PHNOM PENH: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is holding its 23rd General Assembly from 19-23 June, to discuss key policies on topics such as climate change and environmental crises, the National Volunteer Development Association, gender protection and environment, first aid, and more.

According to a press release issued by the Cambodian Red Cross, Her Majesty Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, Honorary President of the Cambodian Red Cross, and First Lady Bun Rany Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Red Cross, have assigned a delegation of the Cambodian Red Cross to participate in the 23rd General Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland, over video conference (Zoom), represented by the Second Deputy Secretary-General of Cambodian Red Cross, Yu lana.

The 23rd General Assembly will review and approve the report of the 22nd General Assembly 2019-2020 and elect one chairman, four vice presidents and 20 board members for the next term of the International Federation.

At the opening of the General Assembly, the President of the International Federation, Francesco Rocca, addressed the General Assembly, and spoke of focusing on strengthening national associations from the middle to the grassroots level. He emphasized the role of the International Federation in promoting the role of localization to effectively respond to humanitarian work, support the importance of investment and focus on work at the community level.

"The pandemic shows the world the key role of local operators in our community, such as our volunteers, in responding to crises," he said. "Promoting the role of local operators to perform humanitarian work is the only effective way to save lives, build a safer, stronger and better community."

Rocca further urged the international community to prioritize global solidarity and turn their support into action. At the same time, he raised the matter of continuing to enhance the strategy of youth participation and promoting the connection of the previous generation with the next, by listening and giving value to the youth.