Welcoming participants, Dr. Abdelrahman Bilal Al-Eid, President of the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS), described the meeting as a powerful message of solidarity with the people of Sudan amid one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. He highlighted the dedication of SRCS staff and volunteers, who continue to provide life-saving assistance despite the ongoing conflict, and called for greater international support, stronger partnerships, and increased investment in locally led humanitarian action. He also urged all parties to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of humanitarian workers and safe, unhindered access to affected communities.
In his keynote address, the Chair of RCNet thanked the Government of Sudan and the Sudanese Red Crescent Society for their warm hospitality and excellent organization. He stressed that growing humanitarian challenges—including armed conflict, displacement, climate-related disasters, public health emergencies, and food insecurity—require stronger cooperation between governments, National Societies, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and humanitarian partners. He also paid tribute to the courage and commitment of SRCS volunteers serving communities affected by the crisis.
The Governor of the Red Sea State welcomed the delegates to Port Sudan, emphasizing that hosting the RCNet meeting reflects the confidence the regional and international Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement places in the Sudanese Red Crescent Society. He praised SRCS as a strategic partner of the state government, recognizing its vital role in emergency response, flood preparedness, epidemic control, and community health through its extensive volunteer network.
Representing the Government of Sudan, Federal Minister of Health Dr. Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Dr. Kamil Idris and reaffirmed the Government's commitment to implementing the outcomes of the meeting and strengthening health and humanitarian services. He praised the Sudanese Red Crescent Society for its frontline response during floods, disease outbreaks, and the ongoing conflict, describing it as a key partner of the Ministry of Health in emergency preparedness and response. The Minister also called for increased funding for SRCS programmes and stronger partnerships with Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies across Africa and beyond.
The two days meeting is expected to strengthen regional collaboration, enhance humanitarian partnerships, and advance coordinated responses to the increasing humanitarian challenges facing East Africa and the Indian Ocean region.