Today, the 14th October, 2026, the President of the Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS) Mr. Ts’eliso Lesenya had the honour of holding a courtesy meeting with Ms. Mercy Laker, Head of Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), based in Pretoria and representing the Federation in Lesotho.
Discussions centred on strengthening the institutional stability, financial sustainability and operational capacity of the LRCS. Key areas of mutual interest were explored. These include financial sustainability, resource mobilisation, institutional strengthening and the development of robust governance systems to advance the Society’s humanitarian mandate.
Both parties emphasised that National Societies and the IFRC are integral to one another. Their respective strengths, responsibilities and capabilities are complementary and collective success depends on cooperation, mutual support, open engagement and strategic partnerships. A strong IFRC Movement is built on strong National Societies, while National Societies benefit from the solidarity, expertise and support of the wider Movement. This interdependence is fundamental to ensuring that National Societies remain effective, resilient and responsive to the humanitarian needs of the communities served.
The importance of accountability was also underscored as a cornerstone of good governance, institutional credibility and public trust. Transparency, responsible stewardship of resources, sound decision-making and accountability for results are indispensable to building a resilient and sustainable National Society. These principles are essential not only to institutional stability, but also to maintaining the confidence of members, partners, donors, volunteers and the communities served.
The IFRC’s commitment to supporting Lesotho in strengthening institutional foundations, enhancing resource mobilisation and building sustainable systems that will enable the Society to fulfil its humanitarian mandate is welcomed. The stability and effectiveness of the LRCS are important to the strength of the wider Movement, just as the Movement’s solidarity and support are vital to the Society’s continued growth and development.
This engagement forms part of the President’s ongoing commitment to advancing humanitarian diplomacy, deepening stakeholder engagement and consolidating strategic relationships within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The vision is to build a National Society that is institutionally strong, financially sustainable, accountable and internationally connected, while remaining firmly focused on delivering meaningful humanitarian impact for the people of Lesotho.
Sustainable humanitarian action requires strong institutions, genuine cooperation, mutual accountability and an unwavering commitment to serving humanity.
Stronger institutions. Deeper cooperation. Greater accountability. Lasting humanitarian impact.