Kathmandu, 5th  May.The Seventh ASIA PACIFIC FUNDRAISING NETWORK’S MEETING AND SKILLSHARE (APFN) conference concluded  on Friday here in Kathmandu.

46 Delegates from different 18 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies of Asia Pacific region had taken part in the conference. The event was jointly inaugurated by Nepal Red Cross Chairman Mr. Sanjiv Thapa, Xavier Castellanos, Regional Director, IFRC Asia Pacific and Acting Chair Joon-Ho Min, APFN.

In his inaugural speech, Nepal Red Cross Chairman Mr. Sanjiv Thapa said,’It is an honor for the Nepal Red Cross Society to host the 7th Meeting together with APFN secretariat and the International Federation of Red Cross that supports Red Cross Societies of different countries to establish strong mechanism and proper policies and go towards a good fundraising initiatives.’

As key note speaker Xavier, IFRC Regional Director highlighted the importance of fulfilling expectations from leadership, co-workers, fundraisers and people to fill the gap of funding requirements. He urged the participants to build strong income foundation for regular supports. He said, ‘Creating Network of volunteers and local organizations, creating suitable bylaws, providing relevant services and mitigating risks are key points for making more money, among others.’

Juja Kim, Head of IFRC Nepal office suggested Nepal Red Cross to increase organizational capacity and increase investment for more fundraisings.

In the inauguration session, Nepal Red Cross Secretary General Secretary Dev Ratna Dhakhwa had welcomed the participant.

Red Cross has funding gap of the 15 million to carry current programmes in South Asia region.

On the ocassion, Dibya Raj Poudel, Chief of Communication for NRCS and member of the conference organizing committee informed the objective of the conference to organize Nepal is to boost fundraising initiatives in Nepal for humanitarian services.

APFN is a unique platform to work together to do concrete action to support the affected population proving that Red Cross or Red Crescent is everywhere for everyone.