The president of Ecuador, Rafael Correa Delgado, welcomed members of more than 35 National Red Cross Societies and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to the XVIIIth Inter-American Conference in Guayaquil on 4 June.
The conference was opened by the International Federation’s president, Juan Manuel Suárez del Toro, and the president of the Ecuadorian Red Cross, Juan Cueva Ortega, at an official ceremony on Monday evening. During the ceremony, volunteers from different regions of Ecuador shared moving testimonies of how the Red Cross had made a positive impact on their communities.
 Addressing around 500 conference participants, the Ecuadorian president highlighted the importance of humanitarian networks like the Red Cross in combating multiple threats, such as disease, disasters and discrimination |
Addressing around 500 conference participants, the Ecuadorian president highlighted the importance of humanitarian networks like the Red Cross in combating multiple threats, such as disease, disasters and discrimination.
“The Red Cross, as an impartial organization that does not make distinction of nationality, ethnicity, religion or political creed, is an example for all humanity,” said President Correa.
Experts in the areas of health, risk reduction and the promotion of non-discrimination are taking part in the conference, which runs until 7 June.
“The challenges we face as humanitarians in the Americas are as diverse as the region itself,” said President Suárez del Toro. “Poverty, inequity, violence, the spread of HIV, climate change, migration and stigmatization are just a few of the issues that urgently need to be addressed. By building on the strength of communities, they will become healthier and safer, and that is the goal of this conference.”
The findings of an extensive study by the University of Madrid will also be presented to participants on 5 June. The research examines current financial and socio-economic demographics in Latin America and the Caribbean, and forecasts how the situation is likely to develop between now and 2010.
It also includes an evaluation of progress made towards achieving the goals set out by the Inter-American plan of action from 2003 to 2007. This evaluation will serve as the basis for setting the Red Cross’ humanitarian agenda for the region over the next four years.
“In order to meet today’s rising challenges, Red Cross National Societies in the Americas must take a more proactive role to ensure that vulnerable communities become more resilient, while at the same time promoting their principles and values of humanity and independence,” said President Cueva Ortega.
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