25 September 2014 - The Philippine Mission to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) reiterated the importance of engagement in overcoming challenges of current humanitarian crises and disasters at a breakfast meeting for Asia-Pacific Permanent Representatives at the IFRC Headquarters in Geneva on September 19.

“There is a need for us to work closer with IFRC and other humanitarian partners because the challenges of addressing disaster and climate change risks require the cooperation at all levels,” stated Ambassador Cecilia B. Rebong, Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organizations.

“Each of us has a role to play. Each of us has a responsibility. So our call is….to actively work together and deepen our cooperation in addressing these challenges,” she emphasized.

IFRC Secretary General Elhadj Amadou G. Sy (As) assured the attendees that IFRC will continue to engage with the governments of the Asia and the Pacific countries, stressing that IFRC is a major player in humanitarian assistance.

The breakfast meeting, an initiative of IFRC, is organized to engage Permanent Representatives of the Asia-Pacific countries in a discussion with the Senior Management of IFRC on how to advance common interests on current challenges in the region.

Co-organized by the Philippine Mission to the United Nations and Other International Organizations and IFRC, the breakfast meeting also included updates on current global humanitarian crises and disasters and a brief overview on the work, programs and projects of the IFRC in the region. END