The IOFS delegation, led by Mr Abdula Manafi Mutualo and Mr Emre Yuksek, actively participated in the 5th Consultative Meeting of the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent (ICIC) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, under the guidance of Prof. Yerlan Baidaulet, Director General of the IOFS. The meeting brought together representatives from 56 National Societies and senior officials of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to discuss collaborative humanitarian actions and promote international solidarity in addressing pressing humanitarian challenges.
SRCA President, Mr Jalal Al-Owaisi, emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation and exchanging expertise among Red Crescent and Red Cross societies during his inauguration speech. He highlighted that the meeting served as an opportunity to review and share organizational experiences, paving the way for potential implementation in other countries.
As the guest of honour, Mr Hissein Brahim Taha, the Secretary-General of the OIC, called for ambitious plans to improve the humanitarian action ecosystem in the Islamic world. Recognizing the frequent occurrence of disasters requiring immediate relief efforts, he stressed the Islamic community's responsibility to provide aid and assistance to those in need. The OIC expressed its readiness to collaborate with the ICIC and national societies of the Red Crescent and Red Cross in the OIC Member States.
Throughout the meeting, dialogue sessions focused on unifying efforts and facilitating joint humanitarian action across various areas, including leveraging digital transformation in humanitarian work. The IOFS delegation had the opportunity to meet the OIC Secretary-General and heads of delegations from Red Crescent Societies of OIC Member States to reinforce bilateral cooperation, particularly in matters related to humanitarian action and food security in conflict zones. Special attention was given to the flagship Afghanistan Food Security Programme (AFSP), which aims to empower individuals and communities to cultivate sustainable food supplies and reduce dependency on short-term assistance.
As part of the discussions on "digital transformation in humanitarian work," the IOFS delegation participated in the accompanying exhibition titled "A Touch of Humanity," showcasing the organization's commitment to humanitarian efforts. The IOFS remains dedicated to collaborating with international partners, governments, and stakeholders to address global challenges and work towards a more resilient and food-secure world.
