The Jet Li One Foundation visits the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to build mutual understanding and forge a collaborative path forward

The unassuming group of representatives arrives in a plain, black van.  Carrying only their laptops, presentation material, and a hand-held camera, they make their way without much fanfare inside the IFRC headquarters. 

Armed with his warm smile and sincere handshake, Mr. Jet Li greets Mr. Ibrahim Osman, Deputy Secretary General of the IFRC, and many of his colleagues as he, along with the rest of One Foundation representatives, commences their first meeting with the IFRC.

“The Red Cross is a shining example that embodies excellence and the humanitarian spirit.  The One Foundation has always looked up to them and learned from them, and today we begin a closer relationship so that, together, we can better serve the world.”

Mr. Li’s enthusiastic words are a fine summary of the productive meeting of minds.  Conversing for over three hours, the One Foundation and the IFRC take full advantage of this historic opportunity to thoroughly build mutual understanding and to discuss prospects of collaboration in future efforts.

“Although we are young, we have grown very quickly, and already we are reaching for global heights.  The IFRC is a truly global leader in humanitarian work, and it is an organization that we want to work with because we value its leadership and are encouraged by the similarities that we share in our ideals.”

Indeed, the One Foundation’s introductory remarks and presentation showcase the organization’s rapidly growing global scale, its admirable track record in providing high-impact, transparent relief in 6 natural disasters, and its far-reaching vision of promoting philanthropic ideals across the globe.  Subsequently, similar deliveries from key representatives of IFRC’s communication, policy, disaster preparedness, and disaster response departments reveal the IFRC’s venerable history and progressive future planning.  Increasingly, each presentation highlights overlaps in both current ideals of empowering individuals to create united strength, thus promoting the spirit of giving and caring, and in the operational emphasis upon professionalism, impact, transparency, and sustainability.

“We are very happy to see such similarities and are open to working together in the future,” remarks Mr. Osman as the participants discuss prospects of collaboration.  Indeed, the thorough discussion has rewarded everyone with a deep, mutual understanding.  In addition, it embodies the goodwill forged to begin a future working relationship where both the IFRC and the One Foundation will find opportunities to create synergies in their relative strengths and to maximize the impact that they, together, can help bring to the world.

“We are glad that we made this trip to Geneva, and we sincerely thank the IFRC for giving us their time.  Together, we really can change the world, because, together, we are One Family.”  Mr. Li’s words resonate well as members of the One Foundation, wearing their new Red Cross and Red Crescent pins, depart with warm feelings of friendship and high hopes of the foundation’s global future together with the IFRC.

With Elizabeth Soulie_Coordinator & Information Managment Office & Jean-Francois Goulay_Senior Office of Relationship Development Unit