by Ross Eisenberg and Yasuhiro Kawasoe

In a world increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and rapid urbanization, the importance of resilient cities has never been more pronounced. On June 18, 2024, mayors from around the world gathered in Himeji, Japan for the Global Mayoral Roundtable on Urban Climate and Disaster Resilience, part of UR24. The session highlighted the pressing challenges and innovations in urban planning and disaster risk management, providing a platform for sharing valuable insights and strategies.

The Challenge of Urbanization and Climate Change

The session began with Guangzhe Chen, Vice President for Infrastructure at the World Bank, who set the stage by addressing the dual nature of urbanization as both a catalyst for economic growth and a source of vulnerability. “Urbanization is a continued trend. More than 50% of the population lives in cities, creating opportunities but also risks we must manage,” Chen noted. He emphasized the critical need for resilient infrastructure, community engagement, and innovative solutions. The World Bank Group, through its partnership and financial support, plays a crucial role in helping cities worldwide build resilience against climate–related and non–climate-related disasters. The Bank’s City Resilience Program supports risk-informed urban planning, identifies investments that enhance city resilience, and facilitates access to public and private financing to ensure that those investments materialize, helping cities become more resilient to the adverse impacts of disasters and climate change.

Mayor Hideyasu Kiyomoto of Himeji, Japan, shared his city’s proactive measures in disaster preparedness. Despite its long history of resilience to shocks, Himeji is not immune to disasters. Mayor Kiyomoto highlighted the city’s efforts to enhance flood protection and early warning systems, noting: “We have more than 70 small communities, each with a robust early warning system using sirens and cell phone notifications to ensure timely evacuation.” This commitment to updating climate data and protective measures underscores Himeji’s dedication to safeguarding its residents.

Mayor Luisa Salgueiro of Matosinhos, Portugal, offered insights in coastal resilience and innovative urban planning. Facing critical challenges such as coastal erosion, sea level rise, and urban floods, Matosinhos has implemented community involvement and nature-based solutions to address these risks. “We have urban gardens and a mandate for 20 percent of new constructions to be water-permeable, helping manage urban flooding,” she shared. Matosinhos’s recognition as a resilience hub by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction underscores its leadership in advancing urban resilience.

Mayor Hadianto Rasyid of Palu, Indonesia, brought a poignant perspective on disaster recovery and preparedness. Reflecting on Palu’s devastating experience with the 2018 earthquake, tsunami, and liquefaction, he emphasized the importance of pre-disaster planning and international collaboration. “We cannot stand alone. We must work together before disasters strike, ensuring better preparedness and minimizing impacts,” he stated. His remarks underscored the need for comprehensive and inclusive disaster management strategies, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and children.

Planning for Uncertainty

The roundtable discussion underscored the unpredictability of climate change and the necessity of adaptive planning. “Planning and community involvement are key to managing uncertainty,” stated Mayor Salgueiro. Matosinhos’ proactive approach, including action plans for sustainable energy, climate adaptation, and forest defense, aims to make the city carbon-neutral by 2030, setting a strong precedent for global climate action. Mayor Kiyomoto emphasized the importance of continuous data updates and public education. “We recalibrate our protective measures based on the latest climate data and conduct annual evacuation drills,” he said. This commitment to staying ahead of evolving risks is crucial for effective disaster resilience.

The Global Mayoral Roundtable at UR24 highlighted the critical role of cities in addressing climate change and disaster risks. The insights shared by the mayors from Himeji, Matosinhos, and Palu underscored the importance of resilient infrastructure, community engagement, and innovative resilience planning. Ming Zhang, the World Bank Global Director for Urban, Disaster Risk Management, and Land summarized the session succinctly: “The impact of climate change is not a distant future; it’s happening now. Our cities must be at the forefront of building resilience and ensuring the safety of their residents.”