ICRC and Credit Suisse conclude partnership agreement

The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Jakob Kellenberger, and the Chairman of Credit Suisse Group, Walter B. Kielholz, today signed a formal long-term partnership agreement in Zurich. By joining the ICRC Corporate Support Group, Credit Suisse undertakes to support the ICRC’s humanitarian work in the years ahead.

“We want to strengthen relations between the ICRC and Credit Suisse by promoting regular interaction on issues of common interest,” Mr Kellenberger said. “Credit Suisse’s support is an important contribution to the ICRC’s efforts throughout the world to help people affected by armed conflict.”

Speaking on behalf of Credit Suisse, Mr Kielholz said: “As a corporate partner of the ICRC, Credit Suisse wants to make a direct contribution to the alleviation of suffering and hardship globally, thus continuing the bank’s tradition of supporting humanitarian causes. I am delighted that we have established this innovative long-term partnership and that we will be working alongside such a strong group of peers and partners. I look forward to the successful cooperation and exchange of knowledge and ideas between our organizations.”

Credit Suisse has pledged to make a substantial contribution to the operational activities of the ICRC. In addition, the two organizations intend to share their expertise and experience in areas of mutual interest, such as risk management, human resources development, training, logistics and communication.

This partnership agreement complements Credit Suisse’s existing involvement with National Red Cross Societies throughout the world: from providing them with financial support to volunteer efforts by its employees in conjunction with National Red Cross Societies in Switzerland, Australia, Singapore and the US.

Credit Suisse is the first major global bank to join the ICRC Corporate Support Group. Created in 2005, the Group now consists of eight members who are the ICRC’s ’preferred partners’ for specific events and campaigns in aid of its humanitarian operations around the world.