On October 7 and 8, the international Baltic Forum Plus took place in Riga, organized by the Latvian Red Cross (LSK) in cooperation with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Over the course of two days, the forum participants focused on Red Cross emergency preparedness and strengthening cooperation in a changing geopolitical environment. Experts and leaders discussed comprehensive cross-border cooperation, building community resilience, and maintaining trust in a polarized information environment. Furthermore, the practical relevance of International Humanitarian Law was highlighted, alongside discussions on lessons learned when transitioning from crisis simulation exercises to real-world emergency response. A particularly significant contribution to the discussions was made by Maksym Dotsenko, President of the Ukrainian Red Cross, who shared practical experience in delivering humanitarian aid under real conditions of armed conflict.
At the conclusion of the forum, participants expressed a shared commitment to working shoulder to shoulder, recognizing that timely and effective aid can only be provided by combining forces, knowledge, and resources. The parties agreed to strengthen regional coordination and cooperation, protect shared humanitarian values and human dignity, and ensure the sustainability of such regular experience-sharing platforms within the Baltic region and beyond.
Following the intensive sessions, participants had the opportunity to explore the history and cultural heritage of Riga on a guided tour at the end of the forum. LSK expresses its gratitude to every participant for their contribution to enhancing regional security and the humanitarian aid system.
The event brought together representatives from the National Red Cross Societies of 14 countries, including secretaries general, presidents, and heads of emergency management and resource mobilization. The event was also attended by representatives from the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, as well as the State Fire and Rescue Service. This event serves as a continuation of the regional dialogue initiated in previous years in Vilnius, Tallinn, Prague, and Warsaw.
Together we can help!
Information prepared by:
Solvita Bespalova
Head of Public Relations and International Relations Program
solvita.bespalova@redcross.lv
