The global INER program has been a key player since its establishment in 2012 in providing fast and reliable connectivity in crisis-affected areas, whether caused by natural disasters, large-scale accidents, or humanitarian emergencies. The program was first deployed following a typhoon in the Philippines, where a mobile network was successfully restored using portable 2G equipment. Since then, it has been deployed in more than 28 major crises around the world, including the earthquake in Turkey, the floods in Valencia, and most recently in Jamaica, where it once again demonstrated its ability to rapidly restore communications for emergency services, humanitarian organizations, and local residents. As part of the lecture, an active, trained member of the newly established local team will present practical experience from real deployments, while also introducing the overall process behind the scenes, the technical setup itself (combining satellite connectivity, Wi-Fi kits, solar generators, charging stations…), and the related procedures for rapid and effective response to strengthen resilience. The Czech Republic became one of seven new hubs of this organization in 2025, within which thoroughly trained Vodafone volunteers — including those who have completed HEAT (Hostile Environment Awareness Training) — are ready to ensure the rapid restoration of connectivity in crisis situations such as floods, windstorms, or other extraordinary events.

Director of Vodafone Foundation’s Instant Network Emergency Response programme, leading emergency communications and rapidresponse deployments globally. With nearly 2 decades of technical and operational experience in emergency communications, this role oversees disasterresponse connectivity, innovation in emergency telecommunications, emergency preparedness initiatives and major field missions supporting communities affected by crises. Previous roles include senior technical consultancy for the Instant Network initiative, disasterresponse advisory work with GSMA, and designing national emergency telecoms systems with Telecoms Sans Frontières. Holds an MSc in Applied Optics and a BEng in Materials Science from Imperial College London.

Dalibor Lukes is an experienced leader in the field of information technology, with over thirty years of experience at companies such as Microsoft, Siemens, and Vodafone. As Head of the ICT Segment at Vodafone Czech Republic, he focuses on delivering comprehensive ICT solutions for businesses, with cybersecurity playing a key role. Dalibor has long advocated for the integration of cybersecurity and physical security—from data protection to risk prevention for people and infrastructure. His goal is to build organizational resilience through technology, education, and a security culture.