PNYX - Action on Disaster Relief 2027

Draft Agenda

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ADR2027: Operational Resilience, Regional Coordination & Smarter Systems for a Changing Hemisphere

The 12th Action on Disaster Relief (ADR2027) Forum convenes at a moment when Latin America and the Caribbean face an unprecedented convergence of climate‑driven hazards, complex emergencies, and rising operational demands on national and regional systems. Across Central America, the Caribbean and the wider hemisphere, governments, humanitarian organisations, private‑sector partners, and security forces are being challenged to act earlier, coordinate more effectively, and deliver assistance at greater scale and speed. The region’s exposure to hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, landslides, health emergencies, and cascading infrastructure failures continues to intensify, while communities, civil society organisations, and frontline responders remain essential to last‑mile delivery. ADR2027 therefore focuses on operational resilience, regional coordination, anticipatory action, resilient infrastructure, logistics and supply chains, and technology innovation - bringing together diverse actors to explore how smarter systems, stronger partnerships, and practical lessons can translate into faster, more effective impact for the populations most at risk.

Through a range of workshops, exhibition, high-level discussion panels, networking and 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings, the ADR2027 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 ADR2027!

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)
ADR2027 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 - 18:30

ADR2027 Pre-event Workshops
A series of dedicated 45‑minute Private Sector Workshops will be held for all delegates, suppliers, logistics partners, and service providers attending ADR2027. These sessions are designed to strengthen understanding of humanitarian procurement processes, supplier registration pathways, and the operational needs of major international organisations working across Latin America and the Caribbean. Each workshop offers practical guidance on how private‑sector companies can engage more effectively with humanitarian buyers, meet compliance requirements, and position themselves for future tendering opportunities.

Across the workshops, participants will gain insight into:

what each organisation procures and the categories most in demand,
how their supply chains operate regionally,
the systems used to publish tenders, RFQs and RFPs,
supplier pre‑qualification requirements,
expectations around quality, delivery, compliance, and ethical standards,
and how private‑sector partners can support emergency response, pre‑positioning, and long‑term resilience.

These sessions are practical, interactive, and tailored to companies seeking to expand their footprint in humanitarian logistics, relief items, services, and emergency operations across the region.

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.

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Colon Room, Marriott Panama Hotel

8:00 - 8:40

Networking Registration
If not already done so, ADR2027 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 - 9:00

Opening Ceremony
Opening remarks from ADR, the event's Platinum Sponsor, and 2027's Conference Chair.

9:00 - 9:10

Opening Keynote Address

9:10 - 10:10

Panel 1 - Anticipatory Action 2.0: From Forecasts to Fast, Coordinated Action

ADR2027's opening session examines how governments, regional bodies, humanitarian agencies, and private‑sector partners are moving from reactive disaster response toward anticipatory, intelligence‑driven action. With climate hazards becoming more frequent and severe, the region must strengthen forecasting, triggers, pre‑arranged financing, and cross‑border coordination to act within the critical window between forecast and impact. The discussion highlights how public, private, and community actors can jointly operationalise anticipatory systems to reduce losses, accelerate deployment, and build donor confidence in early investment.

Suggested talking points (subject to change):

How can AI‑enhanced forecasting and dynamic hazard modelling improve the accuracy and timeliness of anticipatory triggers?
What financing tools (parametric insurance, pre‑arranged funds, social‑protection systems) enable governments and local actors to act before impact?
How can regional coordination mechanisms (RSS, CDEMA, CEPREDENAC) streamline anticipatory deployment across borders?
What lessons from recent events show the difference between “lessons identified” and “lessons applied” in anticipatory action?

10:00 - 10:10

Audience Discussion; Question & Answer Session

10:10 - 10:30

Networking Tea & Coffee Break

10:30 - 11:30

Panel 2 – The Cost of Disaster Response: Funding, Deployment, Personnel & the Economics of Readiness

Disaster response is becoming more expensive, complex, and resource‑intensive. Panel two explores the true cost of readiness - personnel, logistics, deployment, insurance, and operational capability - and how governments, donors, and private‑sector partners can invest earlier to reduce losses and accelerate impact. Panellists also examine how transparent costing, value‑chain efficiency, and stronger public–private collaboration can help organisations demonstrate measurable impact and secure sustainable financing for preparedness.

Suggested talking points (subject to change):

What does a fully costed disaster response operation look like, and how can transparency strengthen donor confidence?
How do anticipatory investments compare financially with traditional reactive response?
What role can PPPs play in sharing the financial burden of readiness, deployment, and logistics?
How can local civil society organisations access disaster‑risk financing to support frontline action?

11:20 - 11:30

Audience Discussion; Question & Answer Session

11:30 - 11:50

Networking Tea & Coffee Break

11:50 - 12:50

Panel 3 – People at the Centre: Community-Led Early Warning, Civil Society & Last-Mile Communication

Concluding day one, Panel three focuses on the human dimension of disaster management - community‑led early‑warning systems, civil society organisations, local responders, and last‑mile communication. Panellists explores how inclusive governance, psychosocial support, and community‑driven preparedness strengthen resilience before, during, and after emergencies. The discussion highlights how donors, governments, and private‑sector partners can better integrate community actors into national systems to ensure that early warnings, resources, and information reach those most at risk.

Suggested talking points (subject to change):

How can community‑led early‑warning systems be scaled and integrated into national DRR frameworks?
What barriers prevent civil society organisations from participating fully in disaster‑risk governance and accessing resources?
How can responders and affected communities receive structured psychosocial support during and after crises?
What technologies (satellite connectivity, mobile alerts, citizen‑reporting tools) strengthen last‑mile communication?

12:40 - 12:50

Audience Discussion; Question & Answer Session

12:50 - 13:20

Unlocking Growth, Increasing Impact & Being the First: A Humanitarian Value Chain Case Study
World Vision International’s Latin America and Caribbean Regional Office will deliver a dedicated 30‑minute case‑study session showcasing how organisational functions can operate as a unified humanitarian value chain to accelerate impact. Drawing on a recent success story, the session will illustrate how funding, operational readiness, supply chain management, supplier partnerships, warehousing, logistics, field operations, and communications collectively enable faster, more efficient assistance to affected communities. The presentation will highlight how standardisation, speed, transparency, and evidence‑based visibility strengthen donor confidence and create a competitive humanitarian value proposition. Designed for humanitarian agencies, donors, private‑sector suppliers, and operational partners, the session offers practical insights into how coordinated internal systems can turn resources into measurable impact more quickly - and how these lessons can be adapted across organisations.

13:20 - 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 ADR2027 Event Dinner Ticket (please confirm at the on-site ADR 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
ADR2027 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, great food, and the incredible views across to Casco Viejo!
For more information, please contact a member of the ADR team.

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Colon Room, Marriott Panama Hotel

8:30 - 8:55

Networking Registration
If not already done so, ADR2027 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.

8:55 - 9:10

Day Two Welcoming Remarks
Day two welcoming remarks from ADR2027's Conference Chair.

9:10 - 9:20

Keynote Address

9:20 - 10:20

Panel 4 – Resilient Infrastructure: Housing, Energy, Water, Transport & the Path from Response to Recovery

Infrastructure failures are often the defining feature of disasters. ADR2027 day two begins by exploring how countries can design, finance, and maintain resilient infrastructure systems that withstand climate extremes and support faster recovery. Panellists highlight housing, energy, water, transport, and the cascading risks that link them. The conversation also examines how governments, donors, engineering firms, and development banks can collaborate to scale climate‑smart infrastructure and embed resilience into long‑term national development planning.

Suggested talking points (subject to change):

How can climate‑smart housing and settlement planning reduce long‑term vulnerability?
What regulatory and governance reforms are needed to accelerate resilient reconstruction?
How do cascading infrastructure failures (energy → water → health → tourism) shape national resilience?
What role can nature‑based solutions and updated building codes play in future‑proofing infrastructure?

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 & Supply Chains: Reaching the Last Mile in a Region of Islands, Mountains & Climate Extremes

Logistics remains the backbone of humanitarian response. Panel five examines how regional hubs, private‑sector partners, security forces, and humanitarian agencies can strengthen supply chains, pre‑positioning, transport access, and last‑mile delivery. It includes a dedicated focus on civil–military coordination, recognising the operational role of defence and security forces in stabilising access, securing corridors, and supporting logistics during crises. Panellists highlight how public–private partnerships, supplier agreements, and technology platforms can reduce bottlenecks and ensure that assistance reaches communities quickly and safely.

Suggested talking points (subject to change):

How can regional logistics hubs (CLRAH and national centres) expand pre‑positioning and accelerate deployment?
What operational roles do security forces play in humanitarian logistics, and how can civil–military coordination be strengthened?
How can satellite connectivity, drones, and digital logistics platforms improve situational awareness and last‑mile delivery?
What lessons from Hurricane Melissa and other 2026 events highlight persistent bottlenecks in coordination?

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: AI, Data, Technology Platforms & Innovation for Smarter Disaster Management

Concluding ADR for 2027, Panel six looks ahead to the next generation of disaster‑management systems - AI‑driven modelling, integrated national data platforms, automated early‑warning systems, academic training, and private‑sector innovation. Panellists explores how technology can transform preparedness, response, and recovery across the hemisphere. The discussion also considers how governments, universities, donors, and technology companies can collaborate to build sustainable digital ecosystems that strengthen national capacity and accelerate operational decision‑making.

Suggested talking points (subject to change):

How can AI and machine learning shift disaster management from static models to dynamic, real‑time systems?
What national data platforms and citizen‑reporting tools can improve decision‑making and operational coordination?
How can academic institutions strengthen training pipelines for future DRR professionals?
What partnerships with the private sector can accelerate innovation and adoption of new technologies?

13:00 - 13:10

Audience Discussion; Question & Answer Session

13:10 - 13:25

Recognition & Thanks
Final remarks and thanks from ADR and 2027's Conference Chair.

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.