In a gathering of humanitarian leaders from across the globe, the Liberian National Red Cross Society is making its mark at the 24th session of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) General Assembly.
The event, which brought together 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, is being held in Geneva, Switzerland to chart the future course of global humanitarian action.
The assembly is a pivotal platform where delegates are deliberating on key strategies, policies, and plans that will shape the IFRC’s priorities for the next two years. Central themes such as trust and integrity, localization of humanitarian aid, volunteering, and strategic investment in National Societies are driving the discussions. These topics are seen as crucial to the federation’s ability to respond effectively to global humanitarian challenges, particularly in light of increasing natural disasters, health crises, and displacement.
Representing Liberia at the assembly are the President of the Liberian Red Cross, Mr. Jerome Clarke, and the Secretary-General, Mr. Gregory Blamoh, both of whom are actively participating in discussions and voting on critical decisions. Their presence underscores Liberia’s commitment to advancing the Red Cross movement’s humanitarian mission both locally and internationally.
“We are deeply committed to ensuring that the voices of our communities are heard on the global stage,” said Mr. Clarke. “This assembly allows us to influence the direction of the IFRC, ensuring that we remain visible, relevant, and impactful in the lives of those we serve.”
The importance of localization, which involves empowering local actors to lead humanitarian responses, has been a major point of focus. Liberia, like many other nations, is looking to strengthen its ability to respond to crises by investing in local volunteers and improving community engagement, aligning with the IFRC’s broader strategy to build resilience at the grassroots level.
Trust and integrity have also emerged as central to the discussions. The IFRC is committed to increasing transparency and fostering stronger ties with the communities it serves to maintain credibility and strengthen its impact worldwide.
In addition to contributing to global discussions, Liberia’s delegation is also using the assembly as an opportunity to learn from other National Societies and share experiences that can help shape the country’s humanitarian strategies.
The 24th General Assembly is set to conclude with votes on plans and budgets that will guide the federation’s work through the next two years. As the Liberian Red Cross takes part in this collective decision-making process, it reaffirms its commitment to delivering life-saving support where it is needed most and ensuring that its humanitarian mission continues to evolve and meet the needs of the most vulnerable.
The assembly will run through the week, with expectations that the adopted strategies will empower National Societies to address both current and future challenges in humanitarian action.
