​Hosted by Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), the CONNECT 2025 Technology Conference kicked off today morning.

Co-organized by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the five-day conference brings together leaders and representatives of National Societies around the world, to exchange insights and experiences, and to share the latest digital transformation achievements of the international humanitarian community.

Attended by representatives of 32 National Societies who specialize in technology and digital transformation, the third edition of the conference is designed to foster a global humanitarian community dedicated to driving greater impact through technology.

In his keynote speech, Yousef bin Ali Al-Khater, President of QRCS, said, “The event serves as a participatory platform to take advantage of the opportunities offered by technological advancement and innovation to improve relief and development operations, making them better able to achieve the noble humanitarian goals of enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities in the face of challenges and helping them live better".

He added, “This major international conference builds on QRCS's permanent friendship and close collaboration with the various components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It also reflects a real interest of QRCS in integrating digital solutions into both internal and field activities — one that is aligned with Qatar's pioneering policy of establishing one of the world's top scientific, technological, and information infrastructures".

“I would like to remind all of you that humanity still expects a lot from us to bring about the desired change, by adopting fresh tools and mechanisms to deal with complex and protracted humanitarian crises, building trust and credibility through stronger governance and compliance across the humanitarian arena, and adapting our existing strategies to meet the requirements of climate action and other current issues that affect every life on the planet," Mr. Al-Khater concluded.

The soft launch was attended by Faisal Mohamed Al-Emadi, Secretary-General of QRCS, Mamadou Sow, Head of Delegation at ICRC - GCC, and Juriaan Lahr, Director of Digital Transformation at IFRC.​
The official opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Al-Khater, Eng. Ibrahim Hashim Al-Sada, Vice-President, Ibrahim Abdullah Al-Abdullah, Treasurer, Mr. Al-Emadi, and Assistant Secretary-Generals.

There was an opening panel discussion that featured leaders from IFRC, ICRC, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, the Egyptian Red Crescent, the Finnish Red Cross, the Kenyan Red Cross, and Boston Consulting Group.

The event's agenda items include Artificial Intelligence in Humanitarian Work, ICRC Technology Strategy and Dilemma in Tech Choice, Intro to Digital Transformation Impact Platform, Minimum Technology Blueprints, Digital Products for Integrated Assistance, the Business Case for Human-Centered Design in Digital Solutions, Data Governance and Compliance in Humanitarian Work, Telecommunications for Humanitarian Operations, and Cyber Hygiene.