PRCS Attends the IFRC’ Ninth Asia Pacific Regional Conference in Beijing

(Al Bireh - 25/10/2014): PRCS participated in the Ninth Asia Pacific Regional Conference held by the International Federation of the REd Cross Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Beijing from 22-24 October 2014. Chaired by PRCS’ President Dr. Younis Al Khatib, the Society’s delegation to the Conference comprised Dr. Khaled Joudeh, PRCS’ Director General, Ms. Tania Shawar, Head of International Relations, Dr. Wa’el Ka’dan, Health Services’ Officer and Mr. Mahdi Al Jamal, Youths’ Section Officer. Mr. Al Jamal also partook in the International Youth Summit held in Beijing prior to the start of the Conference.

Attended by National Societies from Asia and the Pacific, the Conference discussed many topics including renewed and sustainable partnerships, climate change, the role of youths and volunteers in promoting humanitarian work, cooperation and coordination in times of emergency and preparations for the International IFRC Conference to be held in Geneva in 2015. Members of the PRCS’ delegation attended and chaired several workshops including those on Partnerships and Climate Change, Youths and Volunteers, Community Resilience and Health Care in Danger.

At the sidelines of the Conference, Dr. Al Khatib and his accompanying delegation met with the heads of participating delegations as well as with the Chairman of the Conference, Dr. Baige Zhao, IFRC Vice-President and Vice Executive Chairman of the Chinese Red Cross. Dr. Al Khatib briefed them on conditions in the oPt, especially in the aftermath of the latest Israeli attack against the Gaza Strip. He spoke in detail about the role played by the Society in dealing with the repercussions of this attack as well as about the many sacrifices made by PRCS which lost two of its EMTs in the line of action while many others were wounded and numerous buildings and ambulances were destroyed. Moreover, means to enhance ties between PRCS and the Chinese Red Cross were also discussed and an invitation to visit Palestine was extended by Al Khatib to his counterparts.

In the workshop entitled 'Health Care in Danger’, a film was projected on the repercussions of the Israeli attack on Gaza inhabitants. It told the story of the loss of human life, especially among children, and of material losses caused by this attack.

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