Navigating the Polycrisis Evidence-Based Policy for Resilient Cities

Whether it's the devastating floods in Dubai, the drought crisis in the Mediterranean area, or deadly heatwaves across the Middle East, climate change keeps capturing headlines. Cities are both highly vulnerable to and major contributors to climate change. Rising inequality, conflicts, and political division add layers to their current polycrisis reality.
Over the past years, cities have been breaking silos, assessing their urban systems and co-creating resilience strategies with their communities. The challenges we face today, however, demand an even bolder approach.

This event will showcase four innovative models developed by the participant organizations. These models, embedded at the local and national levels, are supporting cities in integrating climate action and risk reduction plans into their strategic planning.

As the drive to build climate resilience expands, more cities are developing policies based on robust evidence. New models have emerged, such as the J-PAL Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regional office at the American University in Cairo, which leverages the Air and Water Lab. The Lab provides insights for city decision-making processes on climate-related issues. These initiatives, spearheaded by the city authorities of Cairo, Alexandria, and 6th of October, aim to improve environmental performance and meet national targets.
After supporting 96 cities to develop their data-driven Climate Action Plan, C40 partners with Community Jameel to accelerate implementation and mainstream climate actions. The Jameel C40 Urban Planning Climate Lab assists cities in embedding climate data and goals into legally binding urban planning policies. The session will present the Lab’s work in the City of Amman. It will also share leading examples of climate-resilient land use policies and a methodology for cities to mainstream climate adaptation into their master plan.

A decade ago, the urban resilience movement started with the creation of global initiatives like UN-Habitat's City Resilience Global Programme (CRGP) and the network of 100 Resilient Cities. As a technical partner, the CRGP has shared knowledge, advocated for and built capacity in more than 80 governments. Together with Barcelona, the CRGP developed the City Resilience Profiling Tool that has enabled +30 cities and territories to enhance resilience by diagnosing urban systems and recommending actions for comprehensive planning.

The City Resilience Framework, created by ARUP for the Rockefeller Foundation, has informed the creation of over 80 resilience strategies across the member cities of the Resilient Cities Network, including the city of Ramallah. Guided by the framework, Ramallah developed a comprehensive resilience strategy aimed at overcoming the significant challenges posed by conflict, political instability, and resource constraints.

This session will explore successes and gaps, and forge pathways for collaboration to accelerate climate resilience action.