Kate Forbes

10/13/2026

Our 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are rooted in the communities they serve.

They understand their communities. They know their vulnerabilities and their strengths. And when crisis strikes, their volunteers are often already there.

A strong IFRC begins with strong National Societies.

That is why strengthening National Societies must remain at the heart of our work — investing in their leadership, supporting their development and ensuring they have the capacity and resources to respond to the changing needs of the communities they serve.

When National Societies are stronger, our entire network is stronger — and so is our collective ability to deliver for people in need.

Together, we can continue building a stronger, more resilient and more impactful network.

10/09/2026

Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of listening to and working alongside Red Cross and Red Crescent leaders, volunteers and staff across our global network.

Again and again, I have been reminded that our greatest strength lies in our unity and our shared commitment to the communities we serve.

As we look toward the future of the IFRC, I believe we must continue moving Forward Together — building a network that is more impactful, resilient and inclusive.

This means advancing governance reform, strengthening National Societies, protecting our people, reinforcing our unity as one Movement and investing in future-ready leadership.

We have made important progress together, and there is more work ahead. I remain committed to building on this momentum, strengthening our collective impact and ensuring that our network is prepared to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Read more about my platform an initiatives: https://www.redcross.org/kateforbes.html

09/28/2026

The Middle East and North Africa region holds a special place in my heart. Since taking on this role, I have visited it more than any other region, and every opportunity to meet our National Societies and hear directly from them is deeply important to me.

At the 12th MENA Conference, I paid tribute to the staff and volunteers of the Palestine Red Crescent Society, the Lebanese Red Cross and Iranian Red Crescent who have lost their lives while serving others. Their loss is felt across our Movement and by all who believe in humanity. I remain committed to raising my voice for the protection, safety and well-being of our volunteers and staff.

The voices and priorities shared at the Conference must shape our collective action. I look forward to carrying them to the IFRC General Assembly in Geneva, where our 191 National Societies will come together under the theme “A Future United in Humanity.”

09/05/2026

My journey with the Red Cross and Red Crescent began as a volunteer more than four decades ago. I could never have imagined where that first step would lead.

I am grateful to Mignon A. Gould and the Phoenix Business Journal for sharing my story—from my roots in Phoenix to serving as President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the extraordinary honor of being included in the 2026 TIME100 Philanthropy list.

This recognition belongs to the millions of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers around the world who put humanity into action every day. Their courage, compassion and commitment continue to inspire me.

I hope my story reminds others that volunteering, however it begins, can become a lifetime of purpose and service.

Read the article: https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2026/08/27/kate-forbes-president-red-cross-times100.html

From volunteer to nonprofit executive, Kate Forbes shares her journey to being a TIME100 Philanthropy 2026 honoree.

09/02/2026

We cannot allow attacks on humanitarian workers to become normalized.

Every day, our colleagues—medics, drivers, engineers and volunteers—serve people in crisis, often at extraordinary personal risk. We cannot simply ask them to be braver. We must make it possible for them to do their jobs safely.

Together with ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric, I am calling for words of support to be matched by action. Governments and parties to armed conflicts must uphold international humanitarian law, protect humanitarian personnel and preserve the space for humanitarian action.

Protecting those who help is not a favour to our organizations. It is an obligation—and a lifeline for the communities we serve.

Read our joint message: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-world-cannot-normalize-killing-those-who-help-ifrc-qisoe/

A joint message from Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross. On World Humanitarian Day, we rightly celebrate the courage of humanitarian workers and volunte

08/19/2026

Today, on World Humanitarian Day, we honor the millions of humanitarian workers and volunteers who choose humanity every single day.

From conflict zones to communities recovering from disasters, from disease outbreaks to the growing impacts of climate change, they show up with courage, compassion and an unwavering commitment to serve others.

Over the past year, I have had the privilege of meeting Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers across the world. Their stories have reinforced a simple truth: humanitarian action is powered not by headlines, but by people.

This day is also a reminder that humanitarian workers must be protected. No one should risk—or lose—their life for bringing care, hope or lifesaving assistance to others.

Last year, I reflected on this responsibility in an article that remains deeply meaningful to me. As we mark World Humanitarian Day, I invite you to read it and join me in recognizing those who continue to put humanity into action every day.

Thank you to every volunteer, staff member and community leader across our global network. Your service inspires us all.

08/17/2026

One year ago, I wrote about one of the most difficult responsibilities of serving as IFRC President: writing condolence letters to the families of humanitarian workers who never came home.

Sadly, those words remain just as relevant today.

Behind every attack on a humanitarian is a family, a community, and countless people who may never receive the help they need. Protecting humanitarian workers is not only a legal obligation—it is essential to protecting humanity itself.

As we approach World Humanitarian Day, I invite you to revisit these reflections and to stand with those who risk so much to serve others.

https://www.ifrc.org/who-we-are/people-and-structures/president?utm_source=chatgpt.com

At the IFRC, Forbes most recently served as chairman of the organization's Audit and Risk Commission. Under her leadership, the commission has increased transparency and accountability to deliver life-saving assistance more efficiently around the world. Kate’s Red Cross journey began in 1981 at he...

08/04/2026

Some visits stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

As I reflect on my recent visit to Djibouti, I keep thinking about the extraordinary compassion and commitment of the volunteers and staff of the Djibouti Red Crescent. Every day, they stand alongside people on the move, offering water, food, care, hope and, above all, dignity.

Along one of the world’s most challenging migration routes, their work is a powerful reminder that humanitarian action begins in local communities. Their dedication shows that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on people facing unimaginable hardship.

Thank you to the Djibouti Red Crescent for your unwavering commitment and for reminding us that humanity knows no borders.

07/31/2026

Good governance is not an end in itself.

Its purpose is to strengthen our ability to serve communities, support volunteers, and uphold the trust that people place in our Movement.

Throughout my time as IFRC President, I have worked to strengthen our governance structures because strong institutions help National Societies succeed, particularly during periods of uncertainty and change.

When governance is effective, it creates clarity, accountability, and confidence. And ultimately, it helps us deliver better humanitarian outcomes for the people who depend on us.

07/27/2026

Humanitarian needs are rising across the globe.

Communities are facing the impacts of disasters, conflict, displacement, health emergencies, and economic uncertainty—often all at once.

At the same time, humanitarian organizations are being asked to do more with increasingly constrained resources.

Meeting these challenges will require innovation, collaboration, and a continued focus on what matters most: serving people with humanity, dignity, and respect.

Our responsibility is not only to respond to today’s needs, but to ensure our IFRC network is prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.