International Meeting of Heads of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies started in Ashgabat

On September 4, the International Meeting of Heads of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies of the CIS countries began at the Archabil Hotel in Ashgabat. The event, held in a hybrid format, is aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and enhancing the effectiveness of responses to contemporary humanitarian challenges.

Among the participants are representatives of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross, leaders of the Red Crescent Societies of Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, as well as the Armenian Red Cross and the Russian Red Cross. The Deputy Head of the Qatar National Red Crescent Committee is attending the meeting as a guest. Representatives of the Red Crescent Societies of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan joined the event online.

The meeting was opened by Maral Achilova, Chairperson of the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan.

The event is held within the framework of the International Year of Peace and Trust, which gives particular relevance to the discussions. Over the course of two days, participants will discuss a number of important topics, including emergency response mechanisms, disaster resilience, development of humanitarian diplomacy, and international humanitarian law.

Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality provides a unique opportunity for constructive discussions. This platform allows for open dialogue even on the most complex issues, including those emerging in some European regions where National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent operate. The participants intend to make the most effective use of this neutral platform, especially considering that the principle of neutrality is one of the key principles of the International Movement.

Special attention will be given to developing humanitarian activities based on fundamental principles and the institutional development of the National Societies. Representatives of the National Societies will discuss pressing humanitarian issues they face in the CIS countries, as well as challenges and dilemmas in their work. They will review experiences of cooperation with government bodies, problem-solving methods, and lessons learned from these challenges.

The topics under consideration correspond to the priorities of the resolutions of the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, as well as the 2024 Council of Delegates.