ADR2022 Agenda
Tuesday 15 February
Wyndham Panama Albrook Mall Hotel
11:00 - 19:00
ADR2022 Pre-Registration
Participants may complete registration by collecting their delegate pack & event access pass in the Wyndham Panama Albrook Mall Hotel Lobby* (business card required). CLRAH site visit attendees will require photo I.D. and must give their I.D. number to GRV at registration to gain access to the Panama Pacifico Airport site. Sponsors are asked to setup their exhibition booths from 4pm onwards. GRV Global's registration desk will remain open all day for those attending the afternoon workshops.
 
all participants must provide a recent negative lateral flow test upon registration (LFT from within the past 24hrs).  
12:00 - 15:00
Site Visit - Regional Logistics Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (CLRAH)
ADR2022 participants are invited to visit* the Regional Logistics Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (CLRAH); an initiative of the Government of Panama created to incorporate emergency operations of several actors into one integrated modern logistics facility. The Centre was implemented by UNOPS (opened late 2019), under the direction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Government, in coordination with IFRC, UNHRD (WFP), and SINAPROC Panama who are the facility's primary users. Participants will visit the now-operational Regional Logistics Centre, be shown a presentation on the Centre before visiting the UNHRD, IFRC, and SINAPROC warehouses and operations center situated at the Panamá Pacífico International Airport. This is a complimentary visit with transportation provided by the Ministry of Government, which will depart from and return to the Wyndham Panama Albrook Mall Hotel Lobby.
* all visitors require photo identification and closed, sturdy shoes.
 

Hosted by Alberto Sierra, Executive Director of the CLRAH.
16:00 - 16:45
USAID Funding Workshop
Join USAID's Management Bureau from Washington D.C. for a discussion on how to work with the U.S. Agency for International Development. You will learn about the Agency’s operations, key terms you need to know, tips for submitting proposals, how to find funding opportunities and much more! You will also have an opportunity to ask questions of USAID staff.
 
 
 
Matthew Johnson, Industry Liaison & Communications Director
Management Bureau (M/OAA), USAID - U.S. Agency for International Development
16:45 - 17:30
OCHA Procurement Workshop
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) will host a session opened to all ADR2022 participants about the United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM). The UNGM is self-financed inter-agency initiative and is the official procurement portal of the United Nations System. The portal brings together UN procurement staff and suppliers interested in doing business with the United Nations agencies worldwide. During this session, OCHA will introduce the initial basic steps to be registered and start using the UNGM, with an opportunity for participants to ask questions.
 
 
Rogerio Mobilia, Deputy Head of Regional Office for Latin America & the Caribbean (ROLAC)
OCHA - UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
17:30 - 18:15
IFRC Logistics Supplier Workshop
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Americas Regional Office will host a dedicated workshop open to all ADR2022 participants looking to find out more about how to become a supplier for the IFRC. Attendees will learn who IFRC are and what they procure and contract. There will be a presentation of their online item catalogue, who is purchasing in the IFRC, their Regional Logistics Units, and the process to become a registered supplier including how to obtain tender documents whilst sharing valuable contact details.
 
 
Stefano Riera, Operational Procurement Manager
Global Humanitarian Services & Supply Chain Management - Americas Office, IFRC - International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies
19:00 - 21:00
Evening Networking Reception
ADR2022 participants may meet at the Wyndham Panama Albrook Mall Hotel Lobby Bar for an 'ice-breaker' Networking Reception to discuss the two days ahead in a relaxed and informal setting, whilst enjoying a range of canapés and refreshments. An ideal opportunity for Panel Chairs to also connect with their fellow panellists.
Wednesday 16 February
Colon Room, Wyndham Panama Albrook Mall Hotel
8:00 - 8:50
Networking Registration
ADR2022 participants may complete registration by collecting their delegate pack & event access pass whilst networking and enjoying tea & coffee* (business card required).
 
all participants must provide a recent negative lateral flow test upon registration (LFT from within the past 24hrs).  
8:50 - 9:10
Opening Ceremony
 
Andrew Dowell, CEO of GRV Global
 
ADR2022 Conference Chair
Ronald Jackson, Head of the Disaster Risk Reduction & Recovery Team (DRT) for Building Resilience of UNDP - UN Development Programme
9:10 - 9:25
Opening Keynote Address
 
H.E. Janaina Tewaney Mencomo, Minister of Government of Republic of Panama
9:25 - 10:25
Panel 1: Preparedness; focussing on Disaster Risk Governance
The United Nations assessed that Disaster Risk Governance was a major failing in the three largest mass-casualty events during 2004, 2008 and 2010, citing better early warning systems, mandatory cyclone shelters, and more robust (enforced) building codes that could have saved a significant number of lives. Would the creation of International Disaster Law assist by bridging the gap between International Humanitarian Law, Refugee Law, and Treaty/Customary Law? Could this help facilitate the entry of aid and responders, and support the development for domestic legislation for preparedness i.e., budgeting for risk mitigation? How do we encourage budgetary spend on preparedness? How could an international centre of excellence for disaster management education and training with common qualifications & accreditation further long-term Disaster Risk Governance efforts? Could this support coordination and communication challenges in general? Evidence-driven support from academia, and the private sector, could help promote ‘local over external’ and a ‘spend to save’ approach.
 
Panel Chair: Jorge Ortiz, Director of Sales Latin America & the Caribbean of Western Shelter Systems
 
Andres Cruz, Disaster Risk Reduction & Response Manager LAC of Habitat for Humanity International
 
Eduardo Gutiérrez, Sub Regional Manager for CAM of USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA)
 
Liza Hernandez-Betancourth (virtual), Regional Lead for Americas and the Caribbean of GNDR - Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction
 
Marcus Cadet, Director - National Health Emergency Management Unit (UNGUS) of Haiti Ministry of Public Health & Population (MSPP)
 
Roger Alonso Morgui, Head of Disaster, Climate & Crisis: Prevention, Response & Recovery of IFRC - International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies
10:15 - 10:25
Audience Discussion; Question & Answer Session
10:25 - 11:00
Networking Tea & Coffee Break
11:00 - 12:00
Panel 2: Resilience; focussing on Integration of the Private Sector into the Disaster Cycle
Resilience comes in many forms but none more powerful, and arguably more effective, than building local resilience. Here we discuss the value and importance of capacity-building, through training, education, equipping and/or funding in a context of appreciating cultures, local capabilities, and vulnerabilities. The development of pre-existing relationships that promote collaboration not competition is surely key - seek to improve rather than reinvent! Working at the individual country level to build trust, including early private sector engagement, enables us to value each type of response and identify who is best-placed to manage each aspect and ensure gaps are closed and a resource-efficient response is advocated. Through collaborative solutions and an open dialogue, we can promote the delivery of better preparedness, response, and recovery. Is it, however, possible to standardise/streamline effective disaster relief when you consider the diversity in organisational mandates?
 
Panel Chair: Shelley Cheatham, Head of Regional Office for Latin America & the Caribbean (ROLAC) of OCHA - UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
 
Arlen Martinez Ortiz (virtual), Disaster Risk Reduction Coordinator of Central America Mission, Action Against Hunger
 
Claudia Herrera, Executive Secretary of CEPREDENAC - Coordination Center for the Prevention of Natural Disasters in Central America
 
Drew Strobel, Global Surge Delegate of American Red Cross
 
Keisha Linton, Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator of Regional Security System (RSS)
 
COL Steven Gventer, Commander of Joint Task Force-Bravo
11:50 - 12:00
Audience Discussion; Question & Answer Session
12:00 - 12:15
Keynote Address
 
Claudia Herrera, Executive Secretary
CEPREDENAC - Coordination Center for the Prevention of Natural Disasters in Central America
12:15 - 13:15
Panel 3: Technology; focusing on Climate-Efficient Disaster Response
The frequency of Complex Humanitarian Emergencies (CHE) has sadly quadrupled since the late 1970s - mid 1980s; a natural disaster on top of a CHE, plus the effects of climate change, can and will have devastating effects on the region. Technology has long served as a valuable enabler, but CHE asks a lot of it. Technology offers clear improvements to the quality and management of aid and can empower communities and offers far greater security. Affordability and standardisation remain significant concerns. Renewable, sustainable solutions are essential. Disaster relief efforts must consider long-term and short-term consequences, and not undermine climate mitigation measures. How can wider climate resilience measures and disaster risk reduction measures mutually support each other?
 
Panel Chair: Barry Koperberg, General Manager of Wings For Aid
 
Nadia Ortega, Disaster Risk Management Senior Officer of IFRC - International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies
 
Rossella Bottone, Head of Regional Assessment & Monitoring Team of WFP - World Food Programme
 
Yasmin Delgado, Director - Emergency Operations Center (COE) of SINAPROC Panama - National Civil Protection System
13:05 - 13:15
Audience Discussion; Question & Answer Session
13:15 - 14:30
Networking Lunch Break
14:30 - 17:30
Disaster Relief Public-Private Sector Matchmaking Meetings
Afternoon session devoted to introductory 20-minute 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings between Government, UN, Disaster Agency and NGO stakeholders, and attending local, regional and global operators. Schedules are prearranged to provide a unique opportunity to discuss disaster reduction, response and relief solutions across the Americas & Caribbean region.
19:00 - 19:30
Event Dinner - Transport
For those that require it, transport is included with an ADR2022 Event Dinner Ticket (please confirm at the on-site GRV Global registration desk). Transport will depart from the Wyndham Albrook Mall Hotel Lobby at 7:00pm for a 7:30pm start, returning back to the Hotel at approx. 10:30pm.
19:30 - 22:30
Event Dinner - Tántalo Kitchen, Casco Viejo
ADR2022 participants are invited to join us in Panama's old town for an informal Event Dinner, to experience the food, ambience and entertainment Panama City has to offer. Tántalo fuses flavours from around the world while honouring the local dishes that are distinct to Panama. Dinner will be followed by drinks on the Tántalo Rooftop. An evening of further networking and discussion whilst enjoying a panoramic view of the city! For more information, please contact a member of the GRV Global team.
Thursday 17 February
Colon Room, Wyndham Panama Albrook Mall Hotel
8:30 - 8:50
Networking Registration
If not already done so, ADR2022 participants may complete registration by collecting their delegate pack & event access pass whilst networking and enjoying tea & coffee (business card required).
8:50 - 9:00
Day Two Welcoming Remarks
 
ADR2022 Conference Chair
Ronald Jackson, Head of the Disaster Risk Reduction & Recovery Team (DRT) for Building Resilience of UNDP - UN Development Programme
9:00 - 9:15
Keynote Address
 
Systemic Risk and Participation of the Private Sector in a Strengthened DRR Governance
Carlos Uribe, Regional Programme Officer of UNDRR - UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
9:15 - 10:30
Panel 4: Health; focusing on Lessons from the Impact of COVID-19 on the Disaster Management Cycle
During our lifetimes, the intricacies of health emergencies have perhaps never been more emphasized than throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Many aspects of the disaster management cycle have been highlighted, perhaps none more so than the need for risk reduction through reliable regional networks - inter-agency cooperation and collaboration proving paramount. Once again, private sector support has proved invaluable and hugely effective. As always, balancing speed with safety remains essential, whilst we have also seen elements introduced that were not necessarily part of the disaster inventory pre-COVID for example, PPE, decontamination, and isolation equipment. Regrettably, more people have been pushed into poverty, making them more vulnerable whilst inequality once again multiplies the impact. Additionally, conflict remains a factor and in turn, increases vulnerability.
 
Panel Chair: Jorge E. Zequeira, Regional Civil Military & Security Coordinator of IFRC - International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies
 
COL J. Frank Melgarejo, Chief Stabilization and Humanitarian Assistance Division of SOUTHCOM - U.S. Southern Command
 
Jeannette Fernandez, DRR & Recovery Advisor for LAC of UNDP - UN Development Programme
 
Mariel Fonteyn (virtual), Associate Director - Climate & Disaster Resilience of Americares
 
Maria Jimena Pantoja, Head of International Cooperation of UNGRD - National Unit for Disaster Risk Management; Colombia
 
Virginie Bohl (virtual), Coordinator of IMPACCT
10:20 - 10:30
Audience Discussion; Question & Answer Session
10:30 - 10:40
Spotlight Address
 
Gery Warner, Owner & CEO and Suzanne Warner, Sales Goddess of Tentnology
10:40 - 11:10
Networking Tea & Coffee Break
11:10 - 12:10
Panel 5: Communications; focussing on its Role in Disaster Planning & Preparedness
Whilst communications capabilities have evolved enormously, our general reliance on them has deepened significantly, especially during emergencies. To improve preparedness, capacity-building to develop local capabilities and increase resilience of local first responders remain paramount. Accessible, reliable, and climate-considerate solutions are essential however, the value of clear, consistent, and useful information throughout the community in times of crisis cannot be understated. Emergency IT & telecoms plans must exist, which must be exercised in order to achieve coordination before an emergency. Tough questions must be asked such as are the plans robust enough, are they integrated rather than standalone, and are they invested in correctly pre-emergency?
 
Panel Chair: Guillermo Coronado, Senior Sales Director - Mexico & Central America of SES Americom, Inc
 
David Meltzer (virtual), Secretary General of GVF
 
Cdr. Granvile Adderley (virtual), Commanding Officer - Crisis Risk Management Unit / Health & Safety Officer / Fire & Safety Unit of Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF)
 
WO Andrew McKenzie (virtual), Chief Administrator of Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF)
 
Julián Alberto García Roman, Sub COE Director of COE - Emergency Operations Center; Dominican Republic
 
Rogerio Mobilia, Deputy Head of Regional Office for Latin America & the Caribbean (ROLAC) of OCHA - UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
12:00 - 12:10
Audience Discussion; Question & Answer Session
12:10 - 13:10
Panel 6: Logistics; focusing on Integrating Local Needs & Expertise into Disaster Preparedness & Response
Throughout ADR2022’s discussion panels, developing local resources, capabilities, and resilience through capacity-building has proved an essential requirement. Equally, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for secure, efficient, and reliable logistics solutions, not only regionally but globally. Moving humanitarian actors, supplies and aid presents many coordination challenges but perhaps now we have a better understanding of the far-reaching potential, intent, and methodology of responders. Whilst the instalment of sub-regional logistics hubs across the disaster cycle has proved invaluable, could there be a need for a permanent regional strategic movement coordination hub – potentially a virtual resource (to negate the risk of a single point of failure), that offers visibility of regional movement assets?
 
Panel Chair: COL Steven Gventer, Commander of Joint Task Force-Bravo
 
Alberto Sierra, Executive Director of CLRAH - Regional Logistics Center for Humanitarian Assistance; Panama
 
Ayack Montalván (virtual), Regional Supply Chain Manager for Latin America & Caribbean of Save the Children
 
Francisco Quesada, UNHRD Manager of UNHRD - UN Humanitarian Response Depot / WFP
 
Joscha Kremers (virtual), Chief - Aviation Transportation & Logistics Section (ATLS) of UNPD - UN Procurement Division
13:00 - 13:10
Audience Discussion; Question & Answer Session
13:10 - 13:30
Recognition & Thanks
 
ADR2022 Conference Chair
Ronald Jackson, Head of the Disaster Risk Reduction & Recovery Team (DRT) for Building Resilience of UNDP - UN Development Programme
 
Andrew Dowell, CEO of GRV Global
13:30 - 14:30
Networking Lunch Break
14:30 - 17:30
Disaster Relief Public-Private Sector Matchmaking Meetings
Afternoon session devoted to introductory 20-minute 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings between Government, UN, Disaster Agency and NGO stakeholders, and attending local, regional and global operators. Schedules are prearranged to provide a unique opportunity to discuss disaster reduction, response and relief solutions across the Americas & Caribbean region.
Friday 18 February
9:00 - 12:30
Disaster Simulation Exercise & Inter-Agency Workshop
Utilising the NEST (Network Enables Simulation Tool) software, ADR2022 Conference Chair, Ronald Jackson, UNDP's Head of the Disaster Risk Reduction & Recovery Team (DRT) for Building Resilience, and Anton Gash, ADR Thematic Adviser & Former UK Defence Attache to the Caribbean host a Disaster Simulation Exercise and Inter-Agency Workshop. Regional disaster stakeholders convene, alongside select ADR2022 Sponsors, for a scenario-based simulation, working in small groups, to form a fictional Crisis Management Team. Each group will manage an inbox of alerts, generating a cascade of challenges, questions and tasks relating to a natural disaster. In a workshop style, the simulation will be paused at certain points to allow participants to discuss and share what is happening and come to a shared situational awareness. This valuable session will promote discussion and debate amongst regional stakeholders in a safe shared learning environment. The exercise will also demonstrate cost efficiencies, the value of joint understanding, decision making and communication at all levels, whilst furthering multi-agency, civil-military and public-private interactions.
 
 
Lt Col (Retd) Anton Gash, ADR Thematic Adviser & Former UK Defence Attache of the Caribbean
 
Ronald Jackson, Head of the Disaster Risk Reduction & Recovery Team (DRT) for Building Resilience of UNDP - UN Development Programme
 
Rogerio Mobilia, Deputy Head of Regional Office for Latin America & the Caribbean (ROLAC) of OCHA - UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs