Unity in Humanitarian Action: MRCS hosts 23rd SEARCRC Leaders Meeting

With the theme “Unity in Humanitarian Action: Building a Better Tomorrow,” Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) hosted the 23rd Southeast Asia Red Cross Red Crescent Leaders Meeting in Yangon, Monday. Union Minister for Health Dr. Thet Khaing Win officially opened the meeting and related forums. In his opening remarks, the Union Minister said the theme underscores the need for unity and cooperation in addressing humanitarian challenges, including climate-related disasters, earthquakes, floods, cyclones, heatwaves, disease outbreaks, displacement and economic vulnerabilities. The MRCS, the national auxiliary force in humanitarian activities, plays an important role in contributing the Government’s commitment for continual implementation in the disaster preparedness, emergency response and recovery while rendering humanitarian assistance to those in need. The Union Minister also highlighted Myanmar’s cooperation with neighboring countries in friendship, mutual assistance and humanitarian support, including assistance to flood-affected people in Nepal. He expressed confidence that the meeting’s discussions and outcomes would strengthen regional humanitarian cooperation and help build safer and more resilient communities. On the occasion, MRCS’s President Prof. Dr. Myo Nyunt, IFRC Asia Pacific Regional Office Deputy Regional Director Ms. Juja Kim and ICRC Director of International Law, Movement and Partnership Dr. Cordula Droege also delivered remarks. It was also attended by officials, ambassadors, the UN resident representatives, Red Cross and Red Crescent leaders and youth delegates from 11 Southeast Asian countries, as well as representatives of the IFRC, ICRC, partner National Societies, AHA Centre and donors. MRCS already hosted the meeting in 2012, making the 2026 meeting its second time.