Prepared International (PPI)’s Post

In December 2024, the Philippines faced an unprecedented crisis. Record numbers of super typhoons battered the islands, leaving devastation in their wake. The US Marine Corps, always ready to lend a helping hand, mobilized for a massive humanitarian relief mission. Chapter 7 - Reflections excerpt As the relief mission drew to a close, Rachel took a moment to reflect on the experience. She had faced numerous challenges, from managing multiple requests to coordinating complex logistics operations. Yet, she had also witnessed the incredible impact of her work. The Philippines was on its way to recovery, and the community's resilience had been bolstered by the support they received. "Major Davis, how are things on the ground?" she asked during their final debriefing. "We're getting there, Rachel. Thanks to you, we've been able to provide timely aid and start the rebuilding process. The people here are resilient, and with continued support, they'll recover," Major Davis responded, his voice filled with gratitude. Rachel smiled, a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction evident on her face. "I'm just glad we could help. This mission has The story challenges existing assumptions by presenting Space Logistics as a viable and essential component of modern military and humanitarian operations. Traditionally, Logistics have been constrained by air, ground and sea transport limitations, leading to delays and vulnerabilities. By introducing the concept of Space Logistics, we demonstrate how supplies can be delivered within an hour to any part of the globe, overcoming geographical and infrastructural challenges. "Guardians of Hope" is a piece of #Space #Logistics #Fiction by Jondavid DuVall

The Sahel is one of the world's fastest-growing humanitarian and security crises, and its people and communities are bearing the cost. Our latest brief outlines the critical nature of continued strategic investment in the region and explores six tangible actions towards building sustainable peace: https://lnkd.in/d_gsnfpr

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed three new members to the Advisory Group of the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).   With CERF being a critical resource that enables prompt and efficient action to respond to humanitarian crises, the Advisory Group plays an instrumental role in managing the fund efficiently and ensuring that assistance reaches those most in need.   The new Advisory Group members are: 🔷Brazil: Ambassador Mr. Ruy Pereira, Director of the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil. 🔷Ethiopia: Ambassador Dr. Shiferaw Teklemariam, Commissioner for the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission.  🔷Luxembourg: Mr. Christophe Schiltz, Director General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs at Luxembourg's Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defense, Development Cooperation, and Foreign Trade. The Advisory Group comprises 19 members representing Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the Latin American and Caribbean region, North America, and Oceania. CERF Advisory Group members serve a single three-year term. Learn more 👉 https://bit.ly/4ddYdQZ

The #MARARA exercise, led by France (#ALPACI-FAPf / Forces armées en Asie-Pacifique et en Polynésie française), commenced yesterday, engaging 500 participants from over 15 countries, including, among others, #Australia, #Canada, #Fiji, #Japan, #Indonesia, the #Philippines, #Thailand, #Tonga, the #Netherlands, and the #USA. With the involvement of 9 surface units, the exercise aims to enhance regional preparedness for natural disasters in the South Pacific. The key objectives are: - Planning and Conducting Operations in a Multinational Environment (SOP): ensuring smooth operation and coordination among the diverse international forces. - Interoperability in different environments: focusing particularly on amphibious operations to ensure seamless cooperation across various terrains and operational settings. - Cooperation in specific #HADR Areas: enhancing collaboration in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) sectors such as medical support, civil engineering, and coordination with NGOs. #IORIS, the neutral Maritime Operational Coordination and Communications platform developed by CRIMARIO, is being utilized as a coordination tool during the exercise, facilitating efficient communication and operation management among the multinational participants. #DisasterRelief #HumanitarianAid #EmergencyResponse #CrisisManagement #GlobalPartnership #Resilience #JointExercise #MultinationalCooperation #HumanitarianRelief #STRONGERTOGETHER #IndoPacific #maritimesecurity #maritimesafety Bjorn Beirens Expertise France Laetitia de Tarlé Martin Cauchi Inglott Rumes Shyaman Dave Nattrass Elie El Sayah Marianne Peron-Doise Greg Clifford État-Major des Armées

As we mark two years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, UNOPS remains dedicated to addressing urgent needs in affected communities and building a sustainable future. The war has led to vast human suffering, economic impacts, and damage to critical infrastructure. The estimated cost for Ukraine's reconstruction over the next decade has risen to $486 billion. UNOPS is actively engaged in humanitarian efforts and early recovery. Efforts so far have included winterization support, rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure, and clearing explosive remnants of war to ensure community safety. UNOPS is also refurbishing over 70 schools for safe education environments. We're committed to aiding Ukraine's recovery and building a resilient future. Read my statement 👇 https://lnkd.in/dXyqY8kD

Beginning today, GlobalAustin, in partnership with Meridian, is hosting a regional #IVLP delegation from Iceland, Türkiye, Lithuania, Romania, Greece, Bulgaria, and Cyprus for a project titled “Regional Cooperation on Disaster and Emergency Management.”⁠ ⁠ During their time in Houston, the delegation will be impacting the community by:⁠ • Examining best practices in emergency preparedness, management, planning, and coordination among federal, state, and local government and the private sector; • Investigating how various stakeholders anticipate and develop contingency plans for natural disasters, pandemics, technological hazards, and/or terrorism threats; • Analyzing the recruitment, training, leadership development, and funding for paid professionals and volunteer-based Emergency Management Service (EMS) personnel; and • Exploring public-private partnerships and programs that help communities heal from the trauma of disasters by offering leadership, restoring hope, and strengthening recovery plans. #ExchangesImpact #ExchangeMatters #IVLPCommunity #IAmDiplomacy #CitizenDiplomacy #PublicDiplomacy

Meet April Somboun, an education, research, and innovation officer on the IRC's Airbel Impact Lab team. She has been with the IRC for nearly two years and has a profound personal resonance and commitment to the IRC's mission, grounded in her Laotian immigrant roots. "When some people think of the IRC, they think of humanitarian aid, like water, food, cash assistance, etc. But what people may not know is that we're also doing other projects behind the scenes to create solutions for those we serve in crises affected areas.” Delve deeper into her story here: https://lnkd.in/eXNM8pts #LifeAtIRC

Japan Self Defense Forces (JSDF) After World War II, Japan underwent significant changes in its military structure and operations due to the terms outlined in the post-war San Francisco Peace Treaty of 1951 and the subsequent Japanese Constitution, known as the "War-renouncing" Constitution. Under these agreements, Japan renounced the right to wage war and maintain a standing army, and instead established the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) for self-defense purposes. However, the JSDF has been involved in several military operations, primarily focused on peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. Here are some notable Japanese military operations since independence: 1. United Nations Peacekeeping Missions: Japan has actively participated in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Notable missions include the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) in the early 1990s, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) since 2011, and the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) from 2004 to 2017. 2. Iraq Reconstruction Support: Following the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Japan deployed Japanese Self-Defense Force troops to provide humanitarian and reconstruction assistance in southern Iraq. Their mission was focused on rebuilding infrastructure and supporting local communities. 3. Maritime Security Operations: Japan has also been involved in maritime security operations to tackle piracy and maintain the safety of shipping lanes. The JSDF has conducted anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, working alongside multinational task forces to protect commercial vessels passing through the region. 4. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): Japan is highly active in providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations both domestically and internationally. The JSDF has been engaged in various disaster-hit areas, such as after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011. Japan has also dispatched troops and relief supplies to countries affected by natural disasters, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Nepal. 5. Security Cooperation: Japan has strengthened its security cooperation with regional partners, particularly through joint military exercises and training programs. These efforts aim to enhance security cooperation, build capacity, and promote stability in the Asia-Pacific region. It is worth mentioning that Japan's military operations since independence have been primarily focused on non-combat missions and activities consistent with its self-defense doctrines and international obligations.

LAUNCHING PROJECT MISSION IN MYKOLAIV, UKRAINE: A LIFELINE FOR MYKOLAIV´S WATER SUPPLY Just 18 months ago, #Mykolaiv – a major shipbuilding port on the Black Sea between Odessa and Cherson – was under attack by Russian Armed Forces in the War on #Ukraine. These days, GFA is conducting a global diagnosis of the city’s entire water supply system funded by the International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC. The examination prepares the ground for ICRC plans to extend its support beyond repairing current damage to a more long-term, holistic and structured approach. The GFA diagnosis will address most critical needs and opportunities in order to maximize the impact of the ICRC activities and to help Mykolaiv Vodokanal optimize other external support. The overall ICRC objective is to improve the resilience of the Mykolaiv water supply system so that it is better prepared to face future challenges. A dedicated GFA team of both international and local experts passionately combines teamwork and humanitarian endeavors to address the fundamental need of access to clean and safe water. On location, the team is inspecting and evaluating critical water supply facilities and pinpointing the most pressing needs. This way, the diagnostic study will identify the system’s weaknesses and propose critical actions to be completed in the short to medium term. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eWyERdyb #freshwater

In a groundbreaking effort to protect Ukraine’s endangered cultural heritage, ICCROM's First Aid and Resilience for Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis (FAR) programme has trained 23 heritage professionals from 11 oblasts, establishing Ukraine’s first national team of cultural first aiders, ready to recover and safeguard the nation’s invaluable heritage amid the ongoing conflict. This initiative, supported by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport, and Culture (DG EAC) and implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine (MoCIP), the Agency for Cultural Resilience (ACURE), Maidan Museum | Museum of the Revolution of Dignity, and the Heritage Emergency Response Initiative (HERI), is a major step forward in cultural heritage recovery. This project enhances our capacity to assess, mitigate, and reduce disaster and conflict risks to all types of heritage. The team is prepared to document, secure, and salvage historic structures and valuable collections from museums, libraries, and archives in the event of an emergency. The training, blending online and in-person learning, was designed to equip participants with essential skills to collaborate effectively with emergency responders, civil protection personnel, and military and humanitarian aid professionals. Together, we ensure coordinated action and prioritize personal safety and security. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3zT5XJH #CulturalRecovery #HeritageProtection #Ukraine #ICCROM #CulturalFirstAiders #Resilience #HeritagePreservation #CulturalHeritage #EmergencyResponse Creative Europe