INTERNATIONAL WEBINAR
BUILDING BRIDGES: HOW RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE EMPOWERS COMMUNITIES AND DRIVES ECONOMIC GROWTH

The Technical Committee on Disaster Risk Management of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) and the Peruvian Engineers Association (CIP) are organizing this important event to be held on November 15th, at 09:00 hrs. in Lima and 14:00 hours in London.

In this session, Erica Brandt Director of Strategic Partnerships and Eniola Mafe, Global Advocacy & Strategic Partnerships Director at Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) will present how B2P’s strategic collaborations with governments across Africa are transforming infrastructure into a powerful tool for climate resilience and economic empowerment. With real-world case studies from B2P’s programs in Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Zambia, attendees will learn how B2P’s targeted partnerships have helped elevate local capacity, supported government-led projects, and significantly enhanced connectivity for millions living in rural isolation.

Guided by B2P’s Theory of Change, this session will outline the critical role of infrastructure in achieving Sustainable Development Goals 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and 13 (Climate Action) and others. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration with local governments and communities, Eniola will share B2P’s innovative solutions, such as Fika Map, a pioneering technology addressing data gaps for bridge placement and connectivity. The presentation will also discuss the potential for increased partnerships to meet the demand for sustainable infrastructure, inviting stakeholders to explore opportunities for greater involvement in bridging critical gaps in rural access.

This webinar is a call to action for partners and stakeholders, especially those in engineering, climate, and infrastructure fields, to support B2P’s mission by joining forces to drive systemic, lasting change through resilient, inclusive infrastructure.

PROGRAMME

Welcome José Macharé Ordoñez –President of the CDRM-WFEO, Peru
Introduction Valentina Putrino – Catastrophe Risk Analyst at Ariel Re. Leader of Working Group 4 – Capacity Building del WFEO-CDRM, United Kingdom
Case of study Erica Brandt – Director of Strategic Partnerships at Bridges to Prosperity

Eniola Mafe-Abaga – Global Advocacy and Partnerships Director

Comments and questions From experts and the general public
Closing Valentina Putrino – Catastrophe Risk Analyst at Ariel Re. Leader of Working Group 4 – Capacity Building del WFEO-CDRM, United Kingdom

OUR SPEAKERS

Erica Brandt is Bridges to Prosperity’s Director of Strategic Partnerships. She holds a BS/MS in Environmental/Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado, USA and is a certified Project Management Professional. Erica has worked on partnerships development, engineering design, construction, and program management around the world. Now based in Kenya, Erica leads B2P’s efforts to collaborate with governments and development partners on impactful rural development programs.
Eniola Mafe Abaga is the Global Advocacy and Partnership Director at Bridges to Prosperity (B2P), with over 15 years of experience in stakeholder engagement, systems change, and sustainable development in emerging economies. Prior to joining B2P, Eniola held key roles at the World Economic Forum, advancing initiatives like the OneMap and 2030 Vision Initiatives in collaboration with UNDP and global technology leaders. She also led the adaptation of the Internet for All Methodology across multiple countries. Eniola’s professional journey includes managing a $90 million social enterprise for Chevron in Nigeria, advising the Nigerian government on social investment, and driving Africa-focused programs at Vital Voices Global Partnership. She holds an M.A. from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and a B.A. from Spelman College.

OUR MODERATOR

Dr Valentina Putrino is currently a Catastrophe Risk Analyst at Ariel Re. She obtained her PhD from University College London (UCL), focusing on developing a framework for multi-hazard assessment of historic stonework structures. She currently holds the position of Chair of the EEFIT Committee, she is the SECED Representative for the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) – Committee on Disaster Risk Management (CDRM) and is also the designated liaison member between both SECED and EEFIT committees.