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Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, Immigration and Sugar Industry and Acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yogesh Karan today received a farewell courtesy call from the outgoing Head of Delegation for International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Country Cluster Delegation In The Pacific, Ms. Kathryn Clarkson, as her 5 years term concludes this month.
During a meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister, PS Karan thanked Ms. Clarkson for her leadership role in advancing the partnership between IFRC and Fiji.
On the aspects of IFRC’s role in Humanitarian support, PS Karan thanked IFRC and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for working collaboratively to mobilise assistance in communities affected by TC Yasa and TC Ana. The work undertaken by the Fiji Red Cross emergency response team in this regard was also acknowledged.
PS Karan emphasised that such partnerships was significant to Fiji’s rebuilding and recovery efforts from the impact of COVID-19 and climate induced challenges.
He said there are potential cooperation opportunities to be pursued with IFRC and Fiji Red Cross to strengthen Fiji’s response to disaster preparedness and resilience.
PS Karan congratulated Ms. Clarkson and wished her well in her new role as the IFRC Head of Delegation in Bangkok, Thailand.
In response, Ms. Clarkson thanked the Fijian Government for the support given to her during her tenure in Fiji.
She reaffirmed her commitment to continue to work with Fiji in achieving shared goals and aspirations of IFRC.
Ms. Clarkson has been the Head of Delegation for the IFRC Country Cluster Delegation in the Pacific, since 2016.
The IFRC Country Cluster Delegation supports Red Cross society members in Fiji, Australia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Founded in Paris, France in 1919; the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is a global humanitarian organisation which coordinates and directs international assistance following natural and man-made disasters in non-conflict situations.
The IFRC assistance to Fiji is through the Fiji Red Cross Society (FRCS). The FRCS is recognised by Government as a voluntary relief organisation that provides voluntary assistance to those in need.
