Finnish Red Cross Delegation Visits ERCS Headquarters to Strengthen Partnership
A delegation from the Finnish Red Cross, led by Ms. Tiina Saarikoski, Director of International Development, paid a courtesy visit to the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) Headquarters in Addis Ababa to strengthen the partnership between the two National Societies and explore areas of continued collaboration.
Welcoming the delegation, ERCS Secretary General Ato Abera Lulessa highlighted the Society’s operational activities, the support provided by humanitarian partners, and the positive impact of these interventions on beneficiaries. He also outlined challenges affecting humanitarian operations, including security-related constraints.
Ato Abera noted that ERCS’s operational portfolio continues to expand and emphasized that its five-year strategic plan places strong emphasis on institutional system strengthening and improved service delivery. He expressed appreciation for the Finnish Red Cross’s support, noting its contribution to making a difference in the lives of people in need, and stressed the importance of further strengthening the partnership.
For her part, Ms. Tiina Saarikoski commended ERCS’s humanitarian response operations and its strong response capacity. She reaffirmed that the Finnish Red Cross Ethiopia Delegation’s key objective is to support ERCS’s vision and strategic priorities.
The visit also featured a plenary discussion between the delegation and the ERCS executive team on areas of mutual interest and opportunities to further strengthen cooperation between the two National Societies.
The Finnish Red Cross will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2027, marking a century and a half of humanitarian service.
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