CIFAL Atlanta congratulates and is proud to highlight Santo Domingo Airport as the recipient of the 2012 Airports Service Quality (ASQ) Awards for Best Improvement in Latin America-Caribbean category:  Las Américas International Airport (SDQ).

Every year since 2006, ACI recognizes and rewards the world’s best airports based on ASQ rigorous passenger satisfactions surveys.  The results represent the highest honor for an airport, demonstrating continued commitment to a positive passenger experience and overall passenger satisfaction worldwide.

Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) has won the 1^st place ASQ Award for Best Improvement in Latin America-Caribbean category.  SDQ airport is located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and operates more than 300 commercial flights per week and an average of 4.2 million passengers travel through this airport yearly spanning North, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Europe.

For more information on the ASQ Awards and the survey process please visit the following link: About the ASQ Awards

CIFAL Atlanta, a United Nations institute that trains government and civil society leaders from around the Western Hemisphere, has relocated to Kennesaw State University from its downtown Atlanta location.

An agreement signed between the institutions Feb. 11 makes Kennesaw State the first university to host one of the nine CIFAL centers sanctioned by the United Nations Institute of Training and Research, or UNITAR.

According to the agreement, CIFAL and Kennesaw will work together on programs to help government leaders promote the related fields of science, technology, engineering and math education, widely known as STEM education.

Georgia leaders hailed the move as a sign of the state’s growing and innovative profile in international education.

“Our partnership is a unique integration of education efforts to benefit government officials and leaders around the world,” said Craig Lesser, CIFAL Atlanta’s board chair and managing partner of Pendleton Consulting Group.

“Leaders from countries around the globe will come to Kennesaw State to participate in training programs, while KSU students and faculty will have the opportunity to interact with these international visitors,” he added.

Kennesaw State President Daniel Papp welcomed CIFAL’s arrival on campus.

“Kennesaw State is honored to be the first university to enter into a comprehensive agreement with UNITAR and CIFAL Atlanta,” Dr. Papp said in a news release.

CIFAL has held many signature programs in Atlanta since its establishment here in 2004. The organization has used its relationship with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to train hundreds of visiting airport professionals through conferences and meetings.

It also birthed the Americas Competitiveness Forum, which brings together leaders from most of the 34 countries across the hemisphere to discuss economic and societal issues. The event was incubated in Atlanta during its first two years, then went to Chile, back to Atlanta and on to the Dominican Republic and then Colombia. It will be held in Panama this September, according to Estrella Merlos, CEO of CIFAL Atlanta.

Ms. Merlos told Global Atlanta that the organization has a variety of events planned for the year, including a conference on airports and economic development in May and one on education and innovation in August. While the primary audience will be leaders from governments and multilateral organizations, CIFAL also welcomes participation from the local community, she said.

Walter Bastian, deputy assistant secretary for the Western Hemisphere at the U.S. Department of Commerce, visited Atlanta from Washington to speak at the Feb. 11 launch event.

Related News:

U.N. Training Center relocates to Kennesaw State

Kennesaw State forms model partnership with CIFAL Atlanta training center

The development of a highly qualified and competent workforce is crucial to the success of any country. Now more than ever there is an increasing demand for workers who are proficient in science, technology, engineering and math. Without a skilled workforce, no business can maximize its potential. Young people are finding it harder and harder to succeed in the 21st century economy with 20th century skills. Today’s students must be able to apply 21st Century skills to real-world science and engineering issues challenging our global economy, from climate change to preventing epidemics to environmental sustainability.

This strategy also aims to enhance the capacities of women in STEM fields and to encourage other women to get into STEM disciplines.

His Excellency Mr. Mauricio Funes, President of the Republic of El Salvador, inaugurated the Forum and stressed the importance his administration is placing on the aeronautics sector as a key driver for economic development and as a main pillar of their investment strategy. He took the opportunity to envision his country as a regional hub specialized in aeronautical services. In his remarks he expressed, “For my government this forum has a fundamental importance as it was conceived as a start-up point of a medium to long-term process, which will allow El Salvador to become a regional center specialized in aeronautical services.”

In the framework of the forum, CIFAL Atlanta in collaboration with PROESA and with the support of SITA and the Atlanta International Airport hosted its training seminar titled “Airports and Economic Development”, bringing together senior government officials, civil aviation authorities and private sector representatives from Central America and the Caribbean for a two-day exchange of best practices.

In addition, CIFAL Atlanta’s President and CEO, Estrella Merlos, and the President of the Board of PROESA, Alexander Segovia, signed a cooperation agreement during the forum which aims to support the development of the aeronautics sector in El Salvador.

Related News:

Discurso Sr. Mauricio Funes Presidente de la República en el Foro Aeronáutica | PROESA

The Aeronautics Sector as a Key Priority for El Salvador [video] | YouTube

“El Salvador: A Rising Option in Aeronautics” [video] | YouTube

CIFAL Atlanta in collaboration with El Salvador’s Agency for the Promotion of Investment and Exports (PROESA), and with the support of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and SITA, organized the training seminar titled “Airport Planning and Economic Development”. The seminar was held in San Salvador and brought together a group of 25 airport executives from Canada, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama and USA.

Estrella Merlos, President and CEO of CIFAL Atlanta, congratulated the Government of El Salvador for its efforts in positioning the country as a transportation hub and aviation center in the region: “In the framework of these two important events, we are delighted to sign a cooperation agreement between CIFAL and PROESA and to support El Salvador through training, technical assistance and capacity building activities.”

The collaboration between CIFAL Atlanta and PROESA was made possible through Mr. Walter Bastian, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Western Hemisphere of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Related News:

PROESA recibe delegación de gerentes de terminales aéreas de la región y El Caribe | PROESA

PROESA realiza “Foro Aeronáutico 2012″ | PROESA

The Forum was inaugurated by H.E. Mrs. Maria Fernanda Campo Saavedra, Minister of Education of Colombia who provided a comprehensive overview of the current situation of education in math and science in Colombia. She also presented major initiatives implemented by her administration to advance math and science education such as the program “Todos a Aprender Matematicas” and Programa Ondas – Ciencias”.

The Americas Education Forum was possible through the support of partners Promethean and AT&T, which are committed to supporting initiatives aimed to advance science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education worldwide.

Amongst the distinguished speakers was Mr. Billy Linville, Vice President for Public Affairs of AT&T and Geoff Drayton, Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean of Promethean. As global industry leaders, they stressed the need for young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in order to compete in the 21st century and fulfill the private sector demand for professionals in these disciplines.

Mr. Walter Bastian, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Western Hemisphere of the U.S. Department of Commerce strongly emphasized that improving STEM education has direct positive impact in a country’s competitiveness and growth.

The AEF is an initiative of CIFAL Atlanta in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Inter-American Development Bank’s Division of Education. The Forum welcomed delegates from 14 countries: Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and the United States. The delegates had the opportunity to network and exchange best practices, while exploring forms of cooperation and joint innovative approaches to advance education in the region.

Agenda

Presentations

Opening Remarks by H.E. Dr. María Fernanda Campo Saavedra

Part 1 | Part 2

Panel I: “The State of mathematics and natural sciences education in the Americas”

Gilbert Valverde | Armando Loera-Varela | Atilio Pizarro

Panel II: “Experiences and creative approaches to learn and teach mathematics and sciences”

Miguel Paredes | Patricio Felmer | Albert Benjamin

Panel III: “Public-­‐Private strategies to develop a high-quality teacher workforce”

Violeta Arancibia | Adrian Epps

Call for Action by Barry Morris

The 2012 Americas Award Ceremony was held October 25^th in Cali, Colombia at “Salon Delirio” in the framework of the official dinner of the Americas Competitiveness Forum VI. More than 1,000 leaders from the 34 nations in the Americas, including cabinet members, business executives, trade delegates, academics, and representatives from the region’s public and private competitiveness councils, non-governmental and international organizations attended the 2012 Ceremony.

The Americas Awards 2012 was possible through the support of our strategic partner AT&T. During the Ceremony Mr. Karim Antonio Lesina, Vice President of AT&T – International External Affairs stressed, “The Americas Awards initiative is aligned with our efforts to drive and deliver innovation. The Americas Award recognizes visionaries and honors men and women whose creative approaches have made a positive impact in the region.”

The Jury Committee received nominations from over 12 countries from the Americas and selected nine winners. Based on the areas of action of the MDGs, the 2012 Americas Awards Recipients are the following:

Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

• Honorable Mr. Guillermo Ferrufino, Minister of Social Development, Panama

Best Practice: “Red de Oportunidades”

Improve primary education

• Honorable Mr. Leonardo Garnier Rímolo, Minister of Public Education, Costa Rica

Best Practice: National reform to integrate the use of ICTs and the teaching of English Language in the education system.

• Honorable Mr. Harald Beyer Burgos, Minister of Education, Chile

Best Practice: “Programa Inicia”

Promote gender equality and empower women

• Honorable Mrs. Ana Jara Velásquez, Minister of Women and Vulnerable Populations, Republic of Peru

Best Practice: “Centros de Emergencia Mujer”

Reduce infant mortality

• H.E. Luciano Ducci, Mayor, Curitiba, Brazil

Best Practice: Monitoring system for pregnant women and children under one year of age at risk of violence and neglect.

Improve maternal health

• Honorable Mr. Juan Luis Manzur, Minister of Health, Republic of Argentina

Best Practice: “Plan para la Reducción de la Mortalidad Materno Infantil, de la Mujer y la Adolescente – Participacion Comunitaria”

Ensuring environmental sustainability

• Honorable Mr. Víctor Alvarado Martínez, Secretary of the Environment, State of Veracruz, Mexico

Best Practice: “Ley para la Mitigación y Adaptación a los Efectos del Cambio Climático”

Promotion of economic development and partnerships

• Honorable Mr. Claudio Orrego Larrain, Mayor, Peñalolén, Chile

Best Practice: “Centro Yunus”

Lifetime achievement

• Mr. Walter Bastian, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Western Hemisphere, United States Department of Commerce

The Forum will provide a venue to examine the status of teaching and learning of mathematics and science education in Latin America and the Caribbean, promote a renewed commitment to strengthen these areas, facilitate private-public cooperation and explore innovative approaches to advance education in the region.

In the past, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have made significant progress towards the eradication of illiteracy; however, there is still a long way to go to achieve universal scientific literacy for all children. The urgency to improve the teaching of mathematics and natural sciences has increased in elementary, middle and high schools; however, policymakers, educators and donors in LAC lack information on the characteristics of mathematics and sciences teaching, on inputs and on more effective teaching practices.

In presenting this initiative, Executive Director of CIFAL Atlanta, Estrella Merlos stated: “The main objectives of the Forum are to provide a regional platform to exchange best practices among those responsible for education policy design and implementation, to foster multi-stakeholder cooperation and the adoption of collaborative actions to enhance the ability of the region to compete in the global marketplace by boosting its human capital.”

Dr. Jorge Sequeira, Director of UNESCO in Santiago de Chile further qualified “although the region has made progress towards the achievement of Education Objectives for All in the past years, there is still much to be done to advance the quality and equity in education, which are necessary conditions to ensure the right to education in Latin America and the Caribbean.  Improving teaching and learning is crucial as thousands of students finish their studies without the needed tools to succeed in the global economy. Learning in math and sciences is fundamental as the world is rapidly evolving and there is an increasing demand for people who are proficient in these fields. It is urgent to have more knowledge, information and proper methods to improve learning outcomes, as well as effective teaching practices that enable progress in the region”.

The Americas Education Forum will take place in the framework of the Americas Competitiveness Forum (ACF) VI in Cali, Colombia. ACF is the Western Hemisphere’s preeminent event for leaders from the 34 countries in the region to explore cutting edge issues on key areas of competitiveness.

Click here to view the preliminary agenda
Click here to view the concept note

For more information, please contact:
Silvia Roscot
Program Manager, CIFAL Atlanta (Atlanta, USA)
sroscot@cifalatlanta.org | (404) 446.4174

Related News:
Expertos internacionales promoverán el uso de la ciencia y matemática para innovar en educación | UNESCO

With the support of:

Mayor of Pudahuel, Mr. Johnny Carrasco, has led the effort to create the Latin American Association of Airport Cities (ALMA – Asociacion Latinoamericana de Municipios Aeroportuarios), which aims to provide a regional network for the exchange of best practices on the challenges and opportunities pertaining to airport cities.

Since inception, CIFAL Atlanta has provided training and technical assistance to government officials, airport authorities and business executives on crucial areas for airports such as economic development, environmental sustainability, safety, security, technological innovations, competitiveness, public-private partnerships, among others.

Under the framework of this cooperation agreement, CIFAL Atlanta and the Municipality of Pudahuel aim to work together to:
- Develop and strengthen ALMA
- Facilitate the exchange of best practices, tools and innovative strategies to best leverage airports as tools for local and regional economic development
- Foster cooperation amongst airport cities in Latin America and other regions
- Strengthen the capacities of local authorities to respond to urban challenges and a growing aviation industry
- Promote dialogue and collaboration among local and national key stakeholders responsible for the strategic orientation or airports and city planning

For more information, please contact:

Silvia Roscot
Program Manager, CIFAL Atlanta (Atlanta, USA)
sroscot@cifalatlanta.org
www.cifalatlanta.org

Antonio Abarca
Executive Coordinator, ALMA (Chile)
aabarcad@gmail.com
www.comunasaeroportuarias.com

Minister Pickersgill said that while the contribution of small island developing states like Jamaica to climate change is negligible, they are most vulnerable to its impact, and must therefore play a key role in reducing its effects. One studied approach is an environmental tax going towards a carbon fund aimed at planting trees and increasing the country’s forest cover, which passengers were willing to set up to $10 USD. Pickersgill ensured there are no plans for the implementation of the tax as to not “add to the distress of the air transport sector,” and reinforced that “measures are necessary and should complement our other offsetting measures.”

At the conclusion of the four-day seminar hosted by the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) airlines, airports, air navigation service providers and manufacturers committed to: improving aircraft fuel efficiency by 1.5 per cent annually by the year 2020; capping net CO2 emissions as of 2020, with carbon-neutral growth; and cutting net carbon emissions from air transport in half by 2050.

Related Links:

Airport Officials urged to work to Reduce Emissions | Jamaica Information Service

Air passengers willing to pay US$10 enviro tax, study says | Jamaica Observer