Client: U.S. Department of State (DoS), Global Women’s Issues Office

Event: Syrian Working Group on U.N. Security Council Resolution 1325, Women, Peace, and Security

Location: Doha, Qatar

As part of DMG’s ongoing Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) with the DoS Global Women’s Issues Office and its strategic partners, we’ve worked in the U.S., Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, planning and executing more than 100 events attended by high-ranking American diplomats, foreign dignitaries, and other DoS stakeholders. Perhaps none of these exemplified the professionalism, expertise, and resourcefulness of the DMG team quite like the Syrian Working Group on U.N. Security Council Resolution 1325, Women, Peace, and Security, held in Doha, Qatar in 2018.

Just 48 hours before the event kickoff, we learned that five high-ranking foreign dignitaries would be in attendance and immediately mobilized our logistics team to make appropriate accommodations. We personally handled security and transportation for these attendees, and ensured they received the proper attendance credentials, while respecting cultural sensitivities and customs of their home countries (Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, and Saudi Arabia).

Throughout the planning process, we relied on our proven project management framework to track each task associated with the event, and successfully located a suitable venue and hotel rates that kept us within per diem and under budget. Ultimately, the event was a resounding success and DMG received exceptional feedback from DoS on our efficiency, attention to detail, and quality of work.

DMG was tasked with planning and managing the two-day meeting just three weeks before it was to be held. The initial scope entailed identifying a hotel under the DoS per diem that was large and secure enough to host attendees, arranging travel, airfare, and itineraries for the 25 Syrian women that would be participating, and hiring a translation vendor. However, due to in-country turmoil, many participants had to leave Syria late at night, using discrete routes to safely leave their respective towns. None were native English speakers, and many lacked regular access to computers, presenting significant communications challenges.

Despite these obstacles, DMG was able to quickly arrange and coordinate individual travel plans that ensured the safe and timely arrival of all participants.