Staff Reporter
HARARE – International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Secretary General Jagan Chapagain has arrived in Zimbabwe for an official visit aimed at strengthening humanitarian cooperation, disaster preparedness and climate resilience through enhanced collaboration with the Government.
Chapagain’s visit began on Friday with a courtesy meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Dr Amon Murwira, during which the two discussed expanding cooperation in humanitarian action, disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, emergency preparedness and disaster response.
The IFRC Secretary General is also expected to meet senior Government officials from key ministries involved in humanitarian affairs and pay a courtesy call on President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The engagements are expected to reaffirm the strong partnership between Zimbabwe, the IFRC and the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society in advancing humanitarian priorities and improving the welfare and resilience of vulnerable communities.
Chapagain will also undertake field visits to appreciate humanitarian and community resilience programmes being implemented in partnership with the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society and Government institutions.
His visit comes as Zimbabwe continues to strengthen disaster risk management systems and climate adaptation measures in line with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030, with Government placing increasing emphasis on protecting communities from the effects of climate change, public health emergencies and other humanitarian challenges.
The IFRC said the visit underscores the shared commitment to building resilient communities, strengthening preparedness and enhancing coordinated humanitarian action to effectively respond to the growing impacts of climate change and other emergencies.
Based in Geneva, Switzerland, Chapagain has served as IFRC Secretary General since 2020. He previously held several senior leadership positions within the global humanitarian organisation and began his humanitarian journey as a youth volunteer with the Nepal Red Cross Society.
The IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, working through National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to provide assistance to communities affected by disasters, health emergencies and humanitarian crises across the globe.
