The theme for this year’s World Red Cross Day and Red Crescent Day is the power of kindness. From the COVID-19 pandemic to the climate crisis and other disasters, the past several months have been challenging for everyone, especially the most vulnerable. This year’s theme aims at appreciating even the smallest acts of kindness in the wake of such unprecedented humanitarian needs.

On this occasion, Kedir Awol Omar, Head of the Regional Delegation for India, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives, based in New Delhi, shared a special message on the value of kindness.

Kedir arrives at his current posting with tremendous experience. Before his current position, Kedir has had a long career with the ICRC in various delegations globally, ranging from those in conflict settings to those involved in humanitarian diplomacy such as Yemen, Sierra Leone, Gaza, Nigeria, Iran, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Kuwait. He has also worked with the non-profit organization management industry for many years.

Read his full message here:

“Every year, we commemorate the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day on 8 May. It’s a day to celebrate the principles and values, the uniqueness and unity of the Movement. It is also a day to acknowledge the work of not just our members and staff but millions of our volunteers who remain our strength. They have continued to display incredible resilience in the wake of unprecedented humanitarian needs and continue to serve as an inspiration for the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and beyond.

This year we are also celebrating the power of kindness. Kindness is what connects us around the world and is the strongest form of Humanity. On this year’s World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we would like to acknowledge all acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, that have had an impact on the lives of people and the most vulnerable communities. In these challenging times, it is more important now than ever to return to the basis of our foundational humanitarian principle – “Humanity.” And in doing so, we don’t just celebrate our journey but reaffirm our commitment to our humanitarian mission.”