Red Cross Red Crescent officials meet UN Secretary General
6 July 2007
The president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Juan Manuel Suárez del Toro, and the organization’s secretary general, Markku Niskala, held talks with the United Nations secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, in Geneva on Friday.
Their discussions focused on common challenges, including migration, disease and climate change, as well as opportunities for the Red Cross and Red Crescent – the world’s largest humanitarian network – to work in closer coordination with UN agencies to assist vulnerable communities.
In welcoming Mr Ban on his first visit to the International Federation’s Secretariat, Mr Suárez del Toro highlighted the Red Cross and Red Crescent’s Global Agenda priorities, which support the UN Millennium Development Goals by reducing the impact of disasters, diseases and public health emergencies, while making communities stronger, and promoting respect for diversity and human dignity.
“We work actively to convince other organizations of the importance of these priorities, drawing strength from the Millennium Development Goals, which are now such an important element of both national and international agendas,” Mr Suárez del Toro said.
Earlier this week, Mr Ban called for a “strong and sustained effort” towards meeting these development goals. He reiterated this message while speaking at the International Federation.
“The world is full of challenges. Our shared duties and responsibilities are limitless and borderless,” said Mr Ban. “I sincerely hope that the UN and the Red Cross Red Crescent will continue to work in stronger partnership for world peace, humanity and security.”
Recalling his time as a Red Cross youth volunteer in the early 1960s, Mr Ban paid tribute to the millions of volunteers around the world, adding that he still felt he “belonged to the Red Cross Red Crescent family”.
“My life changed because of my volunteering activities and I express my deepest respect and admiration to all Red Cross and Red Crescent members for their noble contribution to needy people,” he said.
During his remarks, Mr Niskala said it was becoming “increasingly important” for organizations, like the International Federation and the UN, to work together as partners given today’s rising humanitarian challenges.
“Whether we are dealing with the aftermath of a tsunami, or the stark realities of food insecurity, the Red Cross Red Crescent and the UN face many of the same challenges,” said Mr Niskala. “We are separate entities but we share a common goal of serving and protecting humanity. It is my hope that we can continue to strengthen our relationship, because when we work together, our potential knows no bounds.”
Following the discussions, the UN secretary general took a tour of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, which houses an impressive collection of photos, films, objects and documents which trace the history and activities of the Movement.
