United Nations Radio

Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies from across the African continent converge on Johannesburg Sunday to report on progress made over the past four years and set out their main humanitarian goals for the next four.

Paul Conneally of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies -IFRC says the 3-day meeting will also bring together government representatives and key donor from the international community.

"We'll be focusing on the key humanitarian priorities and challenges that lie ahead over the next four years, particularly I am talking about the humanitarian consequences of climate change. I am talking about the food crisis in the Horn of Africa and we are also monitoring very closely the impact that the current financial crisis has on the most vulnerable members of society, particularly on the African continent at this time."

The IFRC also plans to launch its "Believe In Africa" initiative.

According to Conneally it's in response to the negative portrayal of issues in Africa that were constantly making headlines whereas the IFRC is aware of success stories and achievements being made on a daily basis on the continent.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

(duration: 1'05")