The Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS) President Fabakary Kalleh has called for stronger governance, financial sustainability and increased women and youth participation in leadership as the Society marks 60 years of humanitarian service.
Kalleh made the call Thursday at GRCS headquarters in Westfield during commemoration of its establishment in 1966.
He said the anniversary must strengthen capacity to respond to emerging challenges including climate change, public health threats and migration emergencies.
The Society must move beyond projects to building lasting institutional capacity, strengthening local leadership and ensuring community voice in decisions.
“A strong Red Cross is not an institution that assumes it knows everything communities need. It is an institution that listens, learns and works alongside people,” Kalleh said.
He cited ongoing review of the Constitution and preparation of Unified Plan 2027 as steps to improve governance, accountability and effectiveness.
He said GRCS must preserve independence, impartiality and neutrality while strengthening partnerships with government, partners, civil society and private sector.
“Our greatest asset is not the emblem. It is the trust that emblem represents. We must protect that trust,” he said.
Secretary General Ebou Faye Njie said the Society maintained commitment to saving lives, reducing suffering and supporting vulnerable communities.
“We are here to prevent and alleviate human suffering, protect human dignity and provide assistance without discrimination. Every human life has value,” he said.
Njie said GRCS operates across seven regions with over 17,000 volunteers central to operations due to local knowledge and ability to identify needs.
On health, he highlighted malaria prevention through CIDCA-funded Accelerating Malaria Elimination Project.
Referring to the October boat tragedy off Jinack Kajata, he said GRCS supported dignified management of remains and provided mental health and psychosocial support to families.
“These experiences remind us why our presence matters, not because we can prevent every tragedy, but because we must be ready to respond,” he said.
Both officials called for continued stakeholder support to strengthen humanitarian work.
“For 60 years we have served communities. Let us continue saving lives and inspiring thefuture,” Njie said.
