The IFRC Psychosocial Centre

Shows

Red Vest‘A month of giving’ during ‘unprecedented suffering’: IFRC’s director for the Middle East and North Africa reflects on Ramadan and acts of kindness amidst conflict and tragedyAs Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan, IFRC’s regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, Hossam Elsharkawi, reflects on the humanitarian crises impacting his region and on what Muslims consider a sacred month of fasting, giving and prayer. “Through fasting, you feel what's it like to be hungry, what's it like to be thirsty,” says Elsharkawi. “Ramadan is also a month of giving, when people share their meals and give more to charity.” Elsharkawi also explains the time-honoured tradition of giving in the Islamic world, and about a campaign launched during Ramadan by the IFRC to accept zakat, a...2025-03-2531 min

Red VestBig challenges, uncertain times. A talk with Loyce Pace, IFRC’s new regional director for the AmericasHow will technology shape the way we respond to emergencies? What is ‘human biology’ and how is it connected to human rights? What are the big challenges ahead for global health during uncertain times? Loyce Pace, IFRC’s new Regional Director for the America, is well placed to explore these questions. With a long background in community and global health advocacy, she most recently served as Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs at the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Before that she played key roles coordinating the United States’ global response to health crises. Tune in to see how...2025-03-1832 min

Red Vest‘I know what it takes to experience that level of vulnerability’ – IFRC’s new regional director for Africa talks about the challenges aheadWhat does it take to manage humanitarian crisis response for a massive continent dealing with a wide range of challenges – conflict, mass population movements, epidemics, tropical storms, drought and a widespread hunger crisis. Find out how IFRC’s new regional director for the Africa region, Charles Businge, plans to tackle these challenges and how his upbringing in Uganda shaped him for the task ahead. “I have seen war and fighting between different armed groups and I have worked in similar contexts,” he tells us. “So, I am committed to supporting people who faced these kinds of vulnerabilities, because I know what...2025-03-1135 min

Red VestUnpacking trust – that invisible yet critical element – with Jessie Thomson, IFRC’s head of delegation in TürkiyeTrust is not easy to quantify. But without it, many things in life become impossible. Humanitarian work is no exception. Jessie Thomson, IFRC’s head of delegation in Türkiye, shares what she’s learned about building trust, including some essential, concrete behaviours that build trust among partners, the public and work teams. When trust is present, she says, people are more effective, innovative and less afraid to take on more ambitious goals. One example of trust in action, she says, was the massive and rapid 2023 earthquake response, led by the Turkish Red Crescent with support from the IFRC netwo...2025-02-2541 min

Red VestSpeaking up for people in crisis: Unpacking ‘humanitarian diplomacy’ with IFRC’s Dylan WinderMost people have some idea of what is meant by diplomacy. But what is ‘humanitarian diplomacy?’ Dylan Winder, permanent observer to the United Nations and director of global humanitarian diplomacy at the IFRC, says it’s about speaking up and finding solutions for people caught in crisis, who find themselves in vulnerable situations but don’t have a voice in the halls of power. These days, it also means standing up for local people who try to help their vulnerable neighbours. “By far the majority of humanitarian workers killed or injured in crisis situations are local workers,” he says. “That has to ch...2025-02-1125 min

The Great Simplification with Nate HagensNavigating International Crises: The Evolving Challenges for Humanitarian Organizations with Birgitte Bischoff(Conversation recorded on December 18th, 2024) With the increase in geopolitical conflicts, supply chain challenges, and unprecedented natural disasters, there is more need than ever for international humanitarian organizations that transcend political and national allegiances. How will such organizations grow and evolve to become a central component to humanity’s adaptation to the coming Great Simplification? In this episode, Nate is joined by European Regional Director for The Red Cross, Birgitte Bischoff, to discuss her vision for the future of humanitarian work and the challenges and opportunities for more proactive and prepared planning. Together, they d...2025-01-221h 13

Humanitarian Frontiers in AIWhere to Start with Strategy?Implementing a successful AI strategy for your social enterprise may seem overwhelming, but with the right support, the results can be transformative. In today’s conversation, hosts Nasim Motalebi and Chris Hoffman sit down with Juriaan Lahr and Lindsey Moore to discuss how humanitarian organizations can implement and build a successful AI strategy. Juriaan is the Director of Digital Transformation at the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), the world’s largest humanitarian network, and Lindsey is the CEO and Founder at DevelopMetrics, a company leveraging ethical AI to revolutionize global development. Together, they unpack how organizations in the huma...2025-01-0751 min

Red VestNew IFRC Youth Commission leader: Young volunteers want real influence, not ‘box-checking’ exercises Young people do not fit into “cookie-cutter” stereotypes, says Michelle Chew, IFRC’s newly elected Youth Commission Chair. “Young people are very diverse and only by valuing and accepting all forms of young people can we engage communities properly.” While young people are gaining influence, she says efforts to engage with youth can seem like “box-checking exercises” that end up turning young people away. As someone with experience as a front-line volunteer with Malaysian Red Crescent ambulance crews, she says she’ll do her best to ensure the voices of young, community-based first responders are represented in the strategies, plans and decision...2024-11-0527 min

Red VestClimate change, economic uncertaintly and the future of volunteering: IFRC youth leader takes on the hot issues impacting young peopleWhen Bas van Rossum was elected to represent youth on the Governing Board of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), he was the youngest person to have ever served in that role. Now as he steps down as president of IFRC’s Youth Commission, he talks about the challenges ahead. “Young people are perhaps the closest to the front lines,” he says, during a special episode recorded during the IFRC Youth Forum. “So it's really important that we listen to young volunteers and that we give them space to really shape the direction we're heading.2024-10-2330 min

Red Vest‘The worst year for humanitarians’: IFRC Secretary General at UN General Assembly presses for urgent action to protect humanitarian workersThe vast majority of humanitarians killed in the last decade are not foreign aid workers, but local humanitarians who often face grave dangers simply trying to save lives in the communities where they live, says IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain in this special episode, recorded during the United Nations General Assembly in late September. “More than 95 per cent of the humanitarians killed have been from local communities,” says Chapagain, who called on UN member states to protect aid workers and to take urgent action on a wide range of critical humanitarian concerns. 2024-10-0827 min

Global Dispatches -- World News That MattersHow the International Federation of the Red Cross is Using Innovative Financing to Fund Disaster Response and PreparednessIf you are a regular listener to the podcast and reader of our associated Global Dispatches newsletter, you know that I believe one of the most important issues in the world today is the growing gap between humanitarian needs and the funding available to meet those needs. Climate change and conflicts are causing a surge in the number of people around the world who require a modicum of humanitarian aid to survive. Yet, funding has not kept pace. Far from it. The gap is large and growing. In response to this pressure, one of the largest and...2024-09-0626 min

Meet The LeaderHow to motivate your team - from an organization with 17 million volunteersThe International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is powered by 17 million volunteers in 191 counties.. At its helm is Jagan Chapagain, a man who started himself at the organization as a teenaged volunteer in Nepal, wanting to do good. He returned after college and has been with the organization ever since, eventually serving in a number of leadership roles until he was appointed to his current position of chief executive officer and secretary general in February 2020. In this wide-ranging conversation, he sets the stage for humanitarian challenges the world faces, as well as how the IFRC is...2024-07-2621 min

In her mind: Tajna JasmineInterview sesh : IFRC IndonesiaThis is beyond AMAZING! Growing up doubting myself that I will not go that big but heyyy yo little girl just got an interview with the IFRC Indonesia!!! ------------------------------------------------------------------ Contact me at tajnajasmine@gmail.com Support this podcast via: https://saweria.co/tajnajasmine https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tajnajasmie 2024-07-2335 min

Red VestLocal communities and youth must drive the global climate change agenda says IFRC climate championAni Gevorgyan’s life as a humanitarian began when she was 14 years old and she signed up to bring joy, art and activity into the lives of refugee children. Two years later, the young volunteer for the Armenian Red Cross was organizing “eco-runs” in which people combined physical activity with environmental clean ups. Now, as an IFRC Climate Champion, she spreads the word about climate action at high level summits like COP-28, where she says local communities and youth need to be driving the agenda. 2024-03-1934 min

Red Vest‘I wasn't surprised, but I was still shocked’: IFRC’s new president takes on today’s toughest humanitarian challenges - People in the Red Vest / Episode 1, Season 2Inspired by her mother’s work helping migrant farm workers in the southwestern United States, Kate Forbes grew up understanding how hard people struggle for a better life. Starting as a Red Cross volunteer at her local branch, she now leads the world’s largest network of local humanitarian organizations. As newly elected president of the IFRC, Forbes talks about extraordinary volunteers she’s met around the world who’ve risked everything to help others, and she explains her approach to today’s most complex humanitarian crises, from climate change to migration. 2024-02-0845 min

Red HeartsMore Beyond the Numbers: Inclusive Leadership and Quotas for ChangeIn this episode, Anvita Akkur from the Canadian Red Cross sheds light on the vital role of inclusive leadership. From creating a foundation for cultural inclusivity to evaluating the impact of these practices, we delve into the organization's journey towards diversity, equity, and inclusion."2024-01-0329 min

Red HeartsGender equality in humanitarian emergency response from a national society experienceIn this episode, Rhea Pierre tackles crucial questions: Why is gender equity essential in emergencies? We'll explore specific challenges, inclusion strategies, safety for women and girls, female leadership, and how to sustain gender equity progress. Join the conversation about a more equitable approach to humanitarian response.2023-12-2728 min

Red HeartsInclusión y Diversidad en términos de identidad de géneroÚnete a un diálogo enriquecedor sobre 'Inclusión y Diversidad en Identidad de Género' junto a Katherine Fuentes. Exploraremos perspectivas, desafíos y estrategias clave para fomentar un entorno inclusivo. Prepárate para adentrarte en la importancia de respetar y celebrar la diversidad de identidades de género en nuestro episodio especial."2023-12-2039 min

Red HeartsWomen's Empowerment and Protection: Navigating the Challenges of Gender ViolenceIn this episode, Andrea Phillips from Guyana Red Cross dives into the complexities of gender-based violence, its impact, and extreme forms. We explore prevention mechanisms, successful victim support initiatives, and the roles of citizens, institutions, and the state. Join us in understanding, preventing, and advocating for a safer, empowered society.2023-12-1311 min

Red HeartsEmpoderamiento femenino y protección: Navegando los desafíos de la violencia de géneroEn este episodio, Dina Mendoza de la Cruz Roja Hondureña profundiza en las complejidades de la violencia basada en género, su impacto y formas extremas. Exploramos mecanismos de prevención, iniciativas exitosas de apoyo a víctimas y los roles de ciudadanos, instituciones y el estado. Únete a nosotros para comprender, prevenir y abogar por una sociedad más segura y empoderada.2023-12-0618 min

Red HeartsLa Equidad de Género en la respuesta humanitaria ante emergencias y desastresEn este episodio, María Martha Tuna aborda preguntas cruciales: ¿Por qué es esencial la equidad de género en emergencias? Exploraremos desafíos específicos, estrategias de inclusión, seguridad para mujeres y niñas, liderazgo femenino, y cómo mantener avances en equidad de género. Únete a la conversación sobre un enfoque más equitativo en la respuesta humanitaria.2023-11-2937 min

Talking Humanitarianism24 - Humanitarian diplomacy and multilateral engagement - Reflections from an IFRC Permanent RepresentativeReflections from outgoing Permanent Representative of the IFRC to the African Union, Mr. Itonde Kakoma, in conversation with Dr. Salla Turunen, International Relations specialist. In this episode Dr. Salla Turunen and Itonde Kakoma reflect on how the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is situated within the humanitarian landscape, particularly with regards to humanitarian diplomacy. They also discuss multilateral engagement in the context of the establishment of the new African Humanitarian Agency and what this means for the future of humanitarian diplomacy. As Itonde prepares to leave his role with the IFRC and...2023-10-0930 min

Red HeartsDeslave en Ecuador: La visión de la comunidadEn Alausí, comunidad perteneciente a la provincia ecuatoriana de Chimborazo, un deslizamiento de tierra acabó con las vidas de familiares y amigos, y además dejó a varias personas desaparecidas. Minutos más tarde, en medio de la confusión y el desconcierto, el voluntariado de Cruz Roja Ecuatoriana llegaría a la zona para desplegar protocolos de respuesta a emergencias. Este es el segundo Podcast de esta serie y está dedicado a escuchar las voces de las mujeres y hombres que vivían en la zona cero cuando esta emergencia ocurrió. 2023-09-2215 min

Red HeartsDeslave en Ecuador: La visión del voluntariadoEn Alausí, comunidad perteneciente a la provincia ecuatoriana de Chimborazo, alrededor de las nueve de la noche, un deslizamiento de tierra que acabó con varias vidas, vidas de familiares y amigos, mientras varios más aún permanecen desaparecidos. Desde la misma noche de la emergencia, Cruz Roja Ecuatoriana desplegó voluntarios y personal para brindar apoyo a las personas afectadas, y contribuir a salvar vidas. Hoy, nuestros voluntarios desean contarte sus experiencias y aprendizajes durante esta operación. 2023-09-2217 min

Heartbeat of HumanityCaring for Staff and VolunteersIn this episode of Heartbeat of Humanity, MHPSS Technical Adviseer Arz Stephan interviews IFRC PS Centre Director Nana Wiedeman about the importance and challenges of caring for the carers.This podcast was funded by the European Union. Its contents are the soleresponsibility of the IFRC Psychosocial Centre and do not necessarily reflect the viewsof the European Union.2023-08-1432 min

Heartbeat of HumanityEvaluating the PS CentreIn 2022, Danish Red Cross and IFRC jointly commissioned an external evaluation of the work of the PS Centre for the years 2015 to 2022. The evaluation reviewed the functions and activities of the PS Centre, seeking to highlight achievements as well as challenges in fulfilling its mandate. In this episode of Heartbeat of Humanity, mental health and psychosocial health specialist and external evaluation consultant Rebecca Horn presents the evaluation results.- See a Summary of the report.- Evaluation of the IFRC Psychosocial Centre – A review of activities and functions 2015-2022 2023-06-3023 min