In conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) is honoured to host the 22nd Southeast Asia Red Cross and Red Crescent Leaders Meeting, scheduled to take place from 22 – 24 September 2025 at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral. This annual regional meeting will bring together leaders and senior representatives of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies across Southeast Asia to discuss humanitarian collaboration, disaster preparedness and strategic regional priorities.
Programme Components
The overall programme will comprise four key components:
1) Southeast Asia Red Cross Red Crescent Humanitarian Forum
The Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will be organising the MRC Humanitarian Forum 2025.
Scheduled for 22 September 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, this one-day forum will convene Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies from Southeast Asia, along with representatives from the IFRC, ICRC, ASEAN, the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre), Malaysian government agencies such as the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) as well as Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other regional actors.
Focusing on strategic humanitarian priorities, the forum will spotlight critical issues related to disaster resilience, regional cooperation and the promotion of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in alignment with ASEAN’s disaster management agenda.
Serving as a prelude to the 22nd Southeast Asia Red Cross Red Crescent Leaders Meeting, the forum aims to foster dialogue, strengthen partnerships and catalyse collective action for a more resilient and humane region.
2) 22nd Southeast Asia Red Cross Red Crescent Leaders Meeting
The Southeast Asia (SEA) Red Cross Red Crescent Leaders Meeting is an annual gathering of National Society leaders from across the region, together with representatives from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). It serves as a strategic forum to discuss regional priorities, shape humanitarian policy, and strengthen collaboration within the Movement.
Participations include Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies from Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society, Cambodia Red Cross Society, Indonesia Red Cross Society, Lao Red Cross Society, Malaysian Red Crescent Society, Myanmar Red Cross Society, Philippines Red Cross Society, Singapore Red Cross Society, Thai Red Cross Society, Timor-Leste Red Cross Society and Vietnam Red Cross Society. The meeting focuses on reviewing progress, aligning on joint actions, and reinforcing accountability across sub-regional networks.
Held from 23 to 24 September 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, the two-day conference aims to enhance coordination, cooperation, improve the effectiveness of humanitarian efforts and prepare for key global Movement events. It remains a critical platform for fostering unity, shared leadership and collective action in response to Southeast Asia’s evolving humanitarian landscape.
3) 4th Southeast Asia Red Cross Red Crescent Youth Forum
The Southeast Asia Red Cross and Red Crescent Youth Forum is an annual platform that brings together youth leaders and focal points from National Societies across Southeast Asia (SEA) in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The forum aims to strengthen youth engagement in humanitarian action, foster leadership and support the Movement’s strategic priorities in the region.
Held alongside the 22nd SEA RCRC Leaders Meeting, it provides a space for young leaders to exchange ideas, co-develop regional strategies and contribute to key Movement processes. The forum also supports the implementation of the Youth Engagement Strategy (YES 2.0), promoting peer learning, youth-led accountability and advocacy. This initiative enhances the visibility and influence of youth voices within the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement while equipping them with the tools to contribute meaningfully at national and regional levels.
4) Closing Dinner & Official Launch of the Malaysian Red Crescent 75th Anniversary Coffee Table Book
The Closing Dinner of the 22nd Southeast Asia (SEA) Red Cross Red Crescent Leaders Meeting marks a significant occasion to celebrate regional solidarity, humanitarian leadership and shared aspirations across Southeast Asia. Hosted by the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC), the evening brings together distinguished guests including regional leaders, government officials, foreign missions, corporate partners, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) representatives and dedicated MRC volunteers.
A key highlight of the evening will be the official launch of the MRC 75th Anniversary Coffee Table Book – A Humanitarian Story (1948–2023). This commemorative publication reflects the organisation’s remarkable journey over 75 years, showcasing milestones in national and international humanitarian service and honouring the contributions of volunteers and partners who have shaped its legacy.