ATCS' Emergency Management Team photo at APEC 2023 conference in the Seattle Convention Center

ATCS Emergency Management Services Support FEMA’s Engagement at APEC 2023 Senior Officials’ Meeting

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Over eight intense event days, ATCS’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) team’s ten months of meticulous preparation supported FEMA in various crucial roles.

In early August, ATCS proudly supported FEMA’s International Affairs Division (IAD) during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2023 Senior Officials’ Meeting in Seattle, Washington. This meeting marked a significant milestone as FEMA hosted this annual disaster resilience event for the first time. As a key partner in emergency management, ATCS played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this international gathering.

ATCS’ Emergency Management Services (EMS) team brought ten months of meticulous preparation to fruition during the eight-day event, held as a component of the U.S. APEC 2023 host year priorities. Once on-site in Seattle, the team supported FEMA’s engagement in various aspects of the Senior Officials’ Meeting, including the APEC Emergency Preparedness Working Group, international ministerial bilateral engagements, and the Senior Disaster Management Officials Meeting.

The Senior Officials’ Meeting convened under the overarching host year theme of ‘Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All.’ This event brought together nations from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), a multilateral institution dedicated to achieving sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. FEMA’s participation furthered APEC’s sustainability objectives, addressing the critical challenges and disruptions faced by the Asia-Pacific region, particularly those arising from climate-driven disasters.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell was pivotal in shaping policy discussions during the event. She engaged with Asia-Pacific Senior Disaster Management Officials, focusing on inclusive disaster risk reduction, recovery planning, resilient infrastructure, and women’s leadership in crisis management.

“The Asia-Pacific region is crucial for the global economy and one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world,” said Administrator Criswell. “We face similar challenges, especially when it comes to climate change. It is beneficial to all of us to enhance crisis management as we work towards our common goal of a more disaster-resilient region.”

On August 3, FEMA organized a resilient community site visit with APEC disaster management officials, showcasing U.S. approaches to preparedness and resilience. This visit included a firsthand look at a flood mitigation project in Mt. Vernon, Washington, and discussions with local officials about its development and effectiveness. The tour concluded with a visit to the Seattle Emergency Operations Center, where foreign officials gained insights into how the United States manages disasters, emphasizing the local-led, state-managed, and federally-supported approach.

APEC 2023 attendee group photo in the Seattle Convention Center

FEMA looks forward to its continued efforts as an Emergency Preparedness Working Group member when Peru hosts APEC next year.

Thank you to the following EMS team members for their outstanding dedication and contributions during this event:

  • Erin Murphy, EMS Specialist Mid. & Graphics Designer
  • Grady Stewart, EMS Specialist Mid.
  • Sophia Lee, EMS Specialist Sr.
  • Eric Lasky, EMS OPS Director
  • Kwong Hui, VP, EMS Practice Lead

Discover how ATCS’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) can enhance your organization’s disaster resilience and preparedness. Contact us today to explore the path to a more secure and resilient future.