Resiliency Training Boosts Airport Preparedness in Latin America & Caribbean
The tabletop exercise sparked a flurry of activity among the participants, as they prepared for an impending disaster at an airport in Suriname. Involved were representatives from government agencies, relief organizations, and businesses from across Latin America and the Caribbean. They worked rapidly, learning how to fortify the airport to ensure it could withstand the emergency.
Ultimately, they succeeded in safeguarding the airport, a critical hub for disaster relief efforts. Keeping airports operational enables relief agencies to deliver essential supplies such as medicine, equipment, and other materials. Additionally, resilient airports support the continuation of trade and commerce.
The exercise was part of the Community and Port Resiliency Program (C-PReP), developed and facilitated by Outreach Aid to the Americas (OAA), a nonprofit focused on international aid. C-PReP has gained significant recognition across the region, becoming a leader in resiliency training. This success has helped OAA solidify its position in the field and has contributed to the creation of a new training center dedicated to advancing resiliency efforts.
Recently, OAA, Florida International University, and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), officially affiliating the three organizations and establishing CIFAL Miami. CIFAL (Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders) is part of a global network overseen by UNITAR.
Looking ahead, OAA, in collaboration with Florida International University, will offer C-PReP training as part of the United Nations' global network of training centers.
The establishment of CIFAL Miami was celebrated at Florida International University, where key officials signed the MOU. The signatories included Dr. Kenneth Jessell, President of FIU; Mr. Alex Mejia, Director of UNITAR’s Division for People and Social Inclusion; and Mr. Teo Babun, Executive Director of OAA. Maricarmen Estrada, OAA's Senior Program Director, will serve as Director of CIFAL Miami.
FedEx, a longtime sponsor of C-PReP, also participated in the event. The program aligns with FedEx’s philanthropic focus on resilience, as maintaining operational airports is crucial for sustaining commerce and trade.
Ultimately, they succeeded in safeguarding the airport, a critical hub for disaster relief efforts. Keeping airports operational enables relief agencies to deliver essential supplies such as medicine, equipment, and other materials. Additionally, resilient airports support the continuation of trade and commerce.
The exercise was part of the Community and Port Resiliency Program (C-PReP), developed and facilitated by Outreach Aid to the Americas (OAA), a nonprofit focused on international aid. C-PReP has gained significant recognition across the region, becoming a leader in resiliency training. This success has helped OAA solidify its position in the field and has contributed to the creation of a new training center dedicated to advancing resiliency efforts.
Recently, OAA, Florida International University, and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), officially affiliating the three organizations and establishing CIFAL Miami. CIFAL (Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders) is part of a global network overseen by UNITAR.
Looking ahead, OAA, in collaboration with Florida International University, will offer C-PReP training as part of the United Nations' global network of training centers.
The establishment of CIFAL Miami was celebrated at Florida International University, where key officials signed the MOU. The signatories included Dr. Kenneth Jessell, President of FIU; Mr. Alex Mejia, Director of UNITAR’s Division for People and Social Inclusion; and Mr. Teo Babun, Executive Director of OAA. Maricarmen Estrada, OAA's Senior Program Director, will serve as Director of CIFAL Miami.
FedEx, a longtime sponsor of C-PReP, also participated in the event. The program aligns with FedEx’s philanthropic focus on resilience, as maintaining operational airports is crucial for sustaining commerce and trade.
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