ICITAP Conducts Historic Global Town Meeting During COVID-19 Pandemic

On May 26, ICITAP conducted its first truly global town hall meeting, bringing together nearly 300 ICITAP staff members, personnel, and associates, representing 23 ICITAP countries across 12 times zones. Through the coordination and expertise of ICITAP’s Strategic Partnerships and Training Unit (SPTU), ICITAP leadership was able to connect with ICITAP’s global family via a WebEx video feed and deliver a visual presentation. Keynote remarks were delivered by DOJ’s Counsellor for International Affairs, who gave assurances to the entire team that ICITAP is a critical agency, which advances U.S. efforts to counter threats and secure peace around the globe and that ICITAP receives, especially in the current environment, support from the highest levels of the Department. The purpose of the 30-minute Town Hall was to strengthen ICITAP’s internal organizational connections and to discuss ICITAP’s mission and strategic plan; ICITAP’s current (and projected) presence around the globe; ICITAP’s federal, state, local, and university partnerships; and ICITAP’s strategic pivot to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. One of the most important messages that ICITAP leadership shared is how grateful the Department are for the entire team’s boundless dedication and sacrifice during this historic and difficult chapter in our world’s history. He emphasized that each individual throughout all of ICITAP’s bilateral missions is an essential member of ICITAP’s global mission, which is more critical now than it has ever been. ICITAP’s quick pivot to a maximum telework posture and the agency’s formulation of virtual management plans have ensured that each and every member of the ICITAP family remains essential. The participants also asked questions to include access to the ICITAP strategic plan, review and usage of ICITAP’s projected e-learning platform, as well as contract-specific inquiries. ICITAP leadership anticipates conducting similar events in the future to keep all staff and personnel well informed of ICITAP’s program activities, administrative processes, and strategic direction.