Doha: Every year on May 8, the world marks World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day to honor the humanitarian efforts of millions of volunteers and workers in this field. The occasion also serves as a call for the international community to reflect on the broader meaning of humanity and to recognize the courage and relief efforts undertaken to help others, regardless of nationality, religion, race, or political affiliation.
According to Qatar News Agency, this year’s celebration comes amid escalating global humanitarian challenges, including climate change, pandemics, and ongoing conflicts. These circumstances underscore the vital role of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, making this day an important opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of respecting international humanitarian law and protecting medical and relief personnel, particularly in conflict zones.
The day also highlights one of the world’s largest humanitarian movements, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It was founded on the principles of Swiss businessman Henry Dunant, who witnessed the horrors of the Battle of Solferino in northern Italy in the 19th century between the French and Austrian armies. After the battle, Dunant saw thousands of wounded soldiers from both sides left without adequate medical care. He called on local residents to help care for the injured and, upon returning to Switzerland, launched a global appeal for the establishment of neutral volunteer organizations to provide medical care in times of war. This vision has since evolved into a global movement comprising more than 190 national societies operating in over 150 countries, providing relief and humanitarian assistance.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) about the Qatar Red Crescent Society’s (QRCS) activities to mark the occasion, Assistant Secretary-General for Communication and Resource Development, Mohammed Ahmed Al Bishri said that the organization commemorates this day annually with a variety of events that embody the spirit of humanitarian work and highlight the role of humanitarian institutions in various sectors. This year, the Volunteering and Local Development Sector, through the Community Development Department, organized awareness campaigns in schools about Qatar’s achievements through the QRCS and its role in promoting humanitarian principles. These initiatives benefited around 400 students across seven different schools.
Al Bishri noted that QRCS celebrates humanitarian work that has both local impact and global influence. Each year, a theme is chosen to reflect current global circumstances. This year’s theme is “Keeping Humanity Alive.”
He emphasized that this occasion offers an opportunity to commend the efforts of national society members for their tireless work in alleviating the suffering of those in need, standing by them, supporting and aiding them, and upholding their dignity. These efforts also include developmental, educational, and awareness initiatives aimed at strengthening social responsibility and individual skills, thus contributing to the advancement of their communities and nations.
Al Bishri added that the QRCS enjoys widespread and active public engagement, reflected in the participation of the Qatari community in humanitarian campaigns, initiatives, projects, and volunteer efforts, both locally and internationally. This growing involvement reflects an increasing awareness of the values of solidarity and humanitarianism. He also pointed out that close cooperation with national institutions and major corporations forms a cornerstone of this engagement, helping to ensure tangible and sustainable impact. Partnerships with academic and media institutions also help deepen public understanding of humanitarian issues and the impact created by the organization’s programs and activities.
He further stressed the importance the Red Crescent places on its diverse partnerships. Given the nature of its humanitarian and developmental mission, the organization requires effective cooperation with a wide range of stakeholders, both locally and internationally. These partnerships vary in purpose, including extensive funding collaborations with both local and international organizations, which enable the Red Crescent to secure the necessary resources for its humanitarian and development interventions in areas of operation.
Al Bishri highlighted the strategic partnership with Qatar Fund for Development and various Qatari humanitarian organizations, as well as funding collaborations with several UN agencies, regional and international donor institutions, and local contributors. These Qatari institutions share the same core values rooted in the generosity of the Qatari people.
He also noted QRCS’s strong partnerships with government institutions, particularly with ministries and agencies that support its humanitarian and development work. Chief among these are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, and the Qatar Amiri Air Force, which transports relief supplies and teams. He praised the role of the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities in facilitating humanitarian missions and supporting relief campaigns from various institutions by providing in-kind support for humanitarian initiatives.
On the organization’s preparedness to respond to disasters and emergencies year-round, Al Bishri explained that the QRCS maintains trained and qualified relief teams and follows comprehensive training plans to ensure rapid response. The organization also conducts annual training programs to enhance efficiency and improve performance in areas such as medical services, shelter, water and sanitation, and disaster management. Through its annual Disaster Management Camp, the QRCS trains large numbers of participants from both within and outside Qatar, preparing them for emergency response through realistic disaster simulations. This ensures the readiness required to respond to emergencies in the Arab region and globally. Additionally, QRCS maintains a Disaster Response Fund, which enables urgent interventions with response times ranging from 24 to 72 hours.
Regarding the organization’s efforts to engage youth in humanitarian and volunteer activities, Al Bishri affirmed that young people are the lifeblood of any sustainable humanitarian effort. He said the QRCS considers youth as key partners in fulfilling its mission and works to attract them through specialized training programs that develop volunteer capabilities, hone their skills, and expand their experience. It also offers volunteer opportunities aligned with youth interests and involves them in field campaigns and projects.