On May 8, 2026, an international conference titled "Tribute to Our Heroic Fathers" was held at the NRCST (National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan) headquarters. The event was dedicated to the anniversary of the founding of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Victory Day on May 9.

The conference brought together representatives from the Society’s headquarters, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), staff from the Ahal regional branch, and Society volunteers.

Key Discussion Topics

The conference highlighted the foundational pillars of the Movement, including:

• The history and creation of the ICRC.
• The organizational structure of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
• The Fundamental Principles and the legal framework under International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
• The Movement's symbols, focusing on their protective and indicative use.

A Heroic Legacy (1941–1945)

The years of World War II represent one of the most critical and heroic chapters in the history of the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan. During this period, staff and volunteers performed monumental work both at home and on the front lines, rapidly equipping thousands of field and military hospitals.

Key frontline and medical contributions:

• Training nurses and sanitary volunteers.
• Caring for wounded soldiers, assisting them with correspondence, and organizing cultural events.
• Supplying hospitals with essential hygiene products, clothing, and food.

Broad humanitarian efforts:

• Establishing special funds to support evacuated families and orphans.
• Implementing sanitary and hygiene measures among the general population to prevent infectious diseases.
• Organizing public collections of warm clothing, food, and gifts to be sent to the front.

Participants also emphasized the Society's vital role in tracing missing persons, reuniting families separated by the war, and determining the fate of missing soldiers.

Honoring Living History

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the noble work of the NRCST volunteers deserves special mention. Throughout the country, young volunteers visited the homes of war and labor veterans to check on their well-being, listen to their stories, and learn from the "school of heroism" displayed during history’s most difficult moments.

The memory of the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the peaceful skies of our Motherland and the prosperity of our people will remain in our hearts forever. Their feat serves as the ultimate school of life for today's youth.