30th Conference Chair Ms Mandisa Kalako-Williams of the South African Red Cross Society with the newly elected Standing Commission Members. Geneva, 29.12.2007
THE STANDING COMMISSION The 30th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IC) elected the five (5) National Society Members to the Standing Commission (SC) for the next four (4) years, until the close of the 31st Conference in 2011.
In addition to the elected members, there are four ex officio members – the Presidents of the ICRC and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Dr Jakob Kellenberger and Mr Tadateru Konoe, the Director of Law and Movement Cooperation of the ICRC, Dr Philip Spoerri and the Secretary General of the International Federation, Dr Bekele Geleta.
• National Society members elected in their personal capacity:
President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Mr. Suárez del Toro brings over 38 years experience in the Movement to the Standing Commission. He was elected President of the International Federation in 2001 and was re-elected for another 4-year term in November 2005. He is also President of the Spanish Red Cross since 1994.
As President of the International Federation, Mr. Suárez del Toro is committed to ensuring that the International Federation and its members are more actively engaged in Movement matters, and that the collective concerns of National Societies are reflected in Standing Commission discussions.
A priority for him is to work towards strengthening the capacity National Societies in order to successfully achieve the mission and strategic objectives that guide the work of the Red Cross Red Crescent.
Another concern is to raise the profile of the Movement internationally and effectively engage governments and civil society to support its humanitarian mission. At the same time, he wants to ensure that the Movement is prepared to face the humanitarian challenges of the future and continue to exercise a global leadership role in efforts to protect and assist the world’s most vulnerable.
