Merida, Mexico - Celebrating 20 years of leadership in hurricane risk management and operational resilience, the 20th International Hurricane Seminar brought together distinguished experts from around the world for two days of collaborative learning, strategic dialogue, and forward-looking action. With over 200 participants in attendance-including airport leaders from Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean-the seminar reaffirmed its role as a key platform for advancing regional preparedness. The agenda focused on strengthening strategic communication, enhancing the use of aircraft in crisis response, and improving airline risk management during hurricanes.
Organized by Merida International Airport of Grupo ASUR and certified by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and CIFAL Merida, this milestone edition reaffirmed its role as a key platform for strengthening airport safety and emergency preparedness in regions vulnerable to tropical cyclones-an area in which UNITAR and its CIFAL Global Network have been actively involved through capacity building and knowledge exchange initiatives.
Opening Ceremony: Leadership and Commitment to Preparedness
The seminar was formally inaugurated with messages from distinguished officials. In his welcome address, Mr Hector Navarrete Muñoz, Director of Regional Airports at Grupo ASUR, and Director of CIFAL Merida reflected on the transformative journey of the event over the past two decades:
It is an honour to warmly welcome you to this special edition of the International Hurricane Seminar, where we celebrate 20 years of work, learning, and collaboration in aviation risk management in the face of these powerful natural phenomena.
He highlighted how the seminar has evolved from mere disaster response to efficient planning supported by technology and innovation, thanks to the participation of national and international experts: "Over these two decades, we've learnt that prevention and international cooperation are essential to ensure continuity of airport operations and, above all, to protect lives. In this forum, we will continue exploring new tools, best practices, and strategies that allow us to stay one step ahead in risk management."
The Mayor of Merida, Ms Cecilia Patron Laviada, also praised the consistency of Merida Airport as a leader in this annual gathering, bringing together all the experts and stakeholders involved in community recovery after a hurricane.
Presentation of the Book: Twenty Years of the International Hurricane Seminar
As part of the seminar, the commemorative book of Twenty Years of the International Hurricane Seminar was officially presented-a compendium of research findings, scientific advancements, and analytical studies on hurricanes' impacts and mitigation strategies. The event was chaired by Mr Hector Navarrete Muñoz, Director of Regional Airports at Grupo ASUR and Executive Director of CIFAL Merida, who underscored the value of this publication as a fundamental contribution to the scientific community, government authorities, and wider society.
Joining him for the presentation were Ms Ana Cristina Muñoz Bello, Project Director at CIFAL Merida; Mr Oscar Carrillo Maldonado, Administrator of Mérida Airport; and Mr Armando Gamboa Vargas, Administrator of Villahermosa Airport. Together, they emphasized the importance of continuing to foster knowledge-sharing and multi-sectoral collaboration to reduce hurricane-related risks.
The book consolidates insights from national and international experts in meteorology, climatology, disaster risk management, and civil protection. It features research on the evolution of hurricanes within the context of climate change, advancements in monitoring and forecasting technologies, and adaptive strategies to bolster the resilience of vulnerable communities.
This seminar and this publication represent vital tools for enhancing prevention and response capacities in the face of hurricanes; the knowledge and information shared will enable us to refine our strategies and coordinate more effective actions for the wellbeing and safety of society, said Mr Navarrete.
