Mongolia Embraces Strategic Partnership with IRCS for Enhanced Collaboration

In a recent development, the Mongolian Red Cross Society has expressed its eagerness to strengthen ties with the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS). This collaboration aims to enhance disaster response capabilities and share valuable experience in humanitarian aid.

During an online meeting held on Tuesday between Bolormaa Nordov, the Secretary General of the Mongolian Red Cross Society, and Pirhossein Kolivand, the head of the IRCS, several key points were discussed regarding future cooperation.

• Mongolia’s Vulnerability: Nordov emphasized that Mongolia is one of the most disaster-prone regions globally, particularly due to its severe winters. She stated, “We are interested in benefiting from the experiences, and capacities of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, particularly in providing relief services,” as reported by Mehr news agency.
• Health and Well-being Initiatives: The Secretary General highlighted the Mongolian Red Cross Society’s commitment to enhancing public health and well-being. She expressed a desire to leverage the IRCS’s expertise in medical and pharmaceutical sectors.
• International Collaboration: Kolivand proposed the establishment of a joint university aimed at training personnel in critical emergency response actions. This initiative is expected to strengthen the synergy among international societies.
• Joint Ventures: Suggestions for further collaboration included setting up joint medical centers, pharmaceutical enterprises, and textile companies. Furthermore, the creation of comprehensive health tourism centers was also discussed.
• Global Assistance Commitment: Kolivand reiterated that IRCS’s quick response teams are prepared to assist other societies worldwide. He mentioned that empowering and educating other societies is a primary objective of the IRCS.
• Memorandum of Understanding: A formal agreement, or memorandum of understanding, was proposed to lay the groundwork for enhancing cooperation between the two organizations.

In a related note, the IRCS’s capabilities were praised on an international platform. In September 2024, Faisal Mahboob, project manager for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), recognized the IRCS as an outstanding organization. Mahboob expressed his admiration for the extensive range of activities undertaken by the IRCS, stating, “The International Federation will support the activities of the Iranian Red Crescent Society to commence a new phase of collaboration with the society,” according to the IRCS website.

Pirhossein Kolivand previously mentioned in May 2024 that the IRCS is acknowledged as one of the top five Red Crescent societies globally, owing to its diverse activities and significant achievements on both national and international fronts. He pointed out that the IRCS’s hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics cater to the medical and therapeutic needs of thousands of citizens daily.

Moreover, the IRCS has earned a reputable standing internationally with its medical centers located abroad. As a prominent humanitarian entity, the IRCS is dedicated to alleviating the suffering of individuals affected by accidents, emergencies, and conflicts. Kolivand noted, “Today, collaborations with knowledge-based firms have resulted in advancements in manufacturing orthoses, prostheses, artificial organs, and new medications, with plans to extend cooperation to rescue and relief efforts as well.”

Over the past three years, the IRCS has signed memorandums of understanding with 19 different countries’ Red Crescent societies. These agreements are aimed at expanding and enhancing humanitarian collaboration, as well as rescue and relief operations. The IRCS is committed to promoting awareness, resilience, and capabilities among societies, particularly in responding to disasters and providing necessary relief services.

The ongoing dialogue between the Mongolian and Iranian Red Cross societies signifies a positive step towards building a robust network of humanitarian support and disaster response strategies, which is crucial in today’s challenging global environment.

Overall, the synergy between these organizations is expected to lead to improved outcomes in disaster management and humanitarian aid delivery, ultimately benefiting communities at risk.