Gulf unity is ‘key to tackling humanitarian challenges': KRCS

Kuwait Times

07-05-2025

KUWAIT: Secretary-general and board member of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), Fahad Ahmad Al-Mandeel, reaffirmed the long-standing commitment of Gulf Red Crescent societies as 'active forces in humanitarian work at both regional and Gulf levels.' His remarks came during the 21st Meeting of the Presidents of Red Crescent Authorities and Societies in GCC Countries, held in Kuwait on Wednesday. Al-Mandeel stressed that unity and complementarity among societies are essential to achieving greater impact and long-term sustainability. 'What gives us even more confidence and pride is the complete consensus among us,' he noted.
Al-Mandeel honored the memory of eight staff members from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society who lost their lives while serving in Gaza. 'Today, we are witnessing suffering across several Arab countries—Gaza under siege, Sudan and Somalia in crisis, Syria and Lebanon struggling—where humanity is being tested and lives are on the line,' he said.
Faced with these growing challenges, Al-Mandeel emphasized the urgent humanitarian responsibility of the Red Crescent societies to act. 'Our humanitarian responsibility compels us to establish unified Gulf coordination and adopt practical, integrated mechanisms that elevate joint action,' he urged. He added that the meeting will discuss key topics aimed at strengthening the humanitarian and relief roles of Red Crescent organizations across the GCC. 'Our collective efforts and full alignment give us strength and hope,' he said.
Presidents of Red Crescent authorities and Societies in GCC Countries pose for a group photo.
Strategic vision for 2025
Delivering the second address, Abdullah Ali Al-Rubaie, Head of the Human and Environmental Affairs Sector at the GCC General Secretariat, outlined the strategic priorities of the meeting. Central to the discussions is the implementation of the 2025 Strategic Plan, based on nine main pillars. These include expanding volunteer efforts, building human capacities, strengthening cooperation with regional organizations, and enhancing the Gulf Red Crescent's role in humanitarian, relief, and development sectors.
'Your decisions today are vital to advancing our joint humanitarian and economic efforts toward true integration,' said Al-Rubaie. He also stressed the importance of coordinated media strategies, joint disaster response frameworks, and the celebration of Gulf Red Crescent Day as a symbol of unity and shared humanitarian vision. The 21st edition of the meeting comes at a time of mounting pressure on relief agencies, as the region continues to grapple with ongoing conflicts, natural disasters, and humanitarian emergencies.
The Kuwait Red Crescent Society, under the leadership of Ambassador Khaled Mohammed Al-Mughamis, reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation with fellow GCC Red Crescent societies and the GCC General Secretariat, particularly the Human and Environmental Affairs Sector led by Al-Rubaie. Together, Gulf Red Crescent organizations aim to boost visibility and operational effectiveness across the region, ensuring that collective humanitarian action remains strong, responsive, and united in the face of growing challenges.