Two major United Nations agencies inaugurated a new joint regional headquarters in Panama on Monday. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) now share a facility at the City of Knowledge (Panama), a move officials say will enhance regional cooperation on health and disaster preparedness.
The opening ceremony gathered national authorities, UN system representatives, the diplomatic corps, and international cooperation partners. Attendees included Panama’s Minister of Health, Fernando Boyd Galindo, and the Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs and Cooperation, Carlos Guevara Mann.
Strategic Alliance for Regional Security
Officials framed the co-location as a strategic step to merge public health and disaster risk reduction efforts. They argued this integrated approach is critical for a region vulnerable to hurricanes, earthquakes, and pandemics.
UNDRR Director Paola Albrito emphasized the necessity of collaborative work during the inauguration.
“Cooperation is essential to face global challenges, especially in a vulnerable region. Only through joint efforts between governments, communities, and international organizations is it possible to protect sustainable development,” Albrito said. [Translated from Spanish]
PAHO’s Director of Health Emergencies, Ciro Ugarte, highlighted the practical benefits of the partnership. He pointed to past successes where combined planning saved lives.
“The true impact of this work lies in preventing human and material losses. Investment in adaptable infrastructure and training has saved lives during disasters and health emergencies,” Ugarte stated. [Translated from Spanish]
The move immediately strengthens Panama’s role as a regional hub. The country already serves as a logistical center for humanitarian assistance in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Panama as a Multilateral Hub
Panamanian leaders welcomed the agencies as a reinforcement of the country’s international position. Jorge Arosemena, President of the City of Knowledge Foundation, said the campus was designed for exactly this kind of multilateral exchange.
Health Minister boyd galindo underscored Panama’s commitment to building regional capacity. He noted the headquarters will be central for coordinating effective responses to future crises.
Vice Minister guevara mann connected the initiative to broader global frameworks. He explicitly linked the collaboration to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. His comments affirmed Panama’s dedication to multilateralism at a time of global challenges.
Following the speeches, guests toured the new collaborative offices. The facilities are designed to foster joint action and streamline the agencies’ regional operations.
This consolidation is expected to improve efficiency for both the Pan American Health Organization and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. Their work at the City of Knowledge (Panama) will focus on creating synergies between health security and disaster resilience programs across Latin America.