TEHRAN –Pirhossein Kolivand, the head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has called BRICS for the implementation of a comprehensive approach by establishing a public health and human welfare working group.

Attending the BRICS Civil Forum 2024, Kolivand delivered a speech on "Justice, Equality, and Sustainable Development", the IRCS website reported.

With the motto of ‘Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security’, the BRICS Civil Forum was held from July 3-4 in Moscow.

The comprehensive approach calls for the engagement of volunteer experts and talented youth from diverse backgrounds within societies.

“It can be implemented within the ‘Public Health and Human Welfare’ working group by identifying opportunities, sharing successful practices from all member countries, and leveraging knowledge management through collaborative efforts among members,” Kolivand said.

The official suggested that the working group should focus on the following issues to fulfill its main objectives.

Sharing successful experiences by BRICS member states can help promote and prioritize the principles of social justice, focusing on human spiritual capacity in daily life rather than just materialistic aspects.

Encouraging active and practical participation among member states to mutually strengthen their commitment and motivation toward a healthy lifestyle and social welfare for improved and prolonged life spans.

Promoting successful cultures, and exchanging expertise to prevent the rapid spread of destructive ideologies and micro-cultures.

Unifying as ‘One Voice’ to advocate for international constructive justice and equality, and to enhance overall public performance and empowerment.

Providing substantial support for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) corresponding with these goals and establishing a comprehensive network for universal health care, including vulnerable groups, through voluntary and public assistance.

Making efforts to provide modern digital technology on a global scale and promoting global social discourse to enhance health literacy through coordinated efforts across educational, support, and health care systems.

Protecting current and future generations from the harmful effects of drugs and psychoactive substances.

Resolving existing concerns among countries and leveraging common strengths in alignment with BRICS goals, while preserving national, cultural, and religious traditions by strengthening family values and cohesion.

Establishing a virtual platform for knowledge management and experience sharing to strengthen small businesses and related interactions and prioritizing support services and programs for organizations and public institutions active in voluntary, humanitarian, and entrepreneurial social services, and career development to alleviate poverty.

Kolivand also elaborated on Iran’s history and the IRCS achievements.

“Iran is a country with rich historical and cultural experiences. Throughout centuries and millennia, Iranians have institutionalized social participation, solidarity, and cooperation as essential values to safeguard their way of life and their people.

In the eyes of the Iranian people, virtues, merits, and noble human goals have always been highly esteemed. This includes efforts to maintain overall human health, preserve natural resources, and protect plants and animals,” Kolivand noted.

In Iran, taking action against the adverse impacts of climate change and poverty is regarded as a humanitarian, voluntary, national, and religious endeavor.

Additionally, combating hunger, promoting health, expanding education, and ensuring access to clean drinking water are considered essential human goals that are deeply ingrained in the ideals of Iranian citizens and the fabric of historical human values.

Accordingly, the primary focus and special mission of the Iranian Red Crescent Society focuses on justice, equality, and societal development.

A key aspect of the IRCS is its commitment to ‘culture building’ to advance the progressive goals outlined in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

Today, with the robust economic foundation of BRICS nations, symbolizing the potential resurgence of the economic power from the East, there is optimism that significant strides can be made in reducing global inequality, reaching out to migrants, and responding to the displaced populations' needs, enhancing infrastructure and capacity building, resolving conflicts, and notably improving human development indicators.

This entails leveraging the intellectual, cultural, ideological, and social resources within societies to instill a sense of self-belief and empowerment in individuals who have been impacted by injustices and inequalities.

Over forty years of working experience in marginalized or underdeveloped nations, the most effective way to serve these societies is found to be cultivating their self-confidence and providing essential support to help vulnerable populations establish stable livelihoods.

It is crucial to recognize marginalized and vulnerable segments of society as key stakeholders and to support their advancement in alignment with overall economic development goals, both within countries and within organizations such as BRICS.

The implementation of Rural Health Houses, overseen by dedicated doctors in provincial capitals, cities, and villages, has facilitated the provision of crucial health education, vaccination programs, maternal and child safeguarding policies, and primary services.

“By embracing innovative and thoughtful approaches, tailored to the unique conditions, traditions, and customs of each geographic region, we can make significant progress and achieve promising outcomes,” Kolivand stressed.

The official went on to say that some of the key challenges in achieving development goals may include insufficient financial resources, particularly in low and middle-income countries; ongoing climate changes and geopolitical tensions; and governance issues, particularly in infrastructure development and data management.

Nonetheless, the proposed solutions and programs, informed by diverse experiences, have the potential to address these issues effectively and offer viable solutions to overcome these challenges.

Similarly, the Iranian Red Crescent Society has demonstrated success across many of these domains.

In the early years of the Islamic Revolution, in 1979, the innovative ideas of two Iranian physicians led to the establishment of a comprehensive public health network across the country. This initiative included the development of a primary healthcare network that catered to the needs of both rural and urban populations, utilizing trained paramedics to deliver essential health services in remote areas.

Hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics of the IRCS are providing treatment, and rehabilitation services, as well as manufacturing and producing medicine and medical equipment both within and outside the country.

One of the other remarkable initiatives of the Iranian Red Crescent Society has been the establishment and development of ‘Helal/Crescent Houses’ (Community-based and Volunteer-Oriented Centers) with the aim of promoting public training and raising awareness to cope with hazards and respond to emergencies and crises as first responders.

To address poverty, alleviate suffering, and empower marginalized populations, the IRCS has achieved significant success in identifying vulnerable individuals through collaboration with donors and government organizations.

This has involved providing training, empowerment, awareness campaigns, and entrepreneurship opportunities, leading to many mothers and girls securing jobs and becoming breadwinners for their households.

Dispatching health professionals as volunteer medical teams to underprivileged communities has improved access to essential healthcare services and fostered a sense of satisfaction among those in need.

Furthermore, in efforts to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change, the IRCS, in collaboration with volunteers and local NGOs, planted 5 million saplings in just one year.

This initiative was carried out as a non-profit endeavor without government funding and involved coordination with organizations responsible for natural resources. This exemplifies the organization’s commitment to implementing sustainable solutions, the official further noted.

Kolivand also led the health working group focusing on the theme of ‘healthy society, a prerequisite for the development of BRICS countries’.

MT/MG