A-PAD Joins Airlink’s Inaugural Global Partner Forum 2026
A-PAD Sri Lanka was represented at Airlink’s inaugural Global Partnership Forum, held 22–23 June 2026 in Washington, D.C. Convened under the theme “Collaboration for Impact,” the invite-only event brought together over 100 leaders and representatives from international NGOs, philanthropic foundations, and the private sector across multiple sessions to advance disaster response, aid delivery, and emergency relief through coordination and preparedness.
The first day of the forum featured an address by Ms. Paloma Adams Allen, Airlink’s President and CEO and Mr. Anand Stanley, President, Airbus Asia-Pacific and Airlink Trustee. In adddition, Airlink’s Humanitarian Logistics Workshop was conducted by Ms. Brigid McKeon, Associate Director of Partnerships and Innovation, Airlink.
The second day of the forum featured breakout sessions and panel discussions that engaged attendees in substantive dialogue on the contemporary disaster landscape while forging new partnerships to advance preparedness and strengthen emergency response around the globe.
Representing A-PAD, Country Director Mr. Firzan Hashim joined a session on Cyclones Ditwah and Senyar alongside Ms. Claire Dresselhaus, Disaster Response Manager at Wine To Water, and Ms. Carol Alexander-Reid, Airbus Community Impact Manager and Airbus Foundation Programmes Lead, who joined virtually.
Drawing on A-PAD’s response to Cyclone Ditwah through the distribution of water filters provided by international donors with the support of Airlink, Mr. Hashim shared how A-PAD SL’s platform leveraged the partnerships and linkages with government agencies, humanitarian partners, private sector organizations, and international donors to ensure critical relief reached affected communities efficiently. He emphasized that long-standing relationships built locally and globally before disasters occur are essential in enabling rapid assessments, smooth customs clearance processes for international aid, and ensuring transparent, community-centered distribution of relief supplies.
Ms. Dresselhaus from Wine To Water highlighted the importance of safe water access following disasters, describing how their filtration systems were deployed through local partners such as A-PAD Sri Lanka, whose last-mile support was instrumental in getting units to affected communities during the Cyclone Ditwah response. She emphasized that community-based partnerships are critical to sustainable humanitarian assistance.
Ms. Alexander-Reid from Airbus Foundation shared her experience supporting the Cyclone Senyar response through helicopter assets, illustrating how private sector resources help overcome access challenges where roads and bridges have been destroyed.
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the value of localization. Empowering local organizations and communities to lead response efforts ensures assistance is delivered more effectively and reaches those most in need. The experiences shared reinforced that sustainable disaster management depends on trusted partnerships, coordinated action, and investment in local capacity.
A-PAD SL extends its appreciation to Airlink for organizing such an impactful forum that fostered meaningful dialogue and stronger partnerships across diverse sectors.
About Airlink
Airlink is a U.S.-based, global humanitarian organization, helps provide life-saving aid and humanitarian relief to where it’s needed most, quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively, by activating their air transport and logistics network in the event of a disaster or crisis.
