On the side of humanitarianism - World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2025

This year, we celebrate this day under the slogan "On the Side of Humanity," reminding that the values that have guided our aid for decades are more important today than ever. Across the country, volunteers of the Polish Red Cross, employees, and supporters join forces to remind us through numerous local initiatives that daily help has the power to change the world for the better – from fairs and urban games to first aid demonstrations and blood donation actions.

One of the important points of the celebrations will be "Town of the 7 Principles", which will be created in Lublin, in the green areas of the Cultural Center. Each zone in the town will symbolically represent one of the principles of the Red Cross: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. Participants – children, youth, adults, and seniors, as well as people with disabilities – will be awaited by numerous educational activities, animations, artistic workshops, and demonstrations.

In Bydgoszcz, there will be an urban game, in which participants will use QR codes spread over a one-kilometer route to solve tasks related to the mission and history of the Polish Red Cross. The game will end at the PCK Integration Center, where everyone will be able to take on the role of a PCK volunteer – conducting a rescue operation, providing first aid, or meeting rescue dogs.

Poznań on the other hand, invites residents to a unique fair at Wolności Square and the concert "Sounds of Kindness" – an event dedicated to all who support humanitarian efforts.

Also in smaller centers, there will be no shortage of celebrations full of engagement and positive energy. In Skarżysko-Kamienna, a series of integration workshops for children, youth, single mothers, seniors, and people with disabilities is planned, culminating in a multicultural fair by the Rejów Reservoir. In Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski and many other towns – from Busko-Zdrój to Suwałki – picnics, contests, blood donation actions, first aid workshops, and outdoor games inspired by the figure of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross, will take place. They will be united by a common goal: to remind that humanitarianism starts with a simple gesture – the willingness to notice another human being.

The year 2025 is a special time – we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. Since 1965, they have been the foundation of our actions – providing help where it is needed most – regardless of the situation, context, or borders.

At the heart of all principles lies humanity. It is the source and meaning of all humanitarian work. Without humanity, the other principles – impartiality, neutrality, or independence – would not hold such significance. The pursuit of alleviating suffering, protecting life and health, and respect for human beings – these are not slogans but a commitment that volunteers and employees of the Red Cross and Red Crescent undertake every day around the world. In a world full of challenges, it is these principles that allow us to provide help where others do not reach.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is also a day of remembrance for those who die each year bringing help to others – often far from home, in places where war, natural disasters, and hunger strip people of hope. Their courage deserves respect and recognition.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has existed for over 162 years. In Poland, PCK has been providing aid continuously since 1919. In a world full of conflicts and divisions, we choose the path of empathy, help, and solidarity. On Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we stand together – on the side of humanity.