Beijing/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 16 July 2024 – In a significant step toward enhancing global humanitarian and development efforts, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during CIDCA’s Second High-Level Conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development.
The partnership seeks to foster joint efforts to implement the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the IFRC Strategy 2030, with a focus on shared priorities such as climate action, disaster management, and health. This will strengthen global humanitarian and development efforts, further supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
In February 2023, IFRC and CIDCA launched their first collaboration to promote health care and humanitarian aid in Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. Following the recent signing of the agreement, CIDCA and IFRC have announced a new project to combat malaria and provide high-quality health services in The Gambia. This two-year project, to be implemented by the Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS) in collaboration with national and international partners, is expected to reach over 420,000 people.
Xavier Castellanos, Under Secretary General of IFRC, commented, “This expanding cooperation will enable us to leverage China's rich experience in bilateral humanitarian and development assistance, meeting rising global needs. At a time when the humanitarian system is under immense strain, with needs far outstripping available resources, collective and truly global approaches, with local actors at the center, will be the key to maximizing our impact and bridging the divide between humanitarian and development efforts.”
Luo Zhaohui, Chairman of CIDCA, emphasized at the event, “I am excited about the cooperation consensus reached at the signing ceremony and look forward to seeing it translated into action as soon as possible.”
For more information or to request an interview, please contact: media@ifrc.org
In Beijing: Kexuan TONG, +86 13147812269
In Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances, +60 192713641
In Geneva: Mrinalini Santhanam, +41 763815006