From 6 to 10 October 2025, Lomé, Togo became the meeting point for International Blue Cross (IBC) members from around the world. The Global Assembly Week brought together delegates from 31 countries to engage in a week of dialogue, decision-making, and learning – all aimed at shaping the future of the International Blue Cross . Complex topics need good exchange of perspectives from different local perspectives backed with evidence based research and best practices. The highly participatory event enabled these discussions and deepened our thrive to work multilaterally together.
Throughout the event, participants immersed themselves in a wide range of thematic sessions and workshops that reflected the complexity of today’s global challenges. IBC identity lies in facilitating Christian Values in Action. Marc Peterhans provided inputs where delegates explored how faith, spirituality and professional practice can reinforce one another and provide added value to services. Another key session by Lars Thidemann Jensen addressed leadership development, highlighting that good leadership creates meaning, wellbeing and value. He explored leaderhip paradoxes and how to meet these tensions. Hearing presentations and local solutions for implementing andoresourcing local activities showcased creative models from across the network, emphasizing that sustainable impact comes not only from funding, but also from volunteers, local knowledge, and strong community partnerships.
IBC members are highly concerned about the Drug policy developments around the world and theThere was an expert input on line from Kevin Sabet and at the workshop in Lome delegates engaged in open dialogue on how global trends intersect with local realities, sharing first-hand experiences from their contexts. The session on advocacy encouraged participants to examine IBC’s positions more closely and to consider how principled, evidence-based advocacy can influence national and regional policy.
Blue Cross organisations focus on reaching some of the most vulnerable communities in their countries and there was a practical workshop to encourage participants to keep their focus on “Leave No One Behind” principle – essential cornerstones for any organization working with vulnerable groups. It maybe more time consuming and requires effort and commitment to support inclusive services but IBC wants to take the challenge to create inclusiveness and participatory leadership and service structures.
Beyond technical sessions, the Assembly also fulfilled its governance function. Delegates reviewed and approved the reports for the 2021–2024 and endorsed the audited financial statements. The proposed Implementation Plan for 2025–2028 was presented as a roadmap designed to guide the future and strategic direction of the IBC network.
One of the defining moments of the week was the election of the new Network Committee – the leadership body responsible for steering IBC in the coming years. Reinhard Jahn of Germany was elected President, and Hans Eglin of Switzerland became Vice President. The new members joining the Committee are Torbjoerg Aalborg (Norway), Patrick Adjei Acheampong (Ghana), Ewa Duda (Poland), Rolf Hartmann (Brazil), Dan Kofoed Månsson (Denmark), Grace Tshegofatso Thudi (Botswana), and Mawouena Komlan Bohm (Togo). Together they represent a rich diversity of expertise, perspectives, and regional experiences – a strength that will be essential in the years ahead.
The Assembly also took time to recognize the contributions of outgoing Network Committee members: Holger Lux, Lars Thidemann Jensen, Ingalill Söderberg, and Revocatus Nginila. Their work over the past years played a crucial role in strengthening IBC’s structure, deepening international cooperation, and expanding the organization’s global presence.
In many ways, the General Assembly Week in Lomé reflected the essence of the Blue Cross movement: unity across cultures, shared values, and a commitment to promoting healthier, more resilient communities. Delegates left the event with a renewed sense of energy – convinced that the strength of IBC lies in its people and in the collective desire to build a future where no one is left behind.
