The 28th International Conference in December 2003 elected five members from National Societies (NS) to the present Commission, the mandate of which extends to the 30th International Conference in 2007. In addition, there are four ex-officio members representing the ICRC and the International Federation as stipulated in the Statutes for the Movement, Article 17.
• National Society members elected in their personal capacity:
H. E. Dr Mohammed Al-Hadid was unanimously elected Chairman of the Standing Commission at its first meeting on December 5, 2003. Ms Davidson was elected Vice Chair.
Standing Commission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent
Ms Davidson is Vice Chairman of the Standing Commission and a former Vice President of the International Federation. She is also a Honorary Vice President of the Canadian Red Cross.
Ms Davidson has been actively involved in the Movement for over thirty years and has received numerous awards in Canada for her voluntary service. Professionally, she serves in an executive role in one of Canada's largest health systems where she is responsible for managing three large teaching hospitals. She is recognized nationally for her leadership in health care.
In the Commission, Ms Davidson chaired the Working Group on the Seville Agreement, one of the most basic Movement level documents on cooperation in international operations. The group developed the ‘Supplementary Measures’ to the Agreement, which were adopted at the Council of Delegates in Seoul in November 2005.
Ms Davidson is also working on ways to ensure better geographic representation in the Standing Commission and will in the next phase of the process consult both National Societies and governments. Any recommendations developed on the question are to be within the present Movement statutes although it is hoped they could be applied already at the next elections in 2007.
Her aspirations for the Commission are that it would serve as a role model for others both in the way in which it conducts its business as well as the manner in which it manages its relationships; that it is recognized throughout the Movement as an effective and efficient instrument for coordination and cooperation.
