Global Forum on Climate Vulnerability, in Vancouver, Canada

Engineer José Domingo Pérez Muñiz began his work as President of the API with his paper “How to move from word to action in Engineering Education and Development, Mitigation of Damage from Natural Disasters, Design and Construction of Resilient Works and Affirmative Actions to Mitigate the Impact of Climate Change”.

With the presence of government ministers and professionals from four continents, the Global Forum on Climate Vulnerability and Infrastructure Risk Assessment began today in the city of Vancouver, Canada, and the opening of the proceedings was due to the President of the Pan-American Academy of Engineering (API), Mr. José Domingo Pérez Muñiz.

In his welcome speech, engineer Pérez Muñiz spoke about- “How to move from word to action in Engineering Education and Development, Mitigation of Damage from Natural Disasters, Design and Construction of Resilient Works and Affirmative Actions to Mitigate the Impact of Climate Change”, elaborating on the agreements of the Biennial of the Pan-American Academy held in Puerto Rico and as proposed in the Declaration of San Juan.

From the Declaration, the President of the API highlighted how Climate Change affects the frequency and magnitude of natural disasters and their consequences; the loss of human life, fauna and flora, the destruction of ecosystems and livelihoods for humanity and the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals and infrastructure. In addition, he highlighted how this impact hangs most intensely on the most vulnerable populations, marginalized communities, small islands and developing countries. Mr. Pérez Muñiz's words resonated with the international audience, particularly among representatives from Egypt, Georgia, Suriname, Thailand, Uganda and Vietnam.

At the end of his presentation, the President of the Pan-American Academy of Engineering stated that — “The PIEVC Protocol for Engineers Canada is aligned with The San Juan Declaration, sharing the values and objectives that we promote. Thus, the Pan American Academy of Engineering supports these initiatives for risk assessment and the mitigation of infrastructure vulnerability to climate change.” This support was received and celebrated with the approval of the hosts and professionals from Germany, Brazil, Costa Rica, the United States and Switzerland present at the Forum.

After the presentation of engineer Pérez Muñiz, we proceeded with the formal inauguration of Dr. Rosa Galvez at the Pan-American Academy of Engineering with the participation of Academicians Michael Sanio from the United States. Department of State, Darrel Danyluk from Canada and Aridai Herrera from Honduras.

Dr. Galvez, a civil engineer, specialized in sanitary engineering, is a senator of the Canadian parliament and a recognized international authority on environmental conservation and the impact of climate change. For her undeniable merits, she was unanimously chosen to be invested in the prestigious Academy and selected to give the keynote address of the Global Forum in Vancouver. To this end, he presented his work of joining the Academy - Aligning Finance with Climate Commitments.