The Ukrainian Red Cross shares its wartime response experience in Canada

The Secretary General’s Meeting of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, hosted by the Canadian Red Cross, took place in Ottawa. The event brought together leaders of National Societies to discuss crisis preparedness, strengthening the auxiliary role of National Societies, and enhancing coordination within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The Ukrainian Red Cross delegation, led by Director General Maksym Dotsenko, presented the organisation’s practical experience in preparedness and response during the full-scale war. In his presentation, Maksym Dotsenko emphasised that effective preparedness is not only about resources, but also about the ability to rapidly scale up operations, coordinate teams and partners, ensure continuity of operations, and support people in need throughout a prolonged crisis.

Participants also discussed the auxiliary role of National Societies, cooperation with public authorities, humanitarian diplomacy, international humanitarian law, and preparedness for future crises.

As part of the visit, the Ukrainian Red Cross delegation held bilateral meetings with representatives of the Canadian Red Cross and Global Affairs Canada to discuss strategic partnership development and support for humanitarian programmes in Ukraine. Ukrainian Red Cross representatives also took part in a commemorative event honouring Senator Paul Yuzyk, attended by members of the Ukrainian diaspora and partners, and visited the Embassy of Ukraine in Ottawa.

The visit provided an important opportunity to share the Ukrainian Red Cross’s humanitarian response experience with international partners, strengthen cooperation with partners and the Ukrainian diaspora, and contribute to the development of joint approaches to crisis preparedness, response, and contemporary humanitarian challenges.