The Norwegian Red Cross has announced its intention to enhance collaboration with the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) across multiple domains, including healthcare delivery, disaster preparedness, training, and equipment procurement. A delegation from the Norwegian Red Cross, headed by Ahmad Motavalli, the organization’s Middle East and North Africa representative, recently visited several IRCS facilities in Tehran to assess the society’s capabilities.
During the visit, the delegation toured a textile manufacturing facility, a rehabilitation center, and the Peace Museum operated by the IRCS. Motavalli highlighted the society’s notable degree of independence and self-sufficiency, emphasizing its comprehensive management of operations from inception to completion. He also expressed admiration for the IRCS’s innovative use of artificial intelligence in its activities, describing it as uncommon among national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies.
Motavalli identified key areas for cooperation, including the provision of healthcare services to populations affected by armed conflicts, the exchange of expertise, emergency preparedness, and pre-hospital care training. Responding to a detailed list of equipment and raw materials needed by the IRCS, the Norwegian Red Cross has committed to supporting procurement efforts.
Praising the IRCS’s specialized teams in rehabilitation, search, and rescue operations, the Norwegian official stated that Norway is prepared to send health experts to work alongside Iranian counterparts and participate in IRCS training programs. Motavalli underscored the humanitarian mission to assist those impacted by the recent conflict involving the United States and Israel, adding that the Norwegian Red Cross aims to inform public and government audiences in Norway about the IRCS’s efforts during the crisis.
The cooperation comes in the wake of commendations from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). In a letter dated July, Secretary General Jagan Chapagain praised the IRCS for its leadership and effective response during a 40-day period of conflict involving the United States and Israel. Chapagain highlighted the IRCS’s role in relief distribution, medical services, and search and rescue operations, describing the society as a model of crisis management amid significant operational and humanitarian challenges.
Chapagain’s letter recognized the IRCS as Iran’s primary humanitarian actor in the conflict, expressing gratitude on behalf of the IFRC for the society’s commitment to assisting communities affected by the ongoing situation in Iran. The acknowledgment and the planned bilateral cooperation underscore the role of national Red Crescent and Red Cross societies in addressing humanitarian needs during complex emergencies.