The start of a new century is a unique moment for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and governments to look to the future in a world filled with uncertainties, including natural and man-made disasters that continue to extract horrendous tolls.

This was the focus of the 27th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, which took place in Geneva on November 1-6, 1999. It opened with a unique and spectacular show, televised in several countries and available here on line.

The International Conference is one of the most important humanitarian forums in the world. It is a unifying force for states that are party to the Geneva Conventions and the diverse components of the Movement, the world's largest volunteer force.

The conference is the supreme deliberative body for the Movement and, generally, takes place every four years

Related links
Follow-up to the 27th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent

Participants:

Members

	International Committee of the Red Cross www.icrc.org
	International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies www.ifrc.org
	178 recognised Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies www.ifrc.org
(Each of these members has one vote)

Observers

Members may attend the conference but are not entitled to vote. They represent over 60 governmental, non-governmental, regional and international organisations that have working relations with the Movement or a specific interest in huanitarian concerns or humanitarian law.

Public Show: the show online

Conference News and Events

New Pledges and Participants

Follow-up to the 27th International Conference of the Red Cross Red Crescent