2 October 2026, Geneva, Switzerland – UNITAR and Airports Council International Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC)  have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to expand training and learning opportunities for airports in critical areas such as disaster resilience, emerging technologies, energy transition, environmental sustainability and inclusion. The MoU was presented in the framework of the ACI-LAC and ACI World Annual General Assembly hosted by Lima Airport Partners (LAP) with more than 600 participants, including industry executives, government authorities and aviation experts.  

In line with the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026–2035 and recognizing the importance of transport systems in sustainable development and economic growth, this collaboration between UNITAR and ACI-LAC reflects a shared commitment to strengthen airport officials and civil aviation authorities’ capabilities to transform transport systems, so they maximize their contribution to economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability.

ACI-LAC Director General Mr. Rafael Echevarne highlighted 

the MoU with UNITAR reinforces our commitment to providing airports from Latin America and the Caribbean with programmes and best practices that advance airport standards and contribute to the sustainability of the global aviation industry.

What makes this collaboration especially powerful is its focus on partnerships. By bringing together local and national governments, airports, civil aviation authorities, private sector and academia, we will offer training opportunities and spaces to learn from one another and co‑create solutions. By leveraging the strengths of diverse stakeholders, UNITAR and ACI-LAC seek to support tangible progress towards more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive transport systems globally.

In the framework of this collaboration, UNITAR’s Airports Global Training Programme, delivered with the support of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the Georgia Institute of Technology Enterprise Innovation Institute, aims to serve as a tool for airports, governments, international organizations and key stakeholders to address priority areas for the aviation sector, with a focus on resilience and sustainability. UNITAR’s Airports Programme was presented during the Air Transport Summit, convened by ACI-LAC, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Peru’s Civil Aviation Authority and the Latin America Civil Aviation Commission (LACAC). 

The Airports Global Training Programme was presented by Ms. Estrella Merlos of UNITAR with special participation of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Senior Leadership, including Senior Deputy General Manager and CFO Mr. Bryan Benefiel, Senior Deputy General Manager for Operations Mr. Augustus Hudson, and Senior Executive Director Ms. Alrene Barr. Atlanta Airport, as the world’s busiest airport reaffirmed its commitment to support international collaboration, knowledge exchange and global aviation development initiatives, while recognizing the Airports Programme as essential training services for airport operations. CIFAL Miami Director Ms. Maricarmen Estrada reiterated the importance of turning knowledge into practical training, stronger resilience and meaningful partnerships across Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Airports Programme delivered 22 activities in 2025, reaching 1,164 airport executives and officials representing 238 airports and 35 Civil Aviation Authorities. Structured around four interconnected training pillars: Smart, Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable airports—the Airports Global Training Programme is delivered in partnership with the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Enterprise Innovation Institute, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and specialized CIFAL centres in Atlanta, Mérida, Miami, and York.