GRV Global - Action on Disaster Relief 2021

Draft Virtual Agenda

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Context

In addition to the extraordinary global challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic, 2020 saw the continuation of deadly hurricanes and devastating storms affecting the LAC region. The 6th annual Action on Disaster Relief (ADR2021) forum will look at the nexus between health, disaster management, security organisations and agencies, and examine whether existing plans stood up to demand, whether command and communication structures were sufficient, and whether meaningful regional coordination was able to take place.

ADR2021's virtual event provides participants with all the benefits of an international conference without the travel; through the safety of one Internet browser. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact at virtual booths, access pre-recorded discussion panels complemented by live Q&A sessions, network in chat forums and meet 1-2-1 with some of the region’s leading disaster relief experts. ADR once again sets out to further regional and international cooperation and promote meaningful public-private partnerships that help harmonise the efforts of donors, communities and aid agencies across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Daily start time, workshops, live Q&A, and 1-2-1 matchmaking meeting appointments are all in Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5)

10:00 - 11:00

USAID Funding Workshop
Join USAID's Management Bureau from Washington D.C. for a discussion on how to work with USAID. 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.

Hosted by Matthew Johnson, Industry Liaison of USAID's Management Bureau (M/OAA)

11:00 - 12:30

UN Procurement Workshop
The United Nations Secretariat Procurement Division (UNPD) will host an open session for all ADR2021 delegates, presenting fundamentals on doing business with the UN. This session will look at the principles of UN procurement, the UN system, areas of operation and types of goods & services, statistics, and challenges in peacekeeping procurement. This workshop will be very informative for those wishing to learn more about UN procurement, and will also feature a Q&A session, an excellent opportunity to ask any questions to aid your UN procurement efforts.

Hosted by Neris M. Baez Garcia Demazzora, Director of the UN Secretariat Procurement Division (UNPD)

12:30 - 13:00

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 ADR2021 delegates and sponsors 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.

Hosted by Stefano Riera, Procurement Manager - Americas Operational LPSCM of IFRC - International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

8:30

Opening Ceremony
Welcoming Remarks from GRV Global's CEO and for the 6th year running, since our inaugural ADR event in 2016, CDEMA's Ag. Executive Director will serve as overall Conference Chair.

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Opening Keynote Address
H.E. Janaina Tewaney Mencomo, Minister of Government of the Republic of Panama

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Panel 1: Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) & Preparedness (60 mins)
Opening ADR2021’s virtual event, Panel 1 will discuss coordination challenges, looking at vulnerability improvements to ensure resources get to where they are needed most. Panellists will talk about efficiencies through community engagement, social, private and public action, and sustainable partnerships that endure before, during and after emergencies. This session will also look at process engagement – being able to contribute to resilience and avoid repeat support. The Covid-19 pandemic remains a significant focus however, the region must sadly overcome reoccurring natural disasters.

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1-2-1 Matchmaking Meetings: Check your inbox for schedules
Across the 2-day event, breakout sessions will be dedicated to 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings between Government, U.S., UN, Disaster Agency and NGO stakeholders, and attending local, regional and global operators. Scheduled 15 minute appointments are prearranged to provide a unique opportunity to discuss disaster reduction, response and relief solutions across the Americas & Caribbean region.

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Keynote Address
Sra. Claudia Herrera Melgar, Executive Secretary of CEPREDENAC

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Panel 2: Resilience & Response (60 mins)
Panel 2 will look at providing flexibility and the need to invest in and empower communities, plus the importance of giving an inclusive response considering the rights of people and their culture. Panellists will also assess the need for clear requirements of what is needed, emphasizing the need for renewable sustainable solutions, whilst supporting existing capabilities to build capacity for better resilience. What factors has the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted that may not have been previously considered?

10:00 - 11:00

Forum Chat: Use of Innovative Technologies for Disaster Risk Reduction & Emergency Response

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1-2-1 Matchmaking Meetings: Check your inbox for schedules
Across the 2-day event, breakout sessions will be dedicated to 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings between Government, U.S., UN, Disaster Agency and NGO stakeholders, and attending local, regional and global operators. Scheduled 15 minute appointments are prearranged to provide a unique opportunity to discuss disaster reduction, response and relief solutions across the Americas & Caribbean region.

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Spotlight Address - OneSight

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Panel 3: Utilizing Communications Solutions (60 mins)
Crucial to disaster relief efforts, Panel 3 will look at capitalising on new communication technologies whilst developing local capabilities through training etc. i.e. investing in people and building self-resilience. Panellists will also discuss the need for clear, simple, and useful information throughout the community in times of crisis, whilst pooling and utilising resources outside of emergencies. Given the regularity and severity of disasters in the region, are existing plans and structures sufficient?

11:45 - 12:15

Panel 1: Live Q&A Session
Put your questions to our expert panellists during a live video webcast.

12:30 - 13:00

Panel 2: Live Q&A Session
Put your questions to our expert panellists during a live video webcast.

13:15 - 13:45

Panel 3: Live Q&A Session
Put your questions to our expert panellists during a live video webcast.

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Networking Lunch Break - Virtual Booths
Take a break whilst visiting the full range of ADR2021 virtual booths. Event Sponsors host personalised interactive booths for you to explore; you can chat online, hold video calls and obtain e-takeaways.

14:30 - 15:30

Forum Chat: Filling Gaps in Response Capacity Across the Caribbean: Regional & International Options
Hosted by Lt Col Anton Gash OBE, Former British Defence Attaché to the Caribbean of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD)

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1-2-1 Matchmaking Meetings: Check your inbox for schedules
Across the 2-day event, breakout sessions will be dedicated to 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings between Government, U.S., UN, Disaster Agency and NGO stakeholders, and attending local, regional and global operators. Scheduled 15 minute appointments are prearranged to provide a unique opportunity to discuss disaster reduction, response and relief solutions across the Americas & Caribbean region.

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Keynote Address

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Panel 4: Regional International Support (60 mins)
Kicking off day two of ADR2021’s virtual event, Panel 4 will look at the significance of international support across the region, as a ‘standby’ supporter rather than enforce, assisting when and where needed without duplication. Military intervention is always the last resort but panellists will discuss the need to remain engaged, ready to assist effectively and in a coordinated manner. Drawing on personal experiences, panellists will offer their view on opportunities for coordination and strategy improvements.

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1-2-1 Matchmaking Meetings: Check your inbox for schedules
Across the 2-day event, breakout sessions will be dedicated to 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings between Government, U.S., UN, Disaster Agency and NGO stakeholders, and attending local, regional and global operators. Scheduled 15 minute appointments are prearranged to provide a unique opportunity to discuss disaster reduction, response and relief solutions across the Americas & Caribbean region.

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Spotlight Address - Panama's Regional Logistics Center for Humanitarian Assistance (CLRAH)
Alberto Sierra, Director of the Regional Logistics Center for Humanitarian Assistance (CLRAH)

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Panel 5: Technology & Effective Logistics (60 mins)
Technology has always served as an enabler; offering significant improvement to the quality and management of aid, it delivers secure solutions, quick and accurate assessments, plus the ability to empower communities. However, ease of access, standardisation and affordability must be considered. At the same time, the security, accuracy, and efficiency of reliable logistics has never been more defined than throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Panel 5 will examine all these matters plus the coordination challenges of moving humanitarian actors and supplies.

10:00 - 11:00

Forum Chat: Incorporating Social & Behavioural Change Communication Techniques into Public, Private and Community-Based Intervention in Emergency Preparedness

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1-2-1 Matchmaking Meetings: Check your inbox for schedules
Across the 2-day event, breakout sessions will be dedicated to 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings between Government, U.S., UN, Disaster Agency and NGO stakeholders, and attending local, regional and global operators. Scheduled 15 minute appointments are prearranged to provide a unique opportunity to discuss disaster reduction, response and relief solutions across the Americas & Caribbean region.

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Panel 6: Health, Emergencies & Climate Change (60 mins)
Concluding ADR2021’s discussion panels at this year’s virtual event, Panel 6 will assess the robustness of regional networks, and the benefits of strengthening private sector relationships to develop risk and prevention measures. Panellists will also discuss the significance of coordinated activities to mitigate vulnerabilities. The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the resilience of health resources and all related supply challenges. However, the region continues to face considerable displacement issues, with an urgent need to address the many aspects of climate change.

11:45 - 12:15

Panel 4: Live Q&A Session
Put your questions to our expert panellists during a live video webcast.

12:30 - 13:00

Panel 5: Live Q&A Session
Put your questions to our expert panellists during a live video webcast.

13:15 - 13:45

Panel 6: Live Q&A Session
Put your questions to our expert panellists during a live video webcast.

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Networking Lunch Break - Virtual Booths
Take a break whilst visiting the full range of ADR2021 virtual booths. Event Sponsors host personalised interactive booths for you to explore; you can chat online, hold video calls and obtain e-takeaways.

14:30 - 15:30

Forum Chat: Human Mobility & Population Displacement in the Context of Disasters & Climate Change
Hosted by Juan Méndez, Regional Advisor for the Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD)

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1-2-1 Matchmaking Meetings: Check your inbox for schedules
Across the 2-day event, breakout sessions will be dedicated to 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings between Government, U.S., UN, Disaster Agency and NGO stakeholders, and attending local, regional and global operators. Scheduled 15 minute appointments are prearranged to provide a unique opportunity to discuss disaster reduction, response and relief solutions across the Americas & Caribbean region.

10:00 - 12:30

Inter-Agency Workshop (invitation only*)

ADR2021 presents an Inter-Agency 'table-top' workshop (webinar) bringing together the region's leading disaster stakeholders for open discussion, evaluation, and planning. Participants will analyse the outcomes of ADR2021's preceding discussion panels and Q&A sessions, whilst considering potential solutions discussed during the 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings. This cross-sector webinar will enable actors to better respond through regional cooperation when the inevitable disaster strikes.

* strictly invitation only workshop welcoming ADR speakers/guests & event sponsors; places are limited.