On February 7, 2025, New York City Emergency Management Department hosted our NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs delegation for an incredible tour! We discovered the inner workings of NYCEM and got a firsthand look at the cutting-edge strategies in place to protect the city. This exclusive event featured a guided tour of the facility including the Emergency Operations Center and Watch Command, followed by in-depth discussions with NYCEM senior leaders Christopher Blanco, Robert Cohen, Henry Jackson, Jacob Cooper and Elisa Ureña.
Big thank you to Chris Blanco for helping me organize this special outing as well as to Cori Epstein, Tana OsaYande, Christopher Ankersen, and Mary Beth Altier for your support on the NYU side as well as to the students from both the Masters in Global Affairs (MSGA) and Masters in Global Security Conflict and Cybercrime (MSGSCC) who joined us.
Key topics of discussion included:
– Cybersecurity & Emerging Advanced Tech Threats: Understanding how NYCEM addresses evolving digital threats and technological advancements.
– Current Threat Landscape: A detailed overview of key threats facing the city, including geopolitical risks and their implications on NYC’s strategic importance.
– Intro to NYCEM: Learning about the agency’s mission and operations in safeguarding the city and its residents. NYC Emergency Management helps New Yorkers before, during, and after emergencies through preparedness, education, and response. NYCEM is responsible for coordinating citywide emergency planning and response for all types and scales of emergencies. The agency is staffed by more than 200 dedicated professionals with diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, including individuals assigned from other City agencies.
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