On the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the Maldivian Red Crescent joined the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in commemorating one of the most devastating disasters in the region's history. MRC Interim President Rasheeda Ali, Secretary General Fathimath Himya, 2nd Vice President Ahmed Shabin, and IFRC representatives took part in the opening ceremony of the "Resilient 20" Exhibition held at the National Art Gallery. This national event honored the lives lost during the disaster and reflected on the journey of disaster management and recovery in the Maldives over the two decades since.
MRC's exhibit at the Viluntheri 20 exhibition highlighted the pivotal role of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and its Partner National Societies in the recovery and rebuilding efforts that followed the tsunami and the profound impact those efforts had in laying the foundation for the eventual formation of the Maldivian Red Crescent. Alongside MRC's exhibit, displays from the IFRC and Partner National Societies documented the breadth of humanitarian assistance provided to the Maldives in the aftermath of the disaster, offering visitors a comprehensive picture of the Movement's contribution to the country's recovery.
A special panel discussion titled "The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement in the Maldives — the Formation of the Maldivian Red Crescent" provided a reflective platform to trace MRC's origins and its journey as the largest humanitarian organization in the Maldives. The panel featured Rasheeda Ali, Interim President and first Secretary General of MRC; Fathimath Himya, then Secretary General; and Mohamed Arif, former Governing Board Member and member of the Interim Planning Group instrumental in MRC's formation. Each bringing a unique and personal perspective on the necessity of establishing a national society and the Movement's enduring contribution to community resilience in the Maldives.
This commemoration event served as both a moment of remembrance and a reaffirmation of MRC's commitment to the communities it serves, honoring the past while continuing to build a more prepared and resilient Maldives for the future.