Balthasar Staehelin

On the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia, @ICRC VP, @GCarbonnierICRC and I also met with LIU Pingzhi, Member of the Party Leadership Group and President of the Hainan Red Cross Society and discussed the dynamic work of the branch.

During the panel, expertly moderated by @RMinghui, I shared insights with senior practitioners, academics, and researchers from across Asia on how AI can enhance healthcare, especially in conflict affected areas. Below are my key points: (2/2)

In March, I had again the privilege of attending the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan, China, alongside the @ICRC’s Vice President, @GCarbonnierICRC. It was an honor to speak at the panel on the ‘Future of AI+ Healthcare: Application & Governance.’ (1/2)

Having worked in/on the #MiddleEast for over 10 years, I am devastated by the ongoing hostilities & their toll on people across the region. Respect for IHL is essential to preserve a minimum of humanity. Political will is needed to stop this escalation before it is too late.

📍 Iran | Lives lost, homes destroyed, and daily routines shattered. At a time when families should be preparing for Nowruz, many are instead mourning loved ones. Vincent Cassard, ICRC head of delegation in Tehran, shares. Read more 👉🏽 ms.spr.ly/6013QorMX

In Lebanon, escalating hostilities are turning lives upside down, as damage to civilian infrastructure disrupts access to essential services. Civilians and the infrastructure they rely on must never be part of the fight. Mamdouh Zaabal, ICRC's head of subdelegation in Tyre, Lebanon, shares 👇🏽

Caring for others, far from home. #Displaced more than once, Rana, like many medical staff at Marjayoun Governmental #Hospital, now lives there with her family so care doesn’t stop. Across southern #Lebanon, many are living this reality.

📍Gaza | "Around their iftar tables, when they break their fast, there will be empty chairs", shares our colleague Amani Al-Naouq in a voice note, reflecting on her experience of the third Ramadan since October 2023. Many families are missing loved ones who were killed, detained, or missing.

"Widening hostilities across the Middle East are putting civilian lives in grave danger. The scale of major military operations flaring across the Middle East risks embroiling the region – and beyond – into another large-scale armed conflict that will overwhelm any humanitarian response. Without urgent steps to de-escalate the situation and respect the rules of war, further civilian lives will be lost." Mirjana Spoljaric, ICRC president👇🏽

“The military escalation in the Middle East is igniting a dangerous chain reaction across the region, with potentially devastating consequences for civilians.” Mirjana Spoljaric, ICRC president, urges respect for rules of war. Read more 👉🏼 ms.spr.ly/6017QjkAb

.@ICRC president calls for restraint and de-escalation amidst hostilities between @Afghanistan and @Pakistan. icrc.org/en/statement/i…

Happy Year of the Horse everyone! #SpringFestival #ChineseNewYear

I was honoured to co-chair  with SecGen of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the briefing on principled humanitarian action. A key step in strengthening dialogue on impartial humanitarian access in an increasingly complex world. For details:icrc.org/en/article/bri…

On 29th January, following the return of 15 deceased Palestinians to Gaza, the @ICRC_ilot announced the completion of a months-long operation that reunited families and supported the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.

.@ICRC event on Global IHL Initiative in Beijing called for action to protect lives and dignity in conflict. With 130+ conflicts, respect for IHL is in crisis, risking humanity itself. As ICRC’s President said: ‘This is an effort to secure our future.’ 👉 bit.ly/4qge6wP

As 2025 ends, we gathered partners & colleagues to thank them for 20 years of unwavering support for @ICRC’s mission to promote IHL & alleviate suffering in conflict. Honored by Mr Wang Ke, EVP of RC Society of China, Amb. Zhang Jun @BoaoForumBFA & Mr. Yuan Yuan, DDG @MFA_China.

A big thank you to our partner @CISSTsinghua and all who joined the symposium. By putting humanity at the center of design & deployment of new tech, we can genuinely support affected communities while minimizing risks. For more details: webedit.icrc.org/en/article/put…

China’s leadership in technology offers immense opportunities for humanitarian action. By working together, we can develop solutions that prioritize humanity, safety, and dignity, while addressing the risks of emerging technologies.

On 4-5 December, the @ICRC & @CISSTsinghua brought together policymakers, scholars, tech experts & humanitarians in Beijing to discuss how technology can be used responsibly in humanitarian action. Together, we explored how innovation can save lives.