I.	Executive Summary
The Airports and Economic Development Training Program is a collaborative initiative created to address the critical role airports play in regional and global economic developments. Formed by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders in Atlanta (CIFAL Atlanta), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (HJAIA), Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute (EI2), and Airports Council International (ACI), the program aims to empower aviation sector stakeholders with the tools and knowledge to leverage airport infrastructure for long-term economic growth.  
Airports are pivotal economic engines that influence regional development and global connectivity. However, there is often an underutilization of airport resources and infrastructure leading to missed opportunities for economic development. The goal is to bridge this gap by providing airport executives, civil aviation authorities, business leaders, and economic development officials with cutting-edge strategies to fully take advantage of airport potentials.  
Our research underscores the significant economic impact airports can have on their surrounding regions. For example, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has a direct economic impact of over $32.5 billion on the metropolitan Atlanta region and a total economic impact of $68.3 billion on the State of Georgia. The program addresses key areas such as airport competitiveness, cargo logistics, non-aeronautical revenue strategies, safety management systems, and environmental sustainability, among others. These areas are pivotal in maximizing the airports’ contributions to economic development.  
The program will deliver four intensive two-day training workshops between November 2023 and December 2024, located in Africa, North America, Asia, and Latin America. These workshops will cover topics relevant to airport operations and economic development through interactive discussions and group assignments. Participants will gain practical knowledge and skills, enabling them to act as change agents in their respective domains. The continuous monitoring and evaluation, led by UNITAR, will ensure the program’s efficacy and long-term impact. With global participation and support from prestigious organizations, this initiative sets the stage for airports to become catalysts of economic development worldwide.

II.	About the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Enterprise Innovation Institute and the Georgia Tech Research Corporation
The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) stands as one of the United States' premier research universities, continuously evolving and pushing the boundaries of innovation. With a dynamic and collaborative environment, Georgia Tech is dedicated to addressing the grand challenges of our time. Home to over 1,700 academic staff and more than 35,000 students across six major colleges, the university boasts annual research awards exceeding $1 billion, placing it among the top five in research expenditures for universities without a medical school. Consistently ranked in the top twelve public universities by U.S. News & World Report, Georgia Tech’s College of Engineering is notably positioned in the nation's top five.  Tech Square, Georgia Tech’s renowned urban research park, exemplifies the university’s commitment to innovation, launching over 100 faculty and student startups annually. Additionally, Georgia Tech extends its influence globally with campuses in Panama, France, and China.  
The Enterprise Innovation Institute (EI2), Georgia Tech’s foremost economic development and business outreach organization, drives significant impact at local, regional, and global levels. EI2 is the largest university-based program in the U.S. focused on business and industry assistance, technology commercialization, and innovation-led economic development. Serving a diverse clientele, including industries, startups, communities, higher education institutions, governments, and the public sector, EI2 leverages Georgia Tech’s vast resources to enhance competitiveness and foster economic growth.  Home to the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), one of the world’s oldest and top-ranked incubators, EI2 supports over 800 entrepreneurs and 125 companies annually. Over the past 12 years, EI2 has delivered economic development and capacity-building support across five continents and 23 countries, strengthening innovation ecosystems worldwide.
Integral to Georgia Tech’s research and innovation ecosystem is the Georgia Tech Research Corporation (GTRC). Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, GTRC serves as the contracting entity and supporting arm for research activities at Georgia Tech. GTRC facilitates the university’s robust research endeavors by managing grants, contracts, and intellectual property. This support enables Georgia Tech to consistently push the frontiers of science and technology, contributing significantly to advancements in various fields and driving economic development through innovative research outputs.  
Through the synergistic efforts of Georgia Tech, EI2, and GTRC, the institution not only advances academic and scientific excellence but also translates cutting-edge research into practical solutions that address real-world challenges, thereby making a profound and lasting impact on the economy and society.

III.	Importance of Airports for Sustainable Development
Airports play a key role in fostering sustainable development by significantly impacting local and regional economies. International airports, in particular, act like magnets drawing in millions of people annually, acting as catalysts for economic and social development. The concept of an “Aerotropolis” was introduced by John Kasarda in 2000, encapsulating this influence: “An aerotropolis is a metropolitan subregion whose infrastructure, land use, and economy are centered on an airport” (Kasarda, 2019). 	

A prime example demonstrating the transformative impact of airport development is the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (HJAIA). Owned and operated by the City of Atlanta Department of Aviation, HJAIA is a key economic driver, not just for the metropolitan Atlanta region, but also for the entire State of Georgia. It has evolved into one of the busiest airports globally and a vital economic engine. HJAIA’s direct economic contribution exceeds $32.5 billion, with a total economic impact on Georgia amounting to $68.3 billion. As a major employment hub in the southeastern United States, HJAIA provides over 58,000 on-site jobs.	 

Supporting this economic dynamism, the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Enterprise Innovation Institute (EI2) plays a critical role. EI2 is dedicated to enhancing the competitiveness of enterprises across Georgia through science, technology, and innovation. As a world-class innovation-led economic development organization, EI2oversees 14 programs and 120 research faculty, with the mission of driving socio-economic progress by building and scaling startups, nurturing business enterprises, and energizing ecosystem stakeholders like CIFAL and HJAIA. EI2’s legacy as the largest and most successful university-led economic development organization in the U.S. is marked by their efforts in attracting over $700 million in investment annually and creating or saving over 10,000 jobs in Georgia. Furthermore, EI2 extends its influence globally, with initiatives spanning over 75 countries.

The past success stories and positive long-term economic indicators in regions where EI2’s training and expertise have been implemented underscore the profound benefits of airport development. Airports like HJAIA illustrate how a well-planned and managed airport can serve as a cornerstone for sustainable economic growth, fostering job creation, investment attraction, and regional development.

IV.	Program Objectives
	Empower airport executives, civil aviation authorities, business leaders, and economic development officials with tools and strategies to leverage airport infrastructure for long-term economic growth. 
	Address the underutilization of airport resources and infrastructure, aiming to maximize economic development opportunities. 
	Provide cutting-edge strategies in areas such as airport competitiveness, cargo logistics, non-aeronautical revenue strategies, safety management systems, and environmental sustainability. 
	Foster global collaboration and knowledge exchange among aviation sector stakeholders to enhance airport contributions to regional and global economic development, thereby creating lasting relationships that encourage the exchange of ideas and strategies.

V.	Program Description
The participants of the airport program will be benefited from learning the following critical topics, among other things:
	Economic development: Gain insights into various economic development strategies tailored for airports, enabling them to implement initiatives that stimulate local economies through job creation, tourism, and infrastructure development.
	Airport competitiveness: Understanding the factors that contribute to airport competitiveness allows participants to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance their airport's attractiveness to airlines, passengers, and cargo operators.
	Technological innovations: Learn about the latest technological advancements relevant to airport operations, such as automation, data analytics, and biometrics, enabling them to integrate these innovations to improve efficiency, security, and passenger experience.
	Safety management systems: Gain knowledge and skills in developing and implementing safety management systems, ensuring compliance with regulations and mitigating risks to airport operations and passengers.
	Security preparedness: Understanding security protocols and best practices equips participants to develop comprehensive security plans and respond effectively to threats, ensuring the safety and security of airport facilities and personnel.
	Terminal and airside operations: Understanding best practices in terminal and airside operations enables participants to streamline processes, reduce congestion, and enhance the overall efficiency of airport operations, leading to improved passenger satisfaction and operational performance.
	Strategies to generate non-aeronautical revenue: Empower participants to explore and implement alternative revenue streams beyond traditional sources such as aviation fees and charges, thereby increasing the financial sustainability of their airports.
	Cargo logistics: Knowledge of cargo logistics enables participants to optimize freight handling processes, improve supply chain efficiency, and capitalize on opportunities for cargo growth, contributing to overall airport revenue and economic development.
	Airport service quality: Strategies to enhance airport service quality, including customer service training, facilities maintenance, and passenger satisfaction measurement, leading to improved airport reputation and competitiveness.
	Environmental sustainability: Understanding environmental sustainability practices allows participants to implement initiatives that reduce the environmental impact of airport operations, such as energy efficiency measures, waste reduction, and carbon offset programs, aligning with global sustainability goals and enhancing the airport's reputation.
	Preparedness for mega events: How to develop comprehensive plans and protocols to manage mega events, ensuring smooth operations during large-scale gatherings and maintaining a positive airport image.
	Disaster preparedness and service recovery: Gain skills in disaster preparedness and recovery, enabling them to respond effectively to natural disasters, accidents, or other disruptions, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuity of airport services.

EI2 will support the planning and programming for the four workshops. In addition, EI2 will provide guest speakers and experts from the institute on select topics mentioned above.

VI.	Program Dates
The Program is designed around intensive two-day seminars that create an international platform for dialogue on key issues related to airports, aviation and economic development.
The Airports and Economic Development Training Program will include 4 training workshops delivered between November 2023 and December 2024 in the following proposed locations:


Region	Date	Location
Africa	Q1 -2024	Morocco
Global	Q2 -2024	Atlanta, USA
Asia 	Q3 - 2024	India or Singapore
Latin America	Q4 -2024	Mexico






*Locations are subject to change in agreement with partners and specific dates to be determined in conjunction with partners.

VII.	Target Audiences
The target audience for this series of workshops are delegates from governments, private and civil organizations from the Western Hemisphere, Asia–Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East regions, as follows: 

Audience	Responsibilities 	Challenges
Airport Executives
	Responsible for overseeing all aspects of airport operations, including strategic planning, financial management, stakeholder relations, and infrastructure development.	Increasing competition among airports, evolving regulatory requirements, optimizing operational efficiency, enhancing passenger experience, and ensuring financial sustainability amidst fluctuating market conditions.
	Related Workshop Topics
	Airport competitiveness: Identifying areas for improvement to enhance attractiveness to airlines, passengers, and cargo operators.

Technological innovations: Integrating advancements like automation, data analytics, and biometrics to improve efficiency, security, and passenger experience.

Safety management systems: Developing and implementing systems to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.

Strategies to generate non-aeronautical revenue: Exploring alternative revenue streams to increase financial sustainability.

Terminal and airside operations: Understanding best practices to streamline processes, reduce congestion, and enhance overall operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction.
Audience	Responsibilities 	Challenges
Civil Aviation
Authorities
	Play a crucial role in ensuring safety, security, and compliance with international aviation standards.
	Adapting regulations to keep pace with technological advancements, addressing safety and security concerns, managing airspace congestion, and promoting sustainable aviation growth while balancing economic interests.
	Related Workshop Topics
	Technological innovations: Understanding advancements to ensure regulations are up-to-date with the latest technologies. 

Security preparedness: Developing and enforcing security protocols to maintain high standards. 

Environmental sustainability: Promoting practices that reduce environmental impact in line with global sustainability goals. 

Disaster preparedness and service recovery: Creating frameworks for responding to emergencies and ensuring service continuity.

Audience	Responsibilities 	Challenges
Business Leaders
	Responsible for strategic decision-making, business development, and maintaining profitability. 
	Fluctuating fuel prices, market volatility, changing consumer preferences, competition from low-cost carriers, and disruptive technologies impacting traditional business models.
	Related Workshop Topics
	Technological innovations: Leveraging new technologies to stay competitive and meet changing consumer preferences. 

Cargo logistics: Optimizing processes to improve efficiency and capitalize on growth opportunities. 

Airport service quality: Enhancing customer experience to differentiate from competitors. 

Economic development: Collaborating with economic development officials to stimulate regional growth and attract investments.
Audience	Responsibilities 	Challenges
Economic Development Officials 

from the Western Hemisphere, Asia–Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East
	Attracting investments, fostering innovation, supporting small businesses, and creating employment opportunities.	Infrastructure deficits, regional disparities, limited access to financing, geopolitical instability, and the need to diversify economies away from reliance on natural resources.
	Related Workshop Topics
	Economic development: Tailoring strategies to stimulate local economies through airport infrastructure and operations. 

Preparedness for mega events: Developing plans to manage large gatherings, boosting regional exposure and economic benefits. 

Environmental sustainability: Implementing sustainable practices that align with regional and global environmental goals. 

Disaster preparedness and service recovery: Ensuring resilience and quick recovery in the face of natural disasters or other disruptions.

VIII.	Key Benefits
Participants in these workshops will acquire the working knowledge and skills to return to their respective organizations and countries and become agents of change. During the trainings, participants will put concepts learned into practice, through engaging discussions and interactive group assignments and will leave the program armed with the tools and a mindset to promote, support, advance economic development and boost their airports potential in their regions.


extend key bendfits section, i want some relation to sustainable devlopmetn as I am the UN