ABOUT

Georges Kettaneh, a Business Management graduate and law student, started volunteering with the Lebanese Red Cross in 1980. He pioneered Lebanon’s EMS network, led organizational reforms, and enhanced humanitarian services. Elected Secretary-General in 2013, he emphasizes Red Cross principles, manages crises, and fosters international cooperation.

Georges Kettaneh, a graduate in Business Management with studies in Law, began his journey with the Lebanese Red Cross in 1980 as a volunteer first aid worker.

He progressed through professional levels, serving as National Director of Emergency Medical Services and Director of Operations and Disaster Management until 2013. Kettaneh established Lebanon’s first Emergency Medical Services network through innovative initiatives and advanced Blood Transfusion Services. Elected Secretary-General of the Lebanese Red Cross Society in 2013, he implemented extensive organizational reforms, enhancing humanitarian services, strategic planning, and crisis intervention. Renowned for his negotiation skills and strategic leadership, Kettaneh built strong partnerships within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, governments, and international organizations. He focused on sustaining medico-social services amid Lebanon’s economic challenges.

In 2019, he served as Vice-President of the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. His dedication to global humanitarian efforts earned him prestigious awards, including medals bestowed by Presidents and national and international authorities, such as the Order of the Star of Bethlehem and the Officer’s Medal of the French National Order of Merit.

Certificates

  • Disaster response training at the Rafik Hariri International Airport - Beirut.
  • Arc GIS Desktop II and III GIS (training on reading and working with maps).
  • Certificate in the follow-up course on public health emergencies organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross, the World Health Organization, and the Geneva Faculty of Medicine – Geneva.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP).
  • Senior Crisis Management – Counterterrorism Support Program sponsored by the Diplomatic Security Office at the U.S. Department of State – Washington.
  • Senior Crisis Management Seminar at American University – part of the State Department's training program on assistance in combating terrorism – Washington.
  • Project to develop criminal investigations at all levels in Lebanon – European Commission.
  • Emergency Response Unit Course – Oslo, Norway.
  • Coordination in Disaster Management – with the International Committee of the Red Cross – Kuwait.

Awards

  • Officer of the Legion of Honor from the French President Emmanuel Macron – 2023.
  • Silver Order of Merit with Palms from the Lebanese Republic – 2022.
  • Bethlehem Medal (Star of Bethlehem) from the President of the State of Palestine – 2021.
  • Order of the Noble Companion Rifida, the Tent Owner from the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization – ARCO.
  • Certificate of appreciation for the dedicated and professional services provided during the UN evacuation exercise in 2012.
  • Certificate of appreciation from H.E. Minister Ziad Baroud, Minister of Interior and Municipalities, for contributing effectively to the logistical arrangements during the municipal elections in 2010.
  • Award for field and administrative work during the Francophonie Summit – Ministry of Education – 2002.
  • Certificate of appreciation for professional services and noble volunteer work – US Embassy in Beirut – 2001.
  • Award for organizing and managing ambulance work during the Arab Summit – Ministry of Education.
  • Award for organizing and managing ambulance work during the 8th Arab Games – Ministry of Education - 1997.

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