Yangon, Myanmar | 7–9 September 2026 — The Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste (CVTL) participated in the 23rd Southeast Asia Red Cross Red Crescent Leaders Meeting and the 5th Southeast Asia Red Cross Red Crescent Youth Forum, hosted by the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) in Yangon, Myanmar, from 7 to 9 September 2026.
The regional Leaders Meeting was held under the theme “Unity in Humanitarian Action: Building a Better Tomorrow,” while the Youth Forum focused on “Empowering Youth as Leaders for Peacebuilding.” The events brought together representatives of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies from across Southeast Asia to strengthen regional cooperation, exchange experiences and good practices, and identify shared priorities for humanitarian action.
According to CVTL Vice President Mr. Marcal Freitas Magno and CVTL Secretary-General Mr. Agapito da Silva, discussions during the meetings covered a range of important humanitarian priorities, including disaster preparedness and response, climate resilience, health, financial sustainability, the auxiliary role of National Societies, youth leadership and volunteering, and the contribution of young people to peacebuilding.
CVTL was represented by a delegation comprising Vice President Mr. Marcal Freitas Magno; Secretary-General Mr. Agapito da Silva; National Society Coordinator Mr. Marcelino Albuquerque; Youth and Volunteer Manager Mr. Felix Cristovao Pinto; and two youth volunteers, Ms. Elisabeth Pereira from the CVTL Youth Leadership of Manufahi Branch and Mr. Domingos Ramos from the CVTL Youth Leadership of Viqueque Branch.
Throughout the meetings, the CVTL delegation actively participated in discussions, knowledge-sharing sessions and regional exchanges, representing the perspective of Timor-Leste and sharing experiences and lessons learned with fellow National Societies in Southeast Asia.
The Youth Forum also provided an important platform for young volunteers and leaders to exchange ideas and strengthen their role in humanitarian action and peacebuilding. The participation of CVTL youth representatives highlighted the importance of empowering young people to contribute meaningfully to their communities and to the wider humanitarian movement.
The regional meeting concluded with the presentation, approval and signing of the Yangon Statement, reaffirming the shared commitment of Southeast Asian Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies to strengthening unity, cooperation and humanitarian action across the region.
CVTL’s participation in these regional forums reflects its continued commitment to strengthening partnerships, learning from fellow National Societies, and contributing to collective humanitarian efforts for more resilient and peaceful communities in Southeast Asia.
