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See below for the full Moving America Forward segment.

Moving America Forward, a national television series hosted by actor William Shatner and anchored by Doug Llewelyn, presented an award to the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) on BizTV networks in September.

PDC based in Kihei, Maui, was established by the U.S. government in 1996, and has been managed by the University of Hawaiʻi since 2006. Its mission is to provide applied information research and evidence-based analysis supporting more effective disaster risk reduction policies and practices; and applications and information products supporting worldwide disaster management and humanitarian assistance communities.

The television series Moving America Forward celebrates achievements and contributions of businesses and entrepreneurs across America. During the September airing, Shatner and Llewelyn recognized the work of the Pacific Disaster Center and presented the show’s Moving America Forward Award to PDC Executive Director Ray Shirkhodai.

Previously presented to Nobel Prize laureates, government and corporate leaders, businesses and professional organizations that exemplify America’s best, the award recognizes PDC as among the “best of the best” in innovation.

As part of the award presentation, Shirkhodai discussed how PDC technology helps first responders, governments and the general public get the critical information they need to better prepare for and react quickly to hazards, helping to prevent catastrophic loss of life. Additionally, Shirkhodai covered aspects of PDC’s work in reducing the risk of disaster, working with nations all over the world.

The program also highlights PDC’s web-based platform and the Disaster Alert mobile app, both of which are used for disaster monitoring and are available to the public free of charge. The applications display global hazards in near real-time and provide access to other useful reports and information that can support the decision-making process, helping to keep the users’ communities safe.

Shirkhodai credited the unique, dedicated and multidisciplinary staff at PDC for the success of the center. Shirkhodai stated, “We are honored to have received this award, which is a result of the hard work and dedication of so many people, including our staff, clients and partners. We are also very thankful of our managing partner, the University of Hawaiʻi, for the role it has played in supporting our mission and developing the center.”

—By Kelli Trifonovitch

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