President of ERCS made an opening remarks on the 90th Anniversary of the Society
Here is the full message by the president, Mr.Abera Tola
July 8, 2025,Addis Ababa
Distinguished President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and our Patron, His Excellency President Taye Askeselasse,
Their Excellencies, Former Presidents of the Republic, and former Patrons of ERCS,
Excellencies, Honorable Ministers, Ambassadors,
Esteemed Members of the Ethiopian Red Cross Society,
Respected Volunteers, Staff, and Board Members,
Our Valued Donors, Partners, and Supporters,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning and welcome!
It is with immense pride and great humility that I stand before you today as we gather to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Ethiopian Red Cross Society. For nine decades, ERCS has been a beacon of hope, compassion, and solidarity for the people of Ethiopia. As we reflect on the progress we have made, we also look forward to a future full of promise, commitment, and renewed determination to serve those in need.
Looking back over the past four years, it’s clear that ERCS is in a stronger and more resilient position than ever before. From improved logistics and management to stronger staff morale and enhanced capacity to respond to crises, we have made significant strides in both quality and efficiency. Our internal systems, responsiveness, and ability to deliver aid are now more robust than at any point in our history. This transformation has been made possible thanks to the efforts of our dedicated volunteers, staff, and partners, and I am truly proud of what we have accomplished together.
Our efforts and dedication have not gone unnoticed on the global stage. ERCS was re-elected by the General Assembly to serve for an additional four years—an affirmation of our leadership and commitment within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. We were also honored with the prestigious Henry Davison Award for organizational excellence, a testament to our innovation, resilience, and results-driven approach. Just a few weeks ago, at a meeting held in Cairo, ERCS was delegated with leading the establishment of the African Leadership Academy—an initiative that will shape the next generation of humanitarian leaders across the continent.
First and foremost, I would like to express my profound thanks to His Excellency President Taye Askeselasse, the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and our esteemed Patron. Since becoming our Patron six months ago, President Taye has provided invaluable guidance and leadership. His unwavering support and the wisdom he has shared with us during our meetings have set the tone for the future of ERCS. Your presence here today, Mr. President, reaffirms the deep bond between the Ethiopian Red Cross and the Ethiopian government, and we are deeply grateful for your dedication to our cause.
With this global recognition comes greater responsibility. We understand that providing humanitarian assistance alone will not ensure humanity is respected and protected by all. It must be reinforced through education, awareness, and values-based leadership. It is with this strong conviction that ERCS has established the School of Humanity, a groundbreaking initiative launched this year. The school is designed to educate and inspire students in the principles of humanity, ethics, International Humanitarian Law, humanitarian leadership, and diplomacy. By nurturing a generation of informed, compassionate, and principled leaders, we aim to foster a culture where dignity and human life are upheld, not only in times of crisis but in all walks of life.
We are also deeply honored by the presence of two distinguished former Presidents of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and former Patrons of ERCS. His Excellency Dr. Mulatu Teshome and Her Excellency Sahilework Zewdie. Your enduring support for the Ethiopian Red Cross Society over the years has helped shape the path we walk today. Your presence here is a symbol of the legacy and continuity of humanitarian leadership in this country.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the volunteers, members, staff, and board members of ERCS. The work you do, often under incredibly challenging circumstances, is a true testament to your commitment and courage. Many of you have sacrificed greatly, even putting your own lives on the line to ensure that those in need receive the help they require. Your dedication is the foundation of everything we do, and we stand here today because of your tireless efforts.
Our donors and partners have been instrumental in ensuring that ERCS continues to grow and succeed. Among our key supporters, I would like to extend a special thanks to Ambassador Darren Welch of the United Kingdom, whose speech at King Charles’s 76th birthday celebration last November underscored the enduring strength of the relationship between Ethiopia and the United Kingdom. Mr. Welch’s words reflected a commitment that transcends political changes, assuring us that the bond between our two nations will remain unbreakable. We are also grateful for the steadfast support we receive from the FCDO (Foreign Common Wealth and Development Office, which remains one of our most generous and committed donors. Your partnership allows us to continue to reach those most in need, build our capacity, and we are privileged to work alongside you.
And above all, we must honor the people we serve—the beating heart of our mission.
They are not simply beneficiaries; they are the soul of this Society.
In the silence of disaster and the loneliness of displacement, they wait—not with despair, but with belief.
They believe in ERCS.
They believe that even when the roads are washed away, or when the world seems to forget them, the Red Cross will come—like it always does.
They trust that our hands will reach them, not only with medicine and food, but with dignity, with compassion, and with hope.
Even in times when access is denied, they hold on to the quiet certainty that ERCS will find a way.
To them, we are not just a symbol—we are family.
Their faith strengthens our determination, and their resilience shapes our purpose.
To serve them is our greatest duty and our deepest source of pride.
In addition to our UK partners, we must also acknowledge the immense contributions of ECHO (European Commission for Humanitarian aid and Civil Protection) USAID, the ICRC, and all Red Cross family members, whose support continues to be vital to our work. These partnerships—built on trust, shared goals, and mutual respect—have allowed us to provide life-saving aid across Ethiopia. Your generosity and commitment enable us to continue our mission, and for that, we are deeply thankful.
I want also to highlight several significant contributions such as:
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the Ethiopian government, which has played a crucial role in supporting ERCS over the years. One example of this support is the partnership with the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) for the Filwuha building project, which is a crucial development for ERCS. We are grateful for the Prime Minister’s vision in facilitating this partnership, which will allow us to create a modern, sustainable facility to serve the people of Ethiopia for generations to come. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for ERCS, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with both the government and the private sector.
- The Ethiopian Electric Power Company provided us with 270 million birr to respond to the devastating flooding in the South Omo Zone. This generous support ensured that we could deliver essential relief to communities affected by natural disasters.
- During the Tigray conflict, when the humanitarian situation became increasingly dire, the Prime Minister’s office allowed us to fly in a plane-load of life-saving medical supplies to Tigray—a crucial contribution during one of the most critical times.
- Additionally, when diesel fuel vehicles were prohibited from entering the country, the Prime Minister’s office granted us special permission to bring in over 200 fully equipped ambulances. This gesture enabled us to deliver critical medical assistance to communities in dire need during a period of serious logistical challenges.
Lastly, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to regional governments and regional presidents whose unwavering support has been critical to the success of our regional operations. Their continued collaboration—both administratively and financially—has been a significant factor in enabling our regional offices to function effectively and provide essential services to communities across the country.
As we look toward the future, ERCS is committed to an ambitious vision for the next ten years. These includes, not limited to:
- Strengthening our response capacity so that every ERCS branch can respond to any humanitarian crisis within 48 hours.
- Expanding our membership base to 20 million members by 2035, ensuring that one member from each family in Ethiopia is part of ERCS.
- Training one volunteer for every 120 Ethiopians by 2035 will enable us to mobilize a strong, capable workforce whenever disaster strikes.
- Achieving 80% self-sufficiency in our financial resources by 2035, ensuring that ERCS can sustain its operations and humanitarian work.
- Becoming a regional leader in humanitarian assistance, capable of providing support to other national societies in Africa.
- Expanding the School of Humanity, established this year, so that by 2035, we will have graduated hundreds—if not thousands—of students who are passionate about standing for humanity and human dignity.
In conclusion, I would like to thank each and every one of you once again for your continued support and dedication to ERCS’s mission. Together, we will continue to serve those in need, strengthening our commitment to humanitarian service, and making a tangible difference in the lives of people across Ethiopia. It is now my great honor to invite His Excellency President Taye Askeselasse, the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and our esteemed Patron, to deliver his opening remarks. Please welcome him to the podium.
I Thank you.
Abera Tola
ERCS President