CRI Conference: Celebrating the 160th Anniversary of the Red Cross Emblem
160th Anniversary of the Red Cross Emblem: a conference to celebrate and learn more about the symbol of humanitarianism
On 28 October, Italian Red Cross President Rosario Valastro kicked off the CRI Conference dedicated to the 160th Anniversary of the Red Cross Emblem. The event was a unique opportunity to celebrate the iconic symbol that represents humanitarian relief worldwide. The conference had the privilege of welcoming the Head of Delegation of the ICRC in Paris, Christophe Martin, and the President of the Commission for the Study and Development of the DIU of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Filippo Formica.
The Conference, organised under the guidance of Erwin Kob, National Focal Point for the ‘Protection of the Emblem’, together with Marzia Como, National Delegate for Humanitarian Principles and Values, offered an extraordinary opportunity for participants to update their knowledge. More than 150 instructors of International Humanitarian Law and CRI History from all over Italy gathered to deepen their knowledge on this important subject.
During the conference, several topics were covered. A particular excursus was devoted to the history of the Red Cross Emblem and the plurality and uniqueness of the Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal emblems. François Bugnion, former Director of the International Law Department at the ICRC and Honorary Member of the ICRC, made a valuable contribution through a video message.
In addition to examining the past and history of the Emblem, the conference looked towards the future with the presentation of the Digital Emblem project by two ICRC guests, Samit D’Cunha and Mauro Vignati. This initiative represents a step forward in the adaptation of the Emblem to contemporary digital reality.
Another highly relevant topic addressed during the conference was the importance and value of the Red Cross Emblem both in peacetime and in situations of armed conflict. This topic is extremely topical, considering the numerous conflicts and humanitarian crises around the world.
To conclude on a high note, the award ceremony for the competition ‘The Strength of the Emblem: Graphic Contest’ was announced. This contest offered the opportunity to disseminate special aspects related to the Emblem in a different form of communication, aiming for a quick, effective and concise dissemination. Prizes were awarded by the conference participants, taking into account the originality, content and iconography and graphics of the posters.
Recordings and speaker presentations will be made available on Training CRI in the coming weeks, allowing a wider audience to access the valuable contributions made during this important conference.