San Salvador, El Salvador -In partnership with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and the Georgia Institute of Technology's Enterprise Innovation Institute , UNITAR kicks off its Airports and Economic Development Training Programme multi-regional workshop series in San Salvador, El Salvador on 4-5 March 2025.
With a strategic focus on Artificial Intelligence, technology, and cybersecurity, the inaugural training workshop titled "Future-Proofing Airport Development: Leveraging Technological Innovations, AI, and Cybersecurity" brought together some 100 civil aviation authorities and senior airport officials, as well as technology providers, and experts to explore digital technologies' potential in the global air transport industry.
Hosted by UNITAR and the Executive Autonomous Port Commission (CEPA) of the Republic of El Salvador, the two-day workshop allowed participants from 10 countries of the Americas to engage in expert-led discussions and training sessions with international experts on AI and cybersecurity. Key objectives of the workshop included:
- Recognizing the opportunities and challenges of AI for the air transport sector, as well as its applications
- Identifying ways to strengthen cybersecurity and implement good practices
- Deepening stakeholders' understanding of airports as catalysts for economic development, regional progress, and sustainability
- Foster Airport-to-Airport (A2A) partnerships for knowledge exchange and global collaboration
Sessions were led by senior experts including:
- Dr. Chris Crist, Senior Deputy General Manager and Chief Technology Officer, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Dr. Maleknaz Nayebi, Associate Director of the International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders in York (CIFAL York), Canada
- Dr. Patricia Ryan, Training and Assistant Director of the International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders in Miami (CIFAL Miami), USA
- Dr. Michael Barker, Cybersecurity, Strategy, Leadership, and Development, GaMEP, Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), USA
- Dr. Rafael Echevarne, Director General, Airports Council International Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC)
- Dr. Jorge Enrique Barnett Lawton, Director of the Center for Research and Innovation in Logistics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Panama
In the framework of the workshop, a Sister Airports Partnership Agreement was signed between the Atlanta International Airport and CEPA aimed at strengthening the ties between North and Latin America and paving the way for greater connectivity, innovation, and economic growth.
The Airports and Economic Development Global Training Programme aims to serve as a platform for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and progress. As we exchange expertise in airport security, emergency management, technology, and infrastructure development, we reinforce our collective goal: to create safer, more efficient, and more resilient airports that serve as engines of economic growth for our respective regions.- highlighted Ms. Jan Lennon, General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
El Salvador recognizes that investing in airport infrastructure is a commitment to the country's future. Airports are more than just connection points; they are gateways those open opportunities for development, economic growth, tourism, and competitiveness. said Mr. Federico Gerardo Anliker, President of CEPA of the Republic of El Salvador
Through the collaboration with the Atlanta International Airport and Georgia Tech's Enterprise Innovation Institute, UNITAR brings together experts, industry leaders, and policymakers to exchange good practices and explore new opportunities for airport-driven development. said Estrella Merlos of UNITAR.
The Airports and Economic Development Global Training Programme is made possible through a strategic partnership with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the Georgia Institute of Technology's Enterprise Innovation Institute aimed at empowering airport and aviation leaders to future-proof their operations and strengthen institutional resilience. Together with CIFAL Centres in Atlanta, Merida, Miami, Singapore and York (Canada), the Programme aims to build capacities, foster global knowledge exchange and facilitate airport-to-airport collaboration.
