GENEVA, 31 October 2024 – The Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) recently played an active and influential role at the 34^th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent held from 28 to 31 October 2024. This significant event brought together 196 State signatories to the Geneva Conventions, 191 National Societies, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to address key humanitarian challenges affecting communities worldwide.

In a historic milestone, Her Highness Dato’ Seri DiRaja Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz binti Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Tunku Temenggong Kedah, MRC National Chairperson was elected Chair of the International Conference. As the first woman from the ASEAN region to hold this distinguished position, Her Highness exemplified Malaysia’s global humanitarian leadership, guiding plenary debates, promoting consensus and ensuring the smooth conduct of the conference proceedings. Her role symbolised a significant achievement for Malaysia and reinforced the nation’s commitment to advancing humanitarian diplomacy on the international stage.

This year’s conference also features strong participation from the Malaysian Government, underscoring Malaysia’s commitment to humanitarian issues. Present at the conference and reinforcing Malaysia’s collaborative stance within the Movement were Her Excellency Dato’ Nadzirah binti Osman, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the United Nations in Geneva alongside representatives from the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC).

The International Conference held every four years, served as a unique platform for dialogue and cooperation between States and the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. With its apolitical and purely humanitarian mission, this year’s meeting came at a critical time as escalating conflicts and natural disasters dominated headlines, highlighting the importance of directing global attention to the populations enduring these crises.

The conference agenda focused on pressing humanitarian issues such as compliance with international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians and aid workers, the impact of digital technologies on warfare and enabling locally-led action. The resolutions aimed to guide global humanitarian action and address emerging challenges, including:

1. Building a Universal Culture of Compliance with International Humanitarian Law
2. Protecting Civilians from the Humanitarian Impact of Digital Technologies in Armed Conflict
3. Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance
4. Enabling Local Leadership and Strengthening Resilience in Humanitarian Action
5. Protecting People from Climate-Related Humanitarian Impacts

This year’s conference was particularly notable as it coincided with the 75^th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, underscoring the enduring importance of their values in protecting human dignity amidst evolving armed conflicts. The conference theme “Navigate uncertainty, strengthen humanity” highlighted the urgent need for enhanced cooperation in tackling global humanitarian challenges.

The MRC’s prominent role in the 34^th International Conference underscored its ongoing commitment to strengthening global partnerships, promoting humanitarian values, and adhering to the Movement’s seven Fundamental Principles – Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. These guiding principles continued to shape MRC’s dedication to delivering effective, compassionate humanitarian assistance in Malaysia and beyond, reaffirming its role as a key contributor to the global humanitarian mission.