Conference schedule

President of the Swiss Red Cross welcomes attendees to Geneva.

Location: WILSON Ballroom

Senior Representatives from both the ICRC and the IFRC will provide an overview of the role of each organization and how they are working together to meet the growing humanitarian needs in the world.

Speakers:

• Thomas Zeltner (Moderator), President of the Swiss Red Cross
• Kate Halff, Head Of Division, Cooperation and Coordination within the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement at International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC
• Nena Stoiljkovic, Under Secretary General for Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization, IFRC

Location: WILSON Ballroom

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), the rules applicable during armed conflicts, seek to protect people’s lives and limit their suffering. The Geneva Conventions embody IHL and 2024 marks their 75th anniversary. This session will explain how IHL has evolved and the role of the Movement components therein.

Speakers:

• Anjana Dayal de Prewitt (Moderator), Director, DEI Consultation, American Red Cross
• Nicole Martins-Maag, Head of Archives and Outreach, ICRC
• Eva Svoboda, Head of the Policy, Research and Humanitarian Diplomacy Division, ICRC

Location: WILSON Ballroom

This session will highlight how disaster response is changing and how the IFRC and its network of 191 National Societies is rising to meet the changes to make our services easier to access and to improve our service delivery, such as moving to cash assistance and using technology to provide information and aid.

Speaker: Ezekiel Simperingham, Global Manager, Migration and Displacement, IFRC

Location: WILSON Ballroom

Tour the world renowned International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum situated in the heart of International Geneva beside the ICRC and near the Palais des Nations, the home of the United Nations Office in Geneva. Attendees will be one of the very first groups to tour the museums brand new fall exhibit Tuning in which opens October 2^nd.

Join us for a dynamic reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.

Hear from Museum Director Pascal Hufschmid and raise a glass with Anna-Hunt Binkley in a special toast to Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions "The one set of rules we all agree on". A moment to reflect on the need for these rules, for the thought and deliberation that went into framing these four conventions, for the tireless determination to seek and obtain consensus among states around the world and lastly to support and encourage respect and compliance of these fundamental rules which limit the devastating impact of war on humanity.

Speakers:

• Pascal Hufschmid, Director of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent museum
• Anna Hunt-Binkley, Geneva Forum Event Co-chair and Past National Co-chair of the Canadian Tiffany Circle

Location: International Committee of the Red Cross Headquarters

Kate Forbes will kick off the session by providing remarks about her first year in the position as the 2nd woman President in the IFRC’s 100 year history. More information to come.

Speakers:

• Kate Forbes, President of the IFRC
• Natia Loladze, President of the Georgia Red Cross and Vice President of the IFRC
• Fatma Meriç Yılmaz, President of Turkish Red Crescent
• Camelia Șucu, President of the Romanian Red Cross
• Liz Padmore, Chair, British Red Cross

Location: WILSON Ballroom

Over the past five years, hundreds of dedicated volunteers and staff members, spanning senior, junior, young, and not-so-young demographics, have come together to form the vibrant GLOW Red network within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. This diverse and dynamic community is united by a common purpose and passion. Join us for a short but insightful presentation that delves into the heart of GLOW Red, exploring the motivations and stories behind why so many individuals have chosen to be part of this extraordinary network.

Speaker: Margareta Wahlstrom, Chair, Glow Red

Location: WILSON Ballroom

The Digital Transformation Impact Platform, an initiative led by the IFRC serves as a fundraising mechanism. It aims to elevate the 80 least digitally mature National Societies by equipping them with essential tech foundations—devices, connectivity, and skills. This initiative also focuses on creating digital services that enhance operational efficiency, such as human-centered tools for volunteer management, disaster assessment, and access to cash and voucher assistance.

Discover the potential of RedSafe, a free humanitarian app managed by the ICRC functions as a technology platform. RedSafe provides a secure digital entry point to vital services for people affected by conflict, migration, and other crises, ensuring they receive the support they need in a safe and reliable manner.

In this session, hear from Emmanuelle and Clara, key figures in the development of both platforms, as they share their insights on how technology is revolutionizing humanitarian response and discuss the promising future ahead. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the cutting-edge tools that are shaping the future of humanitarian aid.

Speakers:

• Emmanuelle Menard-Marchand, Manager, Digital Unit, IFRC
• Clara Palau Montava, Digital Platform Project Manager, ICRC

Location: WILSON Ballroom

Voices of Tiffany Circle - and the importance of women volunteers in achieving our global mission.

Join us for an enlightening panel discussion on the pivotal role of volunteer work within the Red Cross, emphasizing the profound impact it has on communities worldwide. Come to listen to members of Tiffany Circle as our conversation delves into their remarkable dedication and enthusiasm, exploring the sources of their unwavering commitment. This panel promises to offer inspiring insights, personal stories, and practical perspectives on fostering a culture of volunteerism and engagement.

Speakers:

• Dania Samawi (Moderator), Geneva Forum Co-Chair, and Founder of the Swiss Red Cross Tiffany Circle
• Anna Hunt-Binkley, Geneva Forum Event Co-chair and Past National Co-chair of the Canadian Tiffany Circle
• Absa Kane, West Africa Tiffany Circle
• Cate White, Australian Tiffany Circle
• Dorien Ter Haar, Netherlands Tiffany Circle

Location: WILSON Ballroom

Over the course of the forum, attendees will have gained powerful insights into the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and its global reach and impact. Anne and Janet will share how we can actualize our learnings and engage and energize our members back at home.

Speakers:

• Anne McKeough, Chief Development Officer, American Red Cross
• Janet Johnson, Chief Development Officer, Canadian Red Cross

Location: WILSON Ballroom

Join fellow attendees for a reception.

Location: Wilson foyer

Dress code: Glamour Cocktail

Combining classic cocktail attire with luxury and sophistication.

For women, this dress code includes elegant, short or longer dresses and jumpsuits. Complement with statement jewelry, clutches, and evening shoes are optional.

For men, dark suits paired with dress shirts and dress shoes are ideal. Ties or bow ties are encouraged but not required.

Enjoy a truly remarkable evening celebrating the conclusion of the 2024 Geneva forum filled with hope and inspiration for our further commitment and involvement with the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. The evening will include a dining extravaganza, along with a captivating musical ensemble of Afghan traditional instruments. Azada will present and share the beauty of Afghan music. Consisting of nine young talented male and female musicians aged between 15-19, this group is an ensemble of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM) relocated to Portugal. The group was formed in Portugal to reform the original ensemble established in Afghanistan in 2017. Since its debut at Gulbenkian Concert Hall, Azada performed at many events in Portugal and in other European countries such as France, Norway, Switzerland, Germany, the UK, and Spain. Azada’s repertoire represents the rich and diverse musical traditions of Afghanistan that include Afghan traditional, popular, and folk music of the country.

The evening will also include a celebration of the Florence Nightingale medal recipients. The Florence Nightingale Medal recognizes exceptional courage and devotion to victims of armed conflict or natural disaster. It also recognizes exemplary service or a pioneering spirit in the areas of public health or nursing education.

The recipients are nominated by their respective National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society and selected by a commission comprised of the ICRC, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Council of Nurses.

During the gala renowned artist Alexia Weill will craft a one-of-a-kind masterpiece right before your eyes. Witness the magic as her creativity unfolds in real-time. This stunning work of art will be live auctioned during the gala. Offering you a chance to take home a unique piece commemorating your time in Geneva. Visit her website here.

Speakers:

• Ruth Jebb, 2017 Florence Nightingale Medal recipient
• Dr. Ahmad Naser Sarmast, Founder and Director, Afghanistan National Institute of Music

Special Performances:

• Afghanistan National Institute of Music Orchestra
• Artist Alexia Weill
• Spark entertainment

Location: WILSON Ballroom

By invitation only. For more information, please reach out to TCIC co-chairs: Anne Balfour at anne@balfourfamily.com, Siobhan Furst at furstmom@gmail.com or Elaine Lyerly at elyerly@lyerly.com.