Through a general consensus, the plenary at the XX Inter-American Conference approved the new framework for action that will guide the course of the 35 National Societies in the Americas.
This new framework is the product of a broad consultation covering all 35 National Societies in the region, nine participating National Societies, and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The new 2016-2020 framework refines the previous one, as it follows the same format and structure but is presented in a simpler and lighter way, as requested by National Societies.
The framework takes into account the present trends and patterns of risk and vulnerability in the Americas. It places the communities and local branches at the center of Red Cross’ work. The framework focuses on guaranteeing the development of the National Society as the cornerstone for success. It is a model for planning, implementation, and monitoring.
What brings us to a new framework?
Like the previous framework, it places emphasis on the strengthening of National Societies. However, the 2016-2020 Inter-American framework brings about three key changes:
- Guarantee of the relevance and quality of response to internal change
- Working in a more integrated manner and in new ways
- Modernization
We must increase our work in and with communities, making an effort to impact more people through better planning, monitoring, and reporting. We must base our work on learning and focus on quality, while being efficient, sustainable, accountable, and capable of forming partnerships with others.
We must be able to develop branches that are strong, informed, trained, and equipped. Strong, innovative leadership is required in order to assure that our work is being done with transparency and integrity. A robust and active volunteer base is necessary, as is the improvement of cooperation mechanisms used within the Movement and with other key players.
What is the document structure like?
The new framework has fewer elements, is simpler, and includes achievable indicators. It describes eight strategic directions that guide the priorities established in the 2020 Strategy and the Inter-American Framework, and also points out the expected global impact of our contribution. Additionally, the framework focuses on the question, “What do we need to do to reach our goal?” It also provides general indicators that each National Society can adjust to its own context. Lastly, the framework offers an implementation guide with documents, suggestions, case studies, actions, methodologies, tools and best practices.
The Inter-American Framework is a strategic frame of reference and not an operational plan, but its use and alignment to the National Societies can be evaluated. The progress and fulfillment of the commitment can be measured from the baseline and goals of the National Societies.
Objectives of the process:
- Produce significant progress by 2020
- Involve the National Societies so that they lead the process
- Guarantee the fulfillment of the commitments within
- Strengthen the developmental capacity of the National Societies
- Develop an application and practical monitoring of the toolkit
- Promote continuous improvement of the process and its tools
Key elements of the process:
- A development guide as a support platform for the National Societies to align to the new Inter-American Framework;
- A specific format to inform on the integration and implementation of the commitment;
- Networks of experts from the National Societies to share experiences, good practices, and lessons learned;
- Construction of a solid baseline and specific objectives;
- The active participation of CORI; and
- Mid-way and final evaluations for deeper reflection on the achievements and value, giving way to the improvement and celebration of successes.
With this vision, the plenary session on Sunday morning, the 29th of March applauded the efforts of the committee that revised and developed the proposal, to then approve the new frame of action.
InterAmerican Conference 2015 