As we close the chapter on the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, it is a moment both for celebration and reflection. Since the first International Conference, this unique gathering has provided a platform where governments, National Societies, and humanitarian leaders come together with a shared vision: to alleviate human suffering and protect dignity during times of crisis. These conferences, held every four years, have given birth to resolutions that have reshaped humanitarian response, such as those on international humanitarian law (IHL), disaster law, mental health, and pandemic preparedness—each leaving a tangible impact on people affected by crises around the world.
For many, the International Conference is most significant for its consistent commitment to upholding and advancing IHL. As a standing agenda item, IHL has yielded landmark resolutions, providing both the legal framework and ethical foundation for humanitarian action in conflict. But beyond IHL, the conference has addressed a wide array of critical issues that have evolved alongside the humanitarian landscape. Disaster laws, for instance, now facilitate faster, more efficient responses to natural calamities by reducing bureaucratic obstacles, enabling more effective deployment of aid in regions devastated by earthquakes, floods, and storms. Mental health, another essential topic, has gained prominence with resolutions emphasizing the need for comprehensive psychological support to individuals and communities affected by disaster and conflict. These commitments have made a difference—helping people rebuild their lives and regain hope after unimaginable loss. Likewise, our focus on pandemic preparedness has laid essential groundwork for future global health crises, advocating for collaborative frameworks that will protect vulnerable populations in times of widespread disease.
Yet, while the impact of these resolutions is undeniable, the 34th conference confronted complex questions that touch the very spirit of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. As organizers, one of our foremost concerns before entering the conference was whether we could preserve the Red Cross and Red Crescent spirit amid today’s polarized and politicized environment. Geopolitical tensions and competition among states loom large, and the humanitarian space is not immune to this reality. Our mission was clear: to ensure that discussions remained centered on humanitarian issues, shielded from political agendas. And while we succeeded to some extent, the journey was not without its challenges.
An essential feature of the International Conference is the consensus-based adoption of resolutions, reflecting our commitment to unity and collaboration. However, as seen last night, some states opted to disassociate themselves from specific paragraphs, and in some cases, from entire resolutions. This practice, common within the United Nations intergovernmental processes, is a growing concern for our Movement. The core of humanitarian commitment is absolute and indivisible; it cannot be partial or conditional. A commitment to humanity means centering human needs and dignity in all decisions—there is no middle ground. If we allow the International Conference to fall prey to political posturing, we risk diluting the very values that have defined our Movement for more than a century.
Another issue that surfaced during the conference was the nature of resolution negotiations, often unfolding behind closed doors while plenary sessions are underway. Over the years, these negotiations have shifted from a focus on protecting vulnerable populations to defending governmental interests. This is often manifested in long, drawn-out debates over procedural minutiae or minor adjustments to wording—hardly the priorities of people in desperate need of humanitarian assistance. This trend calls for a fundamental rethinking of intergovernmental processes. The interests of humanity must take precedence over bureaucratic battles and national priorities, and our Movement must advocate tirelessly for this shift.
The International Conference is also a rare opportunity for our Movement to unite across lines of difference and for governments and National Societies to join hands in ways that transcend politics. This year, we were gifted several such moments of unity, underscoring the unique spirit of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
For the first time, we witnessed a powerful collaboration between a coalition of governments and National Societies through a joint statement issued at the adoption of resolutions. This statement highlighted critical humanitarian issues that did not find their way into the final texts but deserved attention. This is precisely the type of collaboration we need to see more of at future conferences—National Societies and governments standing side by side to champion humanitarian priorities. When states and National Societies come together in this way, driven by a shared humanitarian mission, we demonstrate the best of what our Movement can offer to the world.
Another particularly inspiring moment was the adoption of the resolution on the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Magen David Adom and the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Given the current situation in the Middle East, we knew this would not be free from political pressures. Yet, our two National Societies remained steadfast, rising above these external forces to honor the spirit of neutrality and humanity. Thanks to their tireless efforts, deeply humanitarian-focused conversations, and an unwavering commitment to the Red Cross and Red Crescent values, they brought to life an example of how our Movement can transcend even the most entrenched divides. In that moment, they demonstrated what it means to uphold humanity in its purest form. Their example speaks to the heart of our Movement’s power—one that fosters solidarity across all borders, one family that is so different, yet so much alike.
These moments remind us why the International Conference is so unique. In a polarized world, we are bound by a shared commitment to humanity, compassion, and solidarity. We may come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, but the Red Cross and Red Crescent family is united by an unbreakable common purpose. These are the instances that reaffirm our mission and demonstrate our resilience.
The 34th International Conference has given us much to celebrate: resolutions that address real needs, advance humanitarian law, and uphold the dignity of people affected by crises. Yet, it has also left us with a clear imperative to safeguard the unique humanitarian spirit that drives our work. As we look to the future, we must reaffirm our commitment to humanity, transcending politics and prioritizing compassion. The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has always been a beacon of hope in dark times, and this conference is a reminder that our mission must remain undivided, unconditioned, and unyielding in the face of adversity.
It is good to see how Red Cross
And that is doing around the world and hope you continue doing it better
That you give hope to that hungry child in Sudan and other conflicted areas around the world