Background

The Southeast Asia Red Cross Red Crescent Leaders Meeting serves as a forum for leaders of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (RCRC) and their Partners in Southeast Asia (SEA), alongside representatives from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Together, they convene to address and make decisions on pertinent issues affecting the Movement within the region. The SEA RC Leaders Meeting, as an annual platform was initiated by the Thailand Red Cross Society, which hosted the 1st South-East Asia Red Cross Red Crescent Leaders Meeting in Bangkok in 2003. Afterward, the National Societies took turns to host the Meeting one after another.

In September 2026, the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) chaired and hosted the 23rd Southeast Asia Red Cross Red Crescent Leaders Meeting and adopted the Yangon Statement.

The opening ceremony of the 23rd Red Cross Red Crescent South-East Asia Leaders Meeting took place at the Wyndham Grand Hotel in Yangon.

The Myanmar Red Cross Society hosted the South-East Asia Red Cross Red Crescent Leaders Meeting in 2012 and is hosting it for the second time in 2026.

Speaking at the event, Union Minister for Health Dr Thet Khaing Win said the theme of the meeting, “Unity in Humanitarian Action: Building a Better Tomorrow,” highlights the importance of unity and cooperation in addressing humanitarian challenges facing the world today.

He said the Myanmar Red Cross Society plays an important role as a reserve force of the State in disaster preparedness and emergency response nationwide. He also noted that the government is continuously cooperating to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need.

Myanmar Red Cross Society President Dr Myo Nyunt, Deputy Regional Director of the IFRC Asia Pacific Regional Office Ms Juja Kim, and ICRC Director of International Law, Movement and Partnership Dr Cordula Droege also delivered opening remarks.

Prior to the Meeting, the MRCS also hosted the 5th SEA Youth Forum which adopted the Youth Yangon statement. The 1st Youth Forum was organized in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam in 2022.

As mandated by the Leaders in the 23rd meeting, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will assume chairmanship and host the 24th SEA Leaders Meeting in 2027. While, as designated by the 5th Youth Forum, the PRC will also organize the 6th Youth Forum.

Related Documents:

• Term of Reference
• Practical Information
• Agenda

Session 1

• Session 1 – Overview
• Presentation

Session 2

• Session 2 – Overview
• Presentation

Photos / Videos:

• Opening ceremony
• Press conference
• MoU signing
• SEA Leaders Meeting