MCR2030 Panel: Climate Emergency and Resilience Finance

The panel discussion is divided into two interconnected themes, focusing on urban heat resilience and strategic governance and finance. The discussion will explore how cities are coping with these challenges, involving marginalized groups in disaster risk reduction, and leveraging innovative financing and policy frameworks. It will also examine how we can create synergies to build resilient urban environments.

Part 1. Inclusive solutions for urban heat resilience

The discussion will explore the challenges posed by urban heat islands and heatwaves, particularly in densely populated urban areas, and discuss innovative approaches for mitigation and adaptation. It will also highlight the significance of including marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities, youth and elderly people, and displaced people in disaster risk reduction and climate resilience. This session will explore how to develop and implement inclusive solutions to address urban heat and climate risks effectively.

Part 2. Strategic governance and finance for urban resilience

Based on the previous panel discussion, this session will further examine the importance of resilience finance in building climate-resilient infrastructure, enhancing disaster preparedness and response capabilities, and supporting vulnerable communities in adapting to climate change impacts. It will also analyze the role of policy and governance frameworks in promoting disaster risk reduction and climate resilience at local, national, and regional levels. This session will identify opportunities for coherent policy and collaboration and explore innovative financing mechanisms to effectively integrate resilience into various sectors and drive sustainable climate adaptation efforts. Also, it will have an overview on Disaster Risk Financing and how governments and municipalities can be fiscally ready for the disaster up front, using various financial instruments and mechanisms.

List of speakers:

1. Ms. Kathryn Oldham, Chief Resilience Officer, Greater Manchester Combined Authority of the UK (moderator)
2. Mr. Valeriu Popa, Mayor of Singera, Moldova
3. Ms. Konstantina Karydi, Director of Resilient Cities Catalyst
4. Ms. Sandra Nedeljkovic, Senior Disaster Resilience consultant
5. Ms. Meruyert Kulakhmetova, Chairperson of NGO “Society of Persons with Disabilities ‘Kedergisiz KZ’, Almaty
6. Ms. Olivera Injac, Mayor of Podgorica, Montenegro
7. Ms. Natalia Alieksieieva, Head HR Department & Representative of the Executive Committee of Lviv, Ukraine
8. Ms. Susana Sousa Gonçalves, Director of the Civil Protection Department, Municipality of Matosinhos of Portugal