14 December 2015, Geneva – The Philippine Government and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) attended the 32nd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies from December 08 to 10 in Geneva, Switzerland, demonstrating the strong partnership they have cultivated and nurtured for many years as they pushed for common interests in the global meeting.
Ambassador Cecilia B. Rebong, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, led the Philippine delegation side by side with Governor Alma G. de Leon, Secretary of the Board of Governors of the Philippine Red Cross, who led the PRC delegation.
During the three-day International Conference, both the Philippine Government and the PRC actively participated in various plenary sessions, debates and side events and worked together with other governments and National Societies in drafting resolutions or action points to resolve different global humanitarian issues.
At the conclusion of the International Conference, Governor de Leon expressed her appreciation for the convening of the historic global meeting, which happens only every four years, citing that the unique format of bringing together governments and National Societies in a non-political setting to dialogue on humanitarian issues and to set goals for the next four years is an important milestone in the humanitarian field.
“The power of humanity begins and ends with the power of unity but it is a struggle we all must face in national societies to endeavor to reach this goal,” remarked Governor de Leon, clearly capturing the essence of what the IC would be working on in the coming years. END