MAY 8 – WORLD RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT DAY

As the world continues to tackle the spread of the pandemic with the COVID-19 virus, 14 million active volunteers and 400,000 employees in 192 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world continue to deliver humanitarian aid to people who found themselves in unfavorable position, showing thus solidarity, providing support to each other and receiving support from their partners.

It is wonderful to see how humanity glows from them and nests in all parts of the world, especially in these times of uncertainty and global crisis, once again reminding us that man was not created to be alone. This has such a strong meaning right now, in the reality of the pandemic constraint.

The World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, May 8, initiated in honor of the birthday of the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Anry Dunant, is a day that reminds us of the need to reduce human suffering, preserving human dignity, protecting people’s lives, as well as overcoming the consequences of emergencies and natural disasters such as epidemics, earthquakes and floods.

It is a day that once again reminds us and promotes the seven fundamental principles of the greatest international movement: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, universality, unity and voluntary service.

On this day, we point out the need to help and support the vulnerable population and focus the public’s attention on our main goal of inspiring and promoting humanitarian activities.

On this day, we celebrate and express our gratitude for the courage, motivation, sacrifice and achievements of our 7,500 active volunteers and 200 Red Cross employees of the Republic of North Macedonia, whose life-saving services and other activities change people’s lives and show our daily commitment to humanity, especially in these difficult times for our country.

The desire and will of these people to voluntarily provide services and help vulnerable citizens, without any material or financial gain, is amazing. They are always where people need a helping hand, a warm word and real help. The driving force behind these thousands of humane, mostly young, people is the tears of gratitude, and their greatest trouble is that they can’t reach everyone who needs help.

This is what makes us proud as a national society and restores our belief that solidarity is not lost and that humanity exists. Many thanks to these people with big hearts. I am proud and honored to be a part of you and to represent you.

Ever since the first humanitarian steps of our founder Anry Dunant, the history of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has been built on the principle of partnership. The COVID-19 pandemic has once again shown that the serious humanitarian conditions and needs facing today’s world cannot be solved by just one organization. They need to be helped and resolved by the united forces of all.

In areas where there is a humanitarian crisis, we all need to be aware and willing to offer help, understand needs and find creative and innovative ways to reach those individuals or groups who require help to help them cope with the challenges.

Aware of this, the Red Cross of RNM continues with its activities to encourage public awareness and corporate social responsibility. At the same time, I express my gratitude to all our partners and donors, the institutions of the system and the corporate sector, which support us in this difficult period.

Today, on the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we continue to inspire local communities to participate in our volunteer activities to promote the well-being of our citizens. The main message we send is to respect each other with dignity, kindness and humanity.

The current global crisis brings us closer to the communities we serve, more than ever before, and moments of positivity and gratitude inspire us to continue to work even harder and better.

As a national society, we continue to provide services that are in line with our mission and mandate. We are proud of our achievements in these 75 years of existence in which we have been and helped where needed. This crisis once again puts us in front of a challenge, but also shows that the Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia is ready to cope with all new challenges. We are ready to learn from the past, to be ready for the future, to be better and more successful, always in the service of our beneficiaries of services.

On this solemn day of the largest International Movement, sincere thanks to all of you for your contribution and support in the work and development of our and your humanitarian organization. I wish to congratulate you the May 8, the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day.