Robert Mardini Joins the Helvetas Board – Warning of a Global Crisis
With Robert Mardini, Helvetas is bringing one of the most prominent experts in humanitarian aid onto its Board. The former Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warns of the consequences of the war in Iran for people living in poverty in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
At its General Assembly on June 18, 2026, Helvetas elected Robert Mardini to its Board of Directors. Currently the director of Geneva University Hospitals, he led the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) from 2020 to 2024, overseeing humanitarian operations in over 100 countries during that time.
Mardini brings nearly 30 years of experience in humanitarian aid and international work to the organization. He began his career as a hydraulic engineer at the ICRC. “Helvetas stands for technically sound and close cooperation with the local population, local authorities and local businesses, as well as for political and religious independence,” he says. “This independence is crucial to being able to support people effectively and credibly, especially in an increasingly polarized world.”
A Bridge Between Emergency Aid and Long-Term Development
On the Board, Robert Mardini aims to further advance the synergy between humanitarian aid in emergency situations and development cooperation. “Crises are becoming more frequent and are exacerbating one another. It is not enough to merely respond to acute emergencies; what is crucial is to strengthen people and local systems in the long term. This includes investments in water supply, agriculture, education and health.”
As a Swiss organization for development cooperation and humanitarian aid, Helvetas works in 35 countries and is committed to improving living conditions, including in the areas of water, agriculture, education, women’s empowerment, economic development and participatory decision-making.
In this video, he explains why he considers Helvetas’ work more important than ever today.
Tangible Consequences of the War in Iran
Robert Mardini warns of the often-underestimated global impacts of the war in Iran. Even though the Strait of Hormuz has been reopened, the consequences of the conflict are already being felt: “Major crises always hit those who are already poor and vulnerable particularly hard.” Rising energy prices, disrupted supply chains, and more expensive fertilizers pose a particular threat to people in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and parts of Latin America. Even a moderate price increases can have devastating effects: People are able to harvest less, suffer from rising food prices – and even basic needs are becoming increasingly unaffordable for many.
Helvetas is ready to respond to these developments and, where needed, provide targeted support to particularly affected populations.
