Office of International Affairs
The Office of International Affairs (OIA), within California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), plays a critical role in pursuing global challenges caused by all types of disasters and sharing best practices. This includes orchestrating foreign delegation visits, developing binational memorandums of understanding, advising on international policy, working with foreign governments to coordinate mutual aid, and collaborating with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to provide resources on emergency preparedness.
The office also liaises with the U.S. Department of State, the consulates, the Governor, and the Lieutenant Governor’s offices to advance international initiatives. In an era of unprecedented emergencies, the OIA is committed to engaging with international partners to enhance emergency management, homeland security, and cybersecurity practices.
Cal OES participates in executive-level forums such as the International Affairs and Trade Development Interagency Committee, Commission of the Californias, and the California-Mexico Border Relations Council.
Cal OES welcomes high-profile visits by foreign dignitaries and maintains regular diplomatic engagement with foreign governments and federal counterparts, including countries like Australia, Chile, Indonesia, Japan, Tajikistan, Mexico, New Zealand, nations in the Middle East, the European Union, and South Africa. Cal OES subject matter experts also travel abroad to meet with international partners.
Memorandums of Understanding (MOU)
Cal OES has established MOUs with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and Baja California, Mexico. These agreements aim to share best practices, training opportunities, and technical knowledge.
Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)
The AKDN operates in over 30 countries, mostly in Asia and Africa, focusing on environmental protection, health, education, and disaster reduction. For example, in 2022, Cal OES Law Enforcement Branch shared best practices on Mass Fatality Management with over forty AKDN emergency responders from the region.
Baja California, Mexico
Cal OES signed an MOU with the State Coordination of Civil Protection of Baja California centered on communication, disaster risk management, training and exercises, and recovery and resilience. For instance, in 2023, Tropical Storm Hilary struck Mexico’s Pacific Coast and the OIA maintained communication with authorities in Baja California and Baja California Sur as the storm approached California.
Events & Gallery
During disasters, the role of the OIA is to collaborate with the U.S. Department of State, the consulates, and various CBOs by sharing disaster information about the impacted areas and resources available for the vulnerable populations, such as immigrants, farmworkers, and the undocumented.
Cal OES coordinated with the Governor’s Office, and the California National Guard along with state, local, and federal agencies to deliver medical equipment and tactical gear supplies to Ukraine in support of the humanitarian crisis.
During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the OIA coordinated with thirteen countries that donated 3 million in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to aid California in slowing the spread of the virus. Also, coordinated a donation of approximately 4 million in PPE for the State of Baja California’s Secretary of Health, the City of Mexicali, and non-governmental organizations to support COVID-19 containment efforts.
Foreign National Visit Request
To facilitate safe and secure visits, foreign delegations wishing to visit California state agencies must complete and submit the following items at least 15 days prior to their official visit:
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- A complete Foreign National Screening Form for each delegate
- Copies of all foreign visitor passports
- A full visit itinerary
Foreign delegations wishing to visit Cal OES must be sponsored by a U.S. federal, state, or local government agency, or make a direct request through an international embassy or consulate. Cal OES requires foreign visitors to complete the Cal OES Meeting Request Form at least 30 days in advance.
Cal OES will treat all personally identifiable information obtained from state agencies securely and in accordance with the most current processes and procedures.
Contacts
Addy Jimenez
International Affairs Senior Advisor
Office: (916) 845-8971
Cell: (916) 758-1491
Email: Adrianna.Jimenez@CalOES.ca.gov