Side Events

Date: Monday, 28 October
Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Venue: Room E, F (CICG)
Language: English, French, Spanish, Arabic

Host:
Red Cross Red Crescent Research Consortium (RC3)

Speakers
See link here

Description of the event
Governments and humanitarian organizations increasingly recognize the importance of evidence-based approaches to enhance humanitarian action. Research improves the efficiency and relevance of policies, programs, and operations for affected populations, boosts impact, enhances credibility and accountability, and helps understand future trends. To improve coordination and visibility of research within the RCRC Movement, the Red Cross Red Crescent Research Consortium (RC3) was launched in 2019 as an open network of RCRC-affiliated entities engaged in research. RC3 fosters cooperation in research, supporting its more than 20 members through sharing resources and expertise and to contribute to the academic debate. By focusing on pressing humanitarian research topics, RC3 members actively produce data and evidence to ensure RCRC actors and the communities they serve are better prepared for existing and emerging challenges. In line with the 34th IC theme, RC3 proposes a panel discussion to showcase the practical benefits of research for navigating uncertainty in humanitarian action. The panel features representatives from IFRC, ICRC, RC3, and National Societies involved in the RCRC research agenda. By profiling different research initiatives and existing collaborations, the event will demonstrate the value of research and of evidence-based decision-making for enhancing impact, improving operations and advocacy, and better responding to humanitarian needs and risks. 

Date: Monday, 28 October
Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Venue: Room 3 (CICG)
Language: English, French

Hosts
European Commission (DG ECHO)
ECOWAS

Description
Conflict-related sexual violence refers to any act of sexual nature that is committed using force, threats of the use of force, and/or coercion, perpetrated against any person, and linked to a conflict or other situation of violence. Although conflict-related sexual violence is prohibited under international humanitarian law (IHL), international human rights law (IHRL) and international criminal law, it continues to happen – with damaging consequences for victims – and often goes unpunished.
 
This side event will examine efforts to address conflict-related sexual violence in West Africa and the challenges of doing so. It will discuss how to better protect affected populations, enhance accountability and reporting mechanisms, foster collaboration in addressing incidents and ensure survivors receive non-discriminatory assistance.
 
The event will be co-hosted by the European Commission and ECOWAS. It will showcase the ongoing humanitarian dialogue between the two organizations and will bring in partners with expertise in addressing conflict-related sexual violence.

Date: Monday, 28 October
Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Venue: Room 4 (CICG)
Language: English, Spanish, Arabic

Hosts
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
British Red Cross
Norwegian Red Cross
Ukrainian Red Cross Society
Bahrain Red Crescent Society
Iraqi Red Crescent Society
Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Description
The ICRC, supported by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the Norwegian Red Cross, recently commissioned two studies regarding the rules and practices of the use of emblems and other signs and symbols denoting health care. A meeting with experts was held in June 2024 to debate findings and suggest policy recommendations. The side event will present an overview of the comprehensive research and the experts’ policy recommendations. Practical examples will be presented by National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies regarding good practices at the national and cross-border level to promote the correct use and to address misuse of distinctive emblems and other regulated signs that denote health care. The event aims to inform and encourage States to review and improve their legislation, policies and practices, to ensure the regulation of the use of distinctive emblems and to ensure that processes to seek authorization to use these emblems, signs and signals are known and accessible. The event will encourage National Societies to cooperate with their respective States in these matters and cooperate within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement on exchanging and strengthening good practices. Finally, the event will request States and others to reaffirm their legal commitments with regard to the emblems as a vital means of protecting health care.

Date: Monday, 28 October
Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Venue: Room Geneva (CCV)
Language: English, French, Spanish, Arabic

Hosts
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

Description
Caring for the deceased is an essential and complex part of any humanitarian response, whether as a result of a conflict, natural disaster, epidemic or other mass fatality event. Caring for the deceased involves searching for, recovering, transporting, storing, analysing, identifying, and disposing of human remains (i.e. through safe and dignified burials). Members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement) may be mandated to support States in these processes. However, if volunteers are ill-equipped, untrained or lack a clear mandate and mismanage human remains, it can have serious legal and psychological repercussions for themselves, the families and communities.
This event, hosted by the ICRC and the IFRC with the support of the Central Tracing Agency’s Global Alliance for the Missing (GAM), will address the Movement’s mandates in caring for the deceased in emergency and mass fatality scenarios. Speakers from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) , the GAM and National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will share their experience and best practices, emphasizing ways to treat the deceased with dignity and respect for their communities and prevent long-term missing caseloads, morbidity and mortality.

Date: Monday, 28 October
Time: 15:30 – 16:30
Venue: Room E-F (CICG)
Language: English, Spanish, Arabic

Hosts
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Global Disaster Preparedness Center

Description of the event
The humanitarian community, broadly, has resourced countless efforts over the past 20 years to usher in digital technology to our humanitarian operations and contexts. Donor agencies, organizational headquarters and tech companies have been committed to transforming humanitarians’ critical analog work and information spaces into digital, including those of the affected and vulnerable communities we serve. Yet, humanitarian agencies have not as rigorously guided tech communities on how to adapt their business for the preservation of our operational methods and approaches which are deeply embedded with our mission checks and balances for achieving  successful humanitarian outcomes.

While exceedingly successful in bringing digital tech into the humanitarian space, we have yet to adequately bring humanitarian accountability to the digital space. This side event will introduce  what works –and what doesn’t– when designing tech for our humanitarian aims while also inviting inputs from governments and partners.

As we invest the same rigor in our adoption of tech as we do to achieve our analog humanitarian aims. While tech creators are trained to determine if a product has met standards for good engineering, it is humanitarians who bear the burden to determine if the process and product are meeting our standards for humanitarian accountability.

Date: Monday, 28 October
Time: 15:30 – 16:30
Venue: Room 3 (CICG)
Language: English, French, Arabic

Hosts
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
African Development Bank (AfDB)

Description
In Africa, crises are coming on top of crises: protracted conflicts, economic challenges, climate change and more are compounding the effects on those who are most vulnerable, worsening the humanitarian situation, threatening the progress made in development and widening the gap between what people can get and what they need and want. The 34th International Conference comes at a critical time, when strengthening partnerships has the potential to shape humanitarian action, support sustainable outcomes and empower local actors.
 
This round-table discussion offers a platform for components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, government representatives, partners and observers to share their vision, experience and recommendations for restoring hope and dignity to conflict-affected and fragile settings. The discussions will focus on:
– staying engaged in volatile environments while addressing humanitarian needs, building resilience and mitigating the risks of large development reversals
– sustaining and scaling up impact as part of responsible exit strategies
– promoting respect for international humanitarian law as an initial step towards peace.
 
This event is co-convened by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB). The AfDB–ICRC partnership recognizes the connection between humanitarian, development and peace initiatives and commits to making progress on conflict prevention, climate adaptation, food security and access to water, private sector mobilization, and social inclusion in conflict-affected and fragile settings.

Date: Monday, 28 October
Time: 15:30 – 16:30
Venue: Room Geneva (CCV)
Language: English, French, Spanish, Arabic

Hosts
Danish Red Cross
Swiss Red Cross
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

Speakers      
Dr. Yaseen Ahmed Abbas, President, Iraq Red Crescent Society       
Ms Kelsey Lemon, Vice President of International Cooperation and Programs, Canadian Red
Cross     
Mr Guy Fones, Cross Cutting Lead, NCD Strategy, World Health Organization (WHO)        
Dr. Hossam Khali Elsharkawi, Regional Director, MENA region, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

Description of the event
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for over 74 per cent of all deaths, with nearly 77 per cent of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. With an estimated 324 million people needing humanitarian assistance and over 108 million displaced by conflicts and disasters in 2022 alone, alongside rising NCDs that account for 74% of global mortality, the urgency of integrating comprehensive NCD care into humanitarian responses is clearer than ever.

This side event will focus on
1. Discussions on reducing the gaps, challenges and needs of people living with NCDs through community-centric approaches: especially considering diverse emergencies and crises, regional variation, types of NCDs, and populations like elderly. Highlighting the IFRC NCD Vision and Framework 2030, the session underscores the foundational strategy to integrate NCD care seamlessly into the humanitarian program cycle.

2. Identify ways in which key agencies can work together to support and enable person-centric NCD care and support. This event underscores the value of partnerships with stakeholders across sectors to enhance the impact of NCD care initiatives.
Through interactive discussions and shared experiences, this side event aims to reinforce the IFRC network commitment to integrating NCD care into emergency preparedness and response, ensuring comprehensive coverage in the journey towards universal health coverage.

Date: Monday, 28 October
Time: 15:30 – 16:30
Venue: Room Lausanne (CCV)
Language: English

Hosts
Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines in Geneva
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Platform for Disaster Displacement (PDD)

Speakers:

Date: Monday, 28 October
Time: 15:30 – 16:30
Venue: Room 4 (CICG)
Language: English, Arabic

Host
Egypt

Date: Tuesday, 29 October
Time: 13:15 – 14:15
Venue: Room 3 (CICG)
Language: English, French

Hosts
Denmark
The United States

Description
International humanitarian law (IHL) cannot be upheld on the battlefield unless armed forces take effective steps to implement it in their operations, such as by disseminating and providing training on IHL, having IHL advisers and regulations that reflect IHL standards, and putting in place procedures for reporting and investigating and for taking corrective action.
This event will feature military practitioners giving an overview of their respective military’s efforts to implement IHL in its operations, as well as highlighting notable challenges and good practices in these efforts. Panellists will promote awareness of how IHL rules are put into practice, from legal texts to the conduct of armed forces during military operations. The event will also provide an opportunity for military IHL practitioners to network and continue dialogue on best practices for IHL implementation beyond the 34th International Conference.
For more information, visit: https://geneva.usmission.gov/2024ihlevent

The co-sponsors of the event include: Argentina, Australia, France, the Netherlands, and Singapore.

Date: Tuesday, 29 October
Time: 13:15 – 14:15
Venue: Room 4 (CICG)
Language: English, French, Spanish, Arabic

Hosts
British Red Cross
American Red Cross
Danish Red Cross
The Gambia Red Cross
Swiss Red Cross

Date: Tuesday, 29 October
Time: 13:15 – 14:15
Venue: Room Lausanne (CCV)
Language: English

Hosts
Republic of Türkiye
Turkish Red Crescent

Speakers:
Panel moderator: Isabelle Granger, Global Lead, Disaster Law and Auxiliary Role, National Society Development Services, IFRC

Confirmed Panellists:
– Representative from the American Red Cross
– Representative from the German Red Cross
– Representative from the Japanese Red Cross
– Representative from the Kenya Red Cross
– Representative from the Turkish Red Crescent  
 
Description
The proposed side event is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of the auxiliary role of National Societies within the Movement, particularly in the context of natural disasters. The primary objective is to examine the operational aspects where National Societies can enhance their disaster response capacities at the national level. By sharing insights from diverse experiences, the event aims to stimulate discussions among participants about the critical role of National Societies in disaster scenarios. The ultimate goal is to foster participatory discussions that empower attendees to strategically strengthen and expand the auxiliary functions of their National Societies within their respective countries.

Date: Tuesday, 29 October
Time: 13:15 – 14:15
Venue: Room Nyon (CCV)
Language: English

Hosts
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Danish Red Cross
Canadian Red Cross
American Red Cross

Sponsor: Swiss Federal Department for Foreign Affairs

Description
Public opinion plays an important role in decision-making during armed conflict. So, informing the public about international humanitarian law (IHL), in particular young people, is critical to helping ensure compliance with the law and promoting accountability.

Yet the current polarization linked to armed conflicts, the dehumanization of people affected
by armed conflict and other violence and disenchantment about IHL call for a renewed commitment by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to foster a culture of shared humanity and respect for IHL.

This side event is based on the premise that educating people about international humanitarian law, principles and values is key to achieving the objective of the resolution
“Building a universal culture of compliance with IHL”. Using testimonies, visuals and discussion, it will focus on three things:

EVIDENCE: What is the impact of education on IHL, principles and values? How can we measure it?

INNOVATION: What are the cutting-edge products and processes for face-to-face and digital learning?

GOOD PRACTICES: How can we foster knowledge-sharing and exchanges, and how can we encourage target audiences to advocate for compliance
with IHL?

The event will feature initiatives from around the globe: the Jean-Pictet Competition, IHL Youth Action Campaign, If War Comes to You, Forced to Fight, Exploring Humanitarian Law, Project Humanity, Youth as Agents of Behavioural Change, and more.

Date: Tuesday, 29 October
Time: 17:45 – 18:45
Venue: Room 3 (CICG)
Language: English, French

Hosts
France
Germany

Description
Promotion of international humanitarian law (IHL) is a strong diplomatic priority for France and Germany, who jointly launched the Call for Humanitarian Action in 2019 to mobilize the international community on issues related to the effective application of IHL, particularly as regards the protection of humanitarian personnel.

This side event will look at disinformation as an emerging threat to humanitarian action and affected communities, as it can be used by parties to undermine the role of humanitarian partners and the way they uphold the humanitarian principles of neutrality, independence and impartiality. The discussion will raise the alarm on the impact of this trend, which is making humanitarian operations more dangerous and more costly. It will highlight that all parties have a role to play, for example States through humanitarian diplomacy, humanitarian actors through their communication strategies, and journalists and social media platforms through adequate due diligence.

Date: Tuesday, 29 October
Time: 17:45 – 18:45
Venue: Room 4 (CICG)
Language: English, French, Spanish, Arabic

Hosts
Netherlands
Red Cross Society of China
Jamaica Red Cross Society
Kenya Red Cross Society
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Sweden

Co-hosts: The side event is co-hosted by the following Movement partners, including those who further are part of the MHPSS Roadmap Project: Argentine Red Cross, British Red
Cross, Canadian Red Cross, Colombian Red Cross, Danish Red Cross, Ghana Red
Cross Society, IFRC Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support, The Japanese Red
Cross Society, Liberia National Red Cross Society, Netherlands Red Cross, Palestine
Red Crescent Society, Singapore Red Cross Society, Swedish Red Cross and Swiss
Red Cross.

Speakers:
– Louise Steen Kryger, Danish Red Cross, Senior MHPSS Lead, Matrix Coordinator
– Miriana Bader, Youth Director for Lebanese Red Cross, IFRC Youth Commission member
– Colombian Government Officials
– Kenyan Government Officials 
– Moderator: Eliza Cheung, Service in charge MHPSS Hong Kong Red Cross branch, Red Cross Society of China, MHPSS Technical Advisor IFRC PS Centre, Lead, Asia Pacific  MHPSS Collaborative.

Description of the event:
Aligned with the conference themes of addressing humanitarian needs, risk management,
and fostering sustainable local actions, the side event will emphasize the importance of effective, innovative, and strong partnerships to alleviate suffering and emotional distress in complex crises. It will highlight the substantial progress achieved in implementing the MHPSS Resolution and Policy adopted at IC33, showcasing how these commitments have been translated into impactful actions for communities through successful collaborations between RCRC Movement entities, States, and external partners.

The event advances Objective 1 of the International Conference (Partnership, Innovative Approaches, and Showcasing Implementation) by facilitating a platform for States and National Societies to present their collaborative efforts in implementing the MHPSS resolution and policy. It will allow participants to discuss challenges faced, lessons learned, and spotlight key examples such as the newly created MHPSS International Movement Hub. Additionally, the event supports Objective 2 (Recommendations and Support for Implementation) by providing practical insights and guidance on how States and National Societies can take specific steps to implement the commitments of the resolution. This
includes a focus on strengthening local systems, emergency preparedness and response, duty of care, advocacy, and other relevant aspects.

Date: Tuesday, 29 October
Time: 17:45 – 18:45
Venue: Room Geneva (CCV)
Language: English, French, Spanish, Arabic

Hosts
The final list of hosts for this side event still needs to be confirmed to the Joint Organizing Committee

Date: Tuesday, 29 October
Time: 17:45 – 18:45
Venue: Room Lausanne (CCV)
Language: English

Hosts
The final list of hosts for this side event still needs to be confirmed to the Joint Organizing Committee

Date: Wednesday, 30 October
Time: 12:15 – 13:15
Venue: Room 3 (CICG)
Language: English, French

Hosts
International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission
Chile
Germany
Poland

Description
In armed conflicts, the uncertainty around facts and violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) has grown due to misinformation, information warfare and deep fakes. IHL foresees some, albeit limited, mechanisms for establishing facts and enhancing respect for IHL, including the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission (IHFFC). In practice, a lack
of institutional anchoring partly explains why these mechanisms have not been fully effective. The IHFFC’s functioning still primarily depends on States that have accepted its competence. The IHFFC has contributed not only to bilateral exchanges with governments, but also to good offices to ensure an attitude of respect for IHL. In 2017, it conducted its first mission at the request of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and it is currently providing its good offices to the Republic of Poland regarding an incident in the Gaza Strip.

This side event will focus on overcoming the perceived split between the usage of institutional human rights mechanisms for IHL implementation, including the Human Rights Council, and the mandate of the IHFFC as an expert body for dispute settlement. The discussion will seek to identify how numerous commissions and fact-finding missions on one hand and the IHFFC’s expertise in IHL on the other can benefit from each other. The side event aims to illustrate the complementarity of the IHFFC and other bodies, such as UN commissions of inquiry, taking into account their different kinds of expertise, working methods and objectives.

Date: Wednesday, 30 October
Time: 12:15 – 13:15
Venue: Room 4 (CICG)
Language: English, French, Spanish, Arabic

Hosts
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Geneva Global Hub for Education in Emergencies (GGHEiE)
Global Alliance for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in the Education Sector (GADRRRES)
Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA)
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)

Speakers:

Description
Despite communities’ persuasive call, children and youths’ education and protection in emergencies are consistently underprioritized and underfunded.

Before, during and after crisis of any type, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement components carry out a wide range of humanitarian, education-related activities, notably in support or in substitution of public authorities. The National Societies’ auxiliary role, organizational branch system and network of community volunteers make them uniquely positioned to identify and address educational needs and related child protection risks in local communities. However, they require more financial and technical support to strengthen their preparedness, anticipatory and response capacity.

In the spirit of building a global culture of respect for IHL and enabling sustainable, locally led action, this side-event will bring together Member States, ICRC, IFRC, National Societies and global networks of key stakeholders in education and protection to:
– underline the imperative of ensuring compliance with legal obligations related to the protection and safety of education communities and facilities;
– share effective tools and approaches to guarantee safe, equitable and continued access to education and protection services in humanitarian contexts;
– call for increased commitment and support to education and related protection of children and youth in emergencies.

Date: Wednesday, 30 October
Time: 12:15 – 13:15
Venue: Room Lausanne (CCV)
Language: English

Hosts
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Tonga Red Cross Society
French Red Cross

Description
This side event will explore the potential impact of the disruption of satellite services on civilians and humanitarian operations. It will demonstrate the indispensable role that space systems play today, and showcase how humanitarian actors, such as the International Red Cross and Red Cross Movement, rely on space-based services – in particular navigation, communications, satellite imagery and weather forecasts – to conduct humanitarian relief operations.

The role of space systems in military operations continues to grow – despite the long-term desire and commitment of the international community to explore and use space for peaceful purposes – as does the likelihood that these systems will be targeted in armed conflicts. The disruption, physical damage or destruction of space systems that support essential civilian services could have wide-reaching consequences for civilians and humanitarian organizations.

The side event will aim to evoke discussion on how the Movement’s humanitarian approach could contribute to the protection of critical space-based services used by civilians and humanitarian agencies. It will also explore how to minimize the risk of harm to civilians as a result of the disruption of space-based services and ensure humanitarian actors and first responders continue to have uninterrupted access to such services, both at the national and international levels.

Date: Wednesday, 30 October
Time: 12:15 – 13:15
Venue: Room Nyon (CCV)
Language: English

Hosts
Australia
Australian Red Cross
United Kingdom
British Red Cross

Description of the event:
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, with its global coverage, established mandates, and shared Fundamental Principles, is well-placed to direct global support to locally led humanitarian assistance. Despite strong engagement with the Grand Bargain commitments made at the 2016 World Humanitarian Summit, in too many cases local humanitarian organisations are still being engaged as implementing partners or in nominal coordination activities, rather than as leaders at the centre of humanitarian efforts within their communities.

While there has been ample discussion on what localisation is and the need for systemic transformation, the practical aspects of implementation have often been missing or presented in a binary fashion. This session will focus on how to navigate some of those barriers by building confidence in localisation models and approaches. The session will offer a direct exchange between donors, host governments and National Societies operating in contexts such as Asia-Pacific, Ethiopia, Afghanistan and Ukraine. Participants will explore practices such as risk and financial management, human resources and capability, the integrated and mutual investment in relationships, dialogue, due diligence and policy engagement to offer different models of partnership and the impact they have made for them and their communities. Critically, the discussion will also assess the kind of evidence that National Societies as auxiliaries to their public authorities can bring to the table.
The session will prioritise audience engagement using an interactive session format allowing participants to choose from several National Society/intermediary/donor partnerships for guided discussions. A session report will distil the discussions to identify and find ways to overcome barriers impeding more rapid progress toward local leadership.

Date: Wednesday, 30 October
Time: 18:30 – 19:30
Venue: Room 3 (CICG)
Language: English, Arabic

Host
Egypt as the Arab Group Coordinator

Date: Wednesday, 30 October
Time: 18:30 – 19:30
Venue: Room 4 (CICG)
Language: English, French, Spanish, Arabic

Hosts
Switzerland
Swiss Red Cross
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Uganda Red Cross

Speakers
– Nora Kronig Romero, Director General, Swiss Red Cross
– Olivier Ray, Mobilization, Movement & Partnerships Director, ICRC
– Amb. Patricia Danzi, Director General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
– Robert Kwesiga – Secretary General, Uganda Red Cross Society
– Xavier Castellanos, Under Secretary General, National Society Development & Operations Coordination, IFRC
 
Description
The objectives of the side event are:
– Promote dialogue and foster relationships and synergies between States, National Societies, the IFRC and the ICRC to strengthen locally-led action with examples of good practice of National Society Development (NSD), and in particular support NSs in establishing a direct connection and dialogue with key international actors, as peers;
– Advocate for other States to prioritize NSD in their dialogue with their National Society and the IFRC/ICRC, without compromising other partnerships and agreements;
– Raise the visibility and promote the National Society Investment Alliance (NSIA) as a “whole of Movement” multi-year funding mechanism for fragile contexts to States, other investors and National Societies;
– Highlight the complementarity of initiatives and other mechanisms that enable sustainable NSD such as the IFRC Capacity Building Fund (CBF) and / or Partner National Society (PNS) support (peer-to-peer support);
– Demonstrate with concrete examples how these mechanisms are key instruments for
effectively and sustainably enhance the localisation agenda and improve humanitarian action;
– Explore ways to diversify funding for National Societies, building upon the Uganda RCS experience of NSIA funded project.

Date: Wednesday, 30 October
Time: 18:30 – 19:30
Venue: Room Geneva (CICG)
Language: English, French, Spanish, Arabic

Hosts
Italian Red Cross
British Red Cross
Ukrainian Red Cross
Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

Date: Thursday, 31 October
Time: 12:15 – 13:15
Venue: Room 3 (CICG)
Language: English, Arabic

Host
Qatar Red Crescent Society

Date: Thursday, 31 October
Time: 12:15 – 13:15
Venue: Room Lausanne (CCV)
Language: English

Hosts
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Geneva Water Hub

Speakers:
Dr. Jabbar Aslani, DG of Principle, Law and IHL. Iranian RC.

Description of the event:
Water insecurity is increasing worldwide, and so is the recognition of its role as a multiplier of threats for instability and tensions within communities.

This event is an interactive platform for global water leaders from governments, international organizations, civil society, think tanks, the RCRC Movement, women, youth, and communities to understand and recognize the risk of water-related conflict and the role of water as a driver for a peaceful world. The objective will be to get a grasp on how to reverse tensions, reduce vulnerability, and foster peace and resilience around water through innovation and inclusion, as well as call for relevant actors to strengthen cooperation on water and peace.

The event will bring high-level water and peace experts and representatives from youth and communities who will share their knowledge and experiences through two interactive panels: Panel 1: Fostering peace and resilience around water, and Panel 2: The role of women, youth, and communities in water, peace, and security.

Date: Thursday, 31 October
Time: 12:15 – 13:15
Venue: Room Nyon (CCV)
Language: English

Host
United Kingdom

Description of the event
The protection of cultural property in armed conflict are laid out in international treaty and customary law, including the ‘1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict’ and its two Protocols, as well as the 1977 Additional Protocols to the 1949 Geneva Conventions. In regions affected by conflict and disaster, the restoration of cultural heritage can help communities regain a semblance of normalcy and improve social cohesion, both of which are essential for a successful reconciliation process. However, history has shown that rebuilding cultural heritage after destruction is a complex and challenging task, with recovery invariably requiring the involvement of the most affected stakeholders, as well as support from the local, national and international level. At this event, the British Red Cross and the International Cultural Heritage Protection programme (UK Gov) will bring together experts from different fields to explore the relationship between cultural heritage and human rights, and to exchange current research and best practice on cultural heritage restoration strategies. It will also showcase some of the work supported by the Cultural Protection Fund, in Sudan.

Date: Thursday, 31 October
Time: 12:15 – 13:15
Venue: Room Montreux (CCV)
Language: English

Hosts
European Commission (DG ECHO)
Climate Charter Secretariat