From November 9-10, 2023, the “Make Cities Resilient 2030” Capacity Building Training and Resilient City China Symposium took place in Kunming, Yunnan Province. The event, co-organized by the ICLEI—Local Governments for Sustainability Association and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Northeast Asia Office, with strong support from various collaborating organizations and partners. Dr. Shi Lin, a Senior Researcher at the International Cooperation Research Center of the International Institute of Green Finance, CUFE, was invited to participate in and contribute to the forum discussions.
The event emphasized the pivotal role of cities in both disaster response and climate change mitigation, offering a comprehensive overview of China’s progress in implementing the “Building Resilient Cities by 2030” initiative. The urgency of enhancing urban resilience globally was highlighted, encouraging active participation and knowledge-sharing among cities. Kunming City’s endeavors in tackling climate change and promoting resilient urban development were also outlined. Looking ahead, there is an anticipation for a growing number of cities to join the resilient development initiative, forming new collaborations with entities like the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. This collective effort aims to make substantive contributions to the establishment of resilient cities worldwide.
The event’s agenda encompassed six key segments, covering topics such as Resilient City Concepts and Practices, Approaches and Methods for Constructing Resilient Cities, Strengthening Adaptation Measures to Enhance Climate Resilience, Financing Strategies for Resilient City Construction, Boosting Urban Resilience through Nature-Based Solutions, and Facilitating Dialogues and Exchanges. Throughout the event, experts shared insights into diverse pilot projects and international partnerships’ initiatives related to the planning practices of resilient cities. They emphasized the challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events, introducing new measures to enhance climate-adaptive urban pilot programs. These measures include strengthening assessments of urban climate change impacts, establishing mechanisms, and fostering international cooperation. The discussion also touched on climate finance initiatives, featuring innovative models for various climate finance products and services. Experts shared practical insights, particularly from the banking sector, focusing on sustainable infrastructure financing and biodiversity conservation. They underscored the significance of focusing on education and governance to drive the development of green cities. Finally, there was a strong stress on the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration and involvement from various sectors, including community engagement, private sector participation, and the active engagement of young individuals in the construction of resilient cities.
During the session centered on “Financing Strategies for Resilient City Construction,” Dr. Shi Lin, a Senior Researcher at the International Cooperation Research Center of the International Institute of Green Finance (IIGF), provided insights into “Financing Urban Renewal and Building Greening.” She emphasized the government’s commitment to urban renewal and green initiatives. Nevertheless, the green building sector in China is currently grappling with a significant financial gap. As a response to this challenge, green finance has emerged as a crucial tool to facilitate environmentally friendly upgrades and bridge the financial shortfall in the sector. Dr. Shi Lin provided a comprehensive overview of various green finance products, including urban renewal bonds, green loans, and green building bonds. These financial products are designed and operated with the objective of providing financial assistance for both urban renewal and the incorporation of environmentally friendly features in buildings. Her analysis explored the ways in which financial instruments can be utilized to facilitate sustainable urban development, with a specific focus on the field of green building. The effective use of these financial tools has the potential to alleviate financial constraints, foster sustainable development in urban renewal and construction sectors, and offer substantial support for the establishment of resilient cities.
The hosting of the “Make Cities Resilient 2030” Capacity Building and Resilient City China Symposium event series has offered valuable chances for sharing experiences and learning in the establishment of resilient cities in China. Through collaborative efforts from various stakeholders, a more resilient, livable, and intelligent urban environment can be achieved, contributing to sustainable development. The hosting of this series of events has not only provided a platform for urban planners, decision-makers, and professionals from various regions to exchange successful practices and challenges, but it has also served as a source of guidance and inspiration to drive Chinese cities towards more sustainable and advanced paths. By comprehensively understanding various aspects of resilient city construction, including concepts, methods, financing, and international cooperation, Chinese cities are poised to more effectively address challenges such as climate change and natural disasters, leading to a comprehensive enhancement of urban environments. Such efforts will contribute to creating more vibrant and sustainable cities for the future, making a positive impact on the overall societal sustainable development.