly of IFRC saw a series of plenary sessions, round-table discussions, and seminars. Yesterday, Sunday, the plenary sessions of the Delegate Council 2019 began. It approved seven decisions centered around two main themes: (1) Accountability and Integrity and (2) Meeting Needs and Addressing Vulnerabilities. Also, interim reports were reviewed, the agenda of the 33rd International Conference was adopted, and session moderators were assigned. Meanwhile, QRCS’s delegation made intensive efforts to enhance the organization’s international relations. Bilateral meetings were held with 20 delegations of participating National Societies, to consider potential cooperation and capacity-building. Mr. Al-Hammadi chaired a meeting with his Indian counterpart to have talks on many issues of common interest. Representatives of Arab and Muslim Red Crescent Societies held a meeting on several points, mainly the nomination of Dr. Hilal Al-Sayer, President of Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), for membership of IFRC’s Standing Commission. Today, Monday, there will be the opening ceremony of the conference, art exhibitions, formal procedures, and side events. On Tuesday, there will be a morning networking meeting, a plenary opening session, the first “International Humanitarian Law: Protecting People in Armed Conflict” commission. On Wednesday, the second commission, “Shifting vulnerabilities”, will be held, and the elections of the Standing Commission will be conducted. The last day, Thursday, will focus on “Trust in Humanitarian Action”. The participants will review reports and approve the decisions submitted by the Drafting Commission.