The Bahrain Red Crescent Society (BRCS) took part in the nineteenth gathering of leaders from Red Crescent organizations within the Gulf Cooperation Council. This event was hosted by the Advisory Board of the Supreme Council of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf and took place in Muscat, the capital of Oman.
Leading the Society’s delegation at this meeting was Mr. Mubarak Al-Hadi, the Secretary-General of BRCS. The delegation included Dr. Fawzi Abdullah Amin, a member of the Society’s Board of Directors, and Mrs. Rana Ahmed, who serves as the Director of Administrative and Financial Affairs at BRCS.
During the meeting, discussions revolved around monitoring the progress of the action plan outlined by the Committee of Red Crescent leaders in the GCC States (2021-2025). Priority subjects of shared significance were addressed, and conversations delved into the most recent advancements regarding the introduction of the Volunteer Work Award for Red Crescent organizations within the GCC States. The meeting also entailed enhancing the operational approach and criteria for this award. Furthermore, the meeting introduced the overall framework for collaborative events and initiatives in The Gulf Voluntary Forum for Red Crescent Organizations in the GCC States, along with the Gulf Red Crescent Day.
The meeting covered advancements related to the specialized Gulf workshop aimed at training media personnel in the fields of relief and humanitarian efforts. It involved a review of the yearly media report on relief and developmental initiatives, as well as the media strategy for Red Crescent entities within the GCC States. Additionally, progress on the execution of the memorandum of understanding between the General Secretariat and the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization, along with the follow-up on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding with the International Committee of the Red Cross, was addressed.
Furthermore, discussions included the proposal presented by the Bahrain Red Crescent Society to equip young leaders from Red Crescent organizations within the GCC States. Mr. Mubarak Al-Hadi emphasized the significance of cultivating a robust cohort of young, dedicated leaders capable of assuming responsibilities effectively. He underscored the importance of training volunteers and equipping them with essential competencies in areas like first aid, humanitarian relief, health awareness, and strategic disaster management.
The meeting also delved into strengthening global cooperation bonds and the necessity to synchronize and harmonize stances in international platforms and engagements with regional and worldwide associations. This encompassed active involvement in international gatherings hosted by GCC nations. Moreover, the session encompassed a discussion on the proposition from the State of Qatar concerning the involvement of organizations and associations in the horticultural Expo 2023. Additionally, the General Secretariat’s proposition regarding on-the-job training for personnel was deliberated, emphasizing the importance of offering continuous training prospects and enhancing the individual and collective capacities of volunteers to effectively respond to evolving challenges.