Islamabad, (News Reporter) The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) celebrated International Youth Day and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Day 2026 with an event titled “Youth as Advocates for Better” at its National Headquarters. The global youth day was celebrated under the theme “Different Perspectives, Common Aspirations.” The event was attended by ambassadors and diplomats, humanitarian and relief organizations, heads of delegations, and staff and volunteers from the IFRC, ICRC, Norwegian Red Cross, Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay), German Red Cross, and PRCS.
In her address, PRCS Chairperson Mrs. Farzana Naik highlighted the vital role of youth in promoting humanity, preserving dignity, and building a better future. Referring to the recent launch of the Red Million Initiative, she stated that PRCS is empowering youth with the knowledge, skills, training, and confidence needed to strengthen its volunteer network to serve communities and assist vulnerable people during emergencies. Mrs. Naik mentioned that PRCS is also preparing youth to tackle emerging humanitarian challenges, including IHL, protection, and harmful information. She urged young people to become responsible advocates for humanity both online and in their communities, emphasizing the importance of verifying information before sharing and promoting understanding over division.
Mr. Andreas van Wesenberg, Head of Delegation of IFRC, referenced the Global Disaster Report 2026, highlighting the increasing humanitarian impacts of harmful information, which has been identified as a real humanitarian crisis that can hinder access to aid, erode trust, destabilize social cohesion, and increase risks for humanitarian workers. He commended the leadership of PRCS, its staff, and volunteers in raising awareness and taking action on this emerging challenge.
In his welcoming speech, the PRCS Secretary General emphasized that the convergence of both celebrations highlights the critical role of youth in promoting humanity and preserving dignity. He stated that volunteers are the backbone of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the strength of PRCS, with young volunteers contributing to disaster response, first aid, health, social welfare, and community resilience. He also stressed the importance of IHL, responsible communication, and continued support for the movement.
The program featured an interactive session on international humanitarian law, moderated by Mr. Usman Khan, legal advisor of ICRC in Pakistan, which began with a video presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. A documentary was shown highlighting the history of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the supportive role of PRCS, along with video messages from regional representatives of IFRC and ICRC addressing harmful information, misinformation, and disinformation. Documentaries voluntarily produced by the Youth Mentorship Program were showcased, while a powerful tableau on “Misinformation and Crisis Response” highlighted the effects of harmful information during emergencies, receiving great appreciation from the audience. Certificates were distributed to graduates of the Youth Mentorship Program, while representatives of PRCS Youth Clubs were presented with shields in recognition of their humanitarian services. Mr. Imran Shah, a volunteer serving at the humanitarian service point on the Pak-Afghan Chaman border, was awarded a special shield for his outstanding contribution and dedicated services in restoring the Family Links Program. The event concluded with appreciation for the PRCS staff, volunteers, youth clubs, and partners in strengthening humanitarian operations, volunteerism, and community resilience across Pakistan.