Message from Former President of the ICRC

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would first like to extend my sincerest congratulations to the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) for its success in convening the Global Young Leaders Dialogue Annual Forum 2022. I have fond memories of visiting the centre back in 2017 and was delighted then to have been able to give a lecture, as I am now to address the forum.

The CCG should be commended for its work in mobilizing the creativity of young people and for providing a platform where their ideas can flourish and be heard, particularly at a time when we are facing major global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, armed conflict, climate change and poverty.

For almost 160 years, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has played a vital role in helping people affected by armed conflict and violence. Cooperation and dialogue with partners around the world have always played a crucial role in building our experience and expertise, and I truly appreciate the strong and rewarding relationship between the ICRC and the CCG. It was also a pleasure to have contributed an article to Consensus or Conflict? China and Globalization in the 21st Century, which was published by the CCG last year.

As president of the ICRC, my greatest concern is that all the signs I see today point to chronic instability. The global pandemic has exacerbated existing fragilities and, as armed conflict and economic crises hit communities, those who are marginalized become even more so.

It is clear that we need to do things differently, and I propose a renewed partnership of engagement through which we can work together to turn the tide. We also need consensus-building to be inclusive, with actors from across sectors coming together to address social issues. Young people around the world are key to this consensusbuilding process and we must ensure they are included and that their innovative and creative power is recognized and utilized.

Importantly, the Global Young Leaders Dialogue platform promotes equal dialogue between young people from different cultural and religious backgrounds, and we at the ICRC are keen to encourage young people from around the world to contribute to humanitarian action.

The forum provides an opportunity to celebrate young people’s resilience and leadership, and I am sure that this year’s event will generate lively debate and inspiring ideas about how to tackle the most pressing issues of today, while fostering solidarity and encouraging a spirit of cooperation and shared humanity.

Our cooperation with the CCG is extremely valuable in building our understanding of Chinese perspectives on global governance, international law, development and humanitarian action, and we look forward to further strengthening the partnership and dialogue between our two organizations.

Thank you again to the CCG for the opportunity to address the annual forum of the Global Young Leaders Dialogue and I wish everyone a successful meeting.

Peter Maurer

Former President

International Committee of the Red Cross