PNYX - Action on Disaster Relief 2026

Draft Agenda

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Action on Disaster Relief (ADR) convenes public, private, and humanitarian stakeholders from across the Americas, Latin America and the Caribbean to address the evolving challenges of disaster risk management. With climate change, urbanisation, and socio-economic pressures intensifying both the frequency and impact of hazards, this year’s agenda is structured to move from risk reduction and preparedness through response, recovery, and future innovation. Across six interconnected panel discussions, ADR focuses on practical solutions, partnerships, and lessons learned, with particular attention to anticipatory action, resilient infrastructure, effective logistics, and the central role of local communities.

Through a range of workshops, exhibition, high-level discussion panels, networking and 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings, the 11th annual Action on Disaster Relief (ADR2026) programme is designed to encourage cross-sector dialogue and actionable insights that strengthen resilience and mitigate the profound humanitarian and economic impacts of disasters in the region.

Welcome to ADR2026, Co-Chaired by Ronald Jackson, UNDP Geneva's Head of DRR & Recovery Team for Building Resilience, and Rogerio Mobilia, OCHA's Deputy Head of ROLAC.

12:00 - 19:00

Pre-event Registration (Marriott Lobby)
Attendees may complete registration by collecting their delegate pack & event access pass (business card required). Sponsors are asked to setup their exhibition booths from 4pm onwards. The ADR registration desk will remain open all afternoon for those attending the site-visit and afternoon workshops.

13:00 - 16:00

Site Visit - Regional Logistics Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (CLRAH)
ADR2026 attendees 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 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, located at the Panamá Pacífico International Airport. This is a complimentary visit with transportation provided, which will depart (1PM) from and return (4PM) to the Marriott Panama Hotel Lobby.
*sturdy, closed shoes required, and casual clothing for warm weather.

16:30 - 18:00

Procurement & Supplier Workshops (Miraflores Room)
Ahead of the main forum, a brace of pre-event workshops will provide participants with practical insights into humanitarian procurement and supplier engagement. These sessions will outline how major humanitarian organisations operate, what they procure, and how suppliers can engage effectively with their supply chains. Attendees will learn about procurement structures, regional logistics operations, supplier registration and pre-qualification processes, and how to access tender opportunities through digital sourcing platforms. The workshops aim to improve transparency, strengthen partnerships, and support more efficient and responsive humanitarian supply chains.

19:00 - 21:00

Evening Networking Reception
Attendees are invited to meet at the Marriott Panama 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.

8:00 - 8:40

Networking Registration
If not already done so, ADR2026 attendees may complete registration by collecting their delegate pack & event access pass (business card required) whilst networking and enjoying tea & coffee.
Headsets will also be available for simultaneous English-Spanish translation.

8:40 - 9:05

Opening Ceremony
Opening remarks from ADR, the Government of Panama, and our ADR2026 Co-Chairs, UNDP and OCHA.

9:05 - 9:15

Opening Keynote Address

9:15 - 10:15

Panel 1 - From Risk to Resilience: Strengthening DRR and Preparedness Across Diverse Contexts
ADR2026’s opening panel examines how countries across the Americas and the Caribbean can shift from reactive disaster management to proactive, risk-informed resilience. Panellists explore emerging approaches to multi-hazard risk assessment, early warning systems, and the integration of climate intelligence into national planning. Emphasis is placed on empowering local communities, particularly those most vulnerable, to participate in identifying risks and shaping preparedness strategies that reflect their realities. The discussion highlights the role of private-sector innovation and investment in enabling scalable solutions, from resilient infrastructure to real-time monitoring systems. By comparing lessons learned from recent regional events, the panel aims to identify practical pathways to close preparedness gaps, strengthen governance, and create more adaptive, equitable systems that reduce disaster impacts before they occur.

10:05 - 10:15

Audience Discussion; Question & Answer Session

10:15 - 10:35

Networking Tea & Coffee Break

10:35 - 10:45

Keynote Address

10:45 - 11:45

Panel 2 - Climate Adaptation, Finance, and Anticipatory Action: Mobilising Resources Before Crisis Hits
As climate-related hazards intensify, proactive and financially sustainable adaptation has become essential. This session explores how anticipatory action, climate financing, and innovative risk-transfer tools, including parametric insurance, can significantly reduce losses and speed recovery. Panellists examine how governments, donors, and private-sector stakeholders can design funding mechanisms that incentivise resilience and protect vulnerable populations. The discussion also covers the use of climate forecasting, early triggers, and pre-positioned resources to activate support before disasters strike. Local communities play a central role, and panellists share examples of community-driven adaptation that combine traditional knowledge with scientific data. The panel highlights policy, investment, and governance models that enable timely, coordinated action and ensure climate adaptation benefits are distributed equitably across diverse national and local contexts.

11:35 - 11:45

Audience Discussion; Question & Answer Session

11:45 - 12:05

Networking Tea & Coffee Break

12:05 - 13:05

Panel 3 - People at the Center: Community Health, Public Safety, and Mental Well-Being in Disasters
Human resilience is the foundation of effective disaster response. This panel focuses on protecting people’s health, safety, and psychological well-being before, during, and after emergencies. Panellists explore how public health systems, WASH services, and emergency medical capacity can be strengthened in both urban centres and remote communities. A key emphasis is placed on responder safety and mental health - areas often overlooked despite their critical role in sustained emergency operations. The panel will highlight successful partnerships between governments, NGOs, and private-sector actors that improve access to essential services, deploy technology such as telemedicine, and expand community-level health preparedness. By sharing stories from the field and emerging best practices, speakers aim to identify human-centred approaches that reduce health inequalities and ensure inclusive, culturally sensitive support for affected populations.

12:55 - 13:05

Audience Discussion; Question & Answer Session

13:05 - 14:30

Networking Lunch Break

14:30 - 17:30

1-2-1 Public-Private Sector Matchmaking Meetings
Afternoon session dedicated to introductory 15-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, Latin America and the Caribbean region.

18:30

Event Dinner - Transport
For those that require it, transport is included with an ADR2026 Event Dinner Ticket (please confirm at the on-site PNYX registration desk). Transport will depart from the Marriott Panama Hotel Lobby at 6:30PM for a 7:00PM start, returning back to the Hotel at approx. 9:30-10PM.

19:00 - 22:00

Event Dinner
ADR2026 attendees are invited to join us for an informal Event Dinner, to experience the food, ambience and entertainment Panama City has to offer. A relaxed evening of further networking and discussion whilst enjoying refreshments and great food!
For more information, please contact a member of the ADR team.

8:30 - 8:55

Networking Registration
If not already done so, ADR2026 attendees may complete registration by collecting their delegate pack & event access pass (business card required) whilst networking and enjoying tea & coffee.
Headsets will be available again for simultaneous English-Spanish translation.

8:55 - 9:10

Day Two Welcoming Remarks
Day two Welcoming Remarks from our ADR2026 Co-Chairs, UNDP and OCHA.

9:10 - 9:20

Keynote Address

9:20 - 10:20

Panel 4 - Resilient Infrastructure and the Path from Response to Recovery
Building resilient infrastructure is essential to protecting lives, restoring services, and accelerating recovery after disasters. This panel explores how countries and communities can strengthen critical systems - energy, water, housing, transportation - so they can withstand and rapidly rebound from shocks. Panellists discuss the integration of DRR into public infrastructure planning, the importance of sustainable construction materials, and the role of local communities as co-designers and implementers of recovery solutions. The conversation includes innovative models for rebuilding, from modular housing to community-owned renewable energy, supported by private-sector financing and engineering expertise. Case studies will highlight how rapid assessments, digital tools, and strong governance can reduce delays, foster equitable access to services, and turn reconstruction into an opportunity to build forward better, greener, and more sustainably.

10:10 - 10:20

Audience Discussion; Question & Answer Session

10:20 - 10:40

Networking Tea & Coffee Break

10:40 - 10:50

Keynote Address

10:50 - 11:50

Panel 5 - Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Reaching the Last Mile
Efficient, equitable, and resilient supply chains are the backbone of disaster response. This discussion examines how humanitarian actors, governments, suppliers, and private logistics providers can overcome persistent bottlenecks in delivering aid, particularly in remote, island, or climate-threatened regions. Panellists explore new models for regional coordination, pre-positioning stocks, improving procurement, and enhancing visibility through technology. The panel also addresses challenges voiced by suppliers and responders, including transportation constraints, import barriers, demand surges, and the global competition for critical goods. A central theme is strengthening local and national capacities to lead logistics operations, ensuring that solutions reflect local realities and avoid dependency. Through practical examples and lessons learned, speakers share approaches that increase speed, reduce waste, and ensure the most vulnerable communities are reached efficiently and respectfully.

11:40 - 11:50

Audience Discussion; Question & Answer Session

11:50 - 12:10

Networking Tea & Coffee Break

12:10 - 13:10

Panel 6 - Future Systems: Technology, Data, and Innovation for Smarter, Safer Disaster Management
Concluding ADR2026, this forward-looking panel explores how technology and data can transform resilience, preparedness, and response across the region. From AI-powered forecasting and scenario modelling to resilient telecommunications and interoperable information systems, panellists examine innovations that can significantly enhance decision-making and resource allocation. Discussions also address the risks: data security, ethical use of AI, and the potential for technology to disrupt - or unintentionally disadvantage - local communities or responders. The panel highlights successful public-private collaborations that leverage digital tools while ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for underserved populations. By looking beyond today’s systems, speakers outline what future-ready disaster management could look like and how governments, communities, and technology partners can build it together - sustainably, responsibly, and equitably.

13:00 - 13:10

Audience Discussion; Question & Answer Session

13:10 - 13:25

Recognition & Thanks
Final remarks, recognition and thanks for ADR and our ADR2026 Co-Chairs, UNDP and OCHA.

13:25 - 14:30

Networking Lunch Break

14:30 - 17:30

1-2-1 Public-Private Sector Matchmaking Meetings
Afternoon session dedicated to introductory 15-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, Latin America and the Caribbean region.