From 1st to 7th September 2024, Bali, Indonesia, hosted the 21st Leadership Meeting of the Southeast Asian National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (RCRC). The gathering brought together key leaders from Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies across Southeast Asia, including the Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste (CVTL). The conference concluded successfully with the adoption of the Bali Declaration, outlining a shared vision to strengthen community and climate resilience, enhance collaboration, and deepen engagement with ASEAN. First Aid and youth engagement were also central themes discussed throughout the week-long event.
The participants included presidents and secretary-generals from National Societies in Indonesia Red Cross, Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent, Cambodia Red Cross, Lao Red Cross, Malaysia Red Crescent, Myanmar Red Cross, the Philippines Red Cross, Singapore Red Cross, Thailand Red Cross, and Vietnam Red Cross. Representing CVTL were President Ms. Madalena Hanjam, Secretary General Mr. Luis Pedro Pinto, including the National Society Development Coordinator, First Aid Manager, Youth Officer, and two CVTL volunteers.
Mr. Luis Pedro Pinto, Secretary General of CVTL, expressed the importance of this meeting for his organization, noting that as a relatively new National Society, CVTL had much to learn from the more established organizations in the region. “Through this conference, we can strengthen our strategic capabilities as an organization with sustainability at its core, enabling us to better serve vulnerable communities in Timor-Leste,” said Pinto.
Ms. Elisabeth Glorita Belo, CVTL’s First Aid Manager, emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing and networking in improving the organization’s first aid activities. “This conference allows us to strengthen our network and share experiences, which will help stabilize and expand First Aid efforts within CVTL,” she stated.
One of CVTL’s youth volunteers, Ivania Rangel, also highlighted the personal and organizational growth fostered by the event. “I’m thrilled to have attended this conference. Meeting new friends from other National Societies has been a valuable experience, allowing me to learn ways to improve youth activities within CVTL branches,” she said.
The meeting emphasized the enduring commitment of Southeast Asian RCRC Societies to work together in addressing regional challenges through innovation and collaboration. Leaders agreed to continue pursuing joint efforts to build stronger, more resilient communities in the face of climate change and other vulnerabilities in the region.
