Engagement guide for National Societies –
34th International Conference
As your National Society is a member of the International Conference, you play a crucial role in bringing local humanitarian issues and voices to this important global platform.
This practical guide gives you key dates for your diary and explains the preparation milestones, with tips to ensure you are well prepared and able to contribute fully.
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Webinars
Webinars are an excellent way of finding out mare about the conference, giving you the opportunity to ask questions about and exchange views on conference-related subjects. -
Preparatory meeting with National Societies and states
The preparatory meeting is usually held about five months before the conference. It provides an opportunity for National Societies and states to discuss the proposed draft zero resolutions prior to the conference. -
IFRC Regional Conferences
You can use the Regional Conferences of the IFRC to identify and clarify regional priorities ahead of the conference. -
Other regional meetings
You can ask for a time slot for a side event to discuss topics related to the International Conference.
Resolutions are the formal decisions of the International Conference. They are clear commitments from the conference members.
You will be consulted about draft resolutions in the months leading up to the International Conference in line with the dates provided. You will have opportunities to comment as they are being developed and to contribute to the writing and negotiation process as part of the drafting committee during the conference itself.
At the conference, the drafting committee has the task of negotiating and finalizing the draft resolution texts, which are then submitted to the International Conference for adoption at the final plenary session. Ideally, resolutions should be adopted by consensus, but if no consensus is reached, resolutions can be adopted by the majority of those present and voting.
Pledges are voluntary humanitarian commitments – not legally binding – that show a willingness and readiness to take action. They are a powerful tool for diplomacy and can be used to initiate or advance dialogue with others on humanitarian issues.
National Societies and states are encouraged to make joint pledges as a means of fostering dialogue and cooperation on issues of mutual concern, which in turn can lead to measurable humanitarian action. This dialogue and cooperation can start before the conference and can continue long after it has ended. National Societies and governments can work together on implementing a pledge in their country and review progress together.
If you have any questions, need support or would like to share your ideas, please contact the conference organizers at conferences@rcrconferences.org.