Vice Minister Emanuela Del Re held a video conference with President Francesco Rocca and Jagan Chapagain, Secretary-General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (IFRC). “Italy and IFRC have a consolidated, robust and forward-looking partnership” – said the Vice Minister – “The world is better thanks to your work.
“Preventive action” was one of the topics discussed during the meeting to address the humanitarian consequences of climate change and extreme weather events: “a strategy at the core of Italian humanitarian action, especially in Africa”. “Climate change and extreme weather events have a huge negative impact on food security. Italy, therefore, has promoted a Food Coalition at FAO to create synergies, especially in Africa,” Del Re recalled.
“Localization is also a priority in our global humanitarian agenda”, – continued the Vice Minister. “COVID-19 has shown that local actors are the ones who can respond more promptly and effectively. We believe that the involvement of local communities in needs-analysis and monitoring activities is vital to our people-and need-based approach”. Del Re then agreed on the importance of enhancing the value of volunteering, a sector in which Italy has a remarkable tradition with more than 6 million people engaged in voluntary work.
