The Global Resilient Cities Network (GRCN) has announced the launch of a global coalition to help mobilise collective action with the goal of achieving a better “day after” the Covid-19 pandemic ends.

Cities for a Resilient Recovery (C2R) seeks to support cities to strengthen the resilience of their city systems and “leave no one behind” as they stand on the frontline of Covid-19.

Resilient recovery

Lauren Sorkin, acting executive director of GRCN, said that while cities are working to respond to this pandemic, there is also an overwhelming demand from cities to work together on a resilient recovery. "And to fix the broken systems that exacerbated the impacts of the virus on our vulnerable communities,” she said

She added: “The members of the Global Resilient Cities Network trust one another’s knowledge and experience and we are committed to making this available to address the complex challenges of Covid-19, the resilience challenge of our generation.”

The C2R initiative offers a participatory platform to all interested cities, including the 98 member cities of the GRCN and other urban centres that are willing to engage in short- and long-term planning for a sustained resilient recovery.

“The principle of a resilient recovery is simple: as we rebuild from the current crisis, we must also prepare for future shocks. Both Covid-19 and climate change are massive challenges that require transformative solutions on a global scale,” commented Jainey Bavishi, director of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Resiliency.

“This network will provide an invaluable forum for cities around the world to grow stronger together through sustained partnership and collaboration.”

Through GRCN, C2R will align partners like World Bank, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the University of Manchester, along with existing programmes and resources to support cities to achieve the aims of their initiatives – and to prioritise actions and investments with the highest resilience value.

“This network will provide an invaluable forum for cities around the world to grow stronger together through sustained partnership and collaboration.”

By offering accessible and relevant data, and planning tools and expertise, C2R reckons it will enable urban resilience leaders and innovators to seize this opportunity to strengthen city systems and improve the lives of millions for years to come.

Build a resilient future

C2R said it is inviting city leaders from around the world to join the coalition and work together in this challenge and to build a resilient future. To learn more and join the coalition visit: www.resilientcitiesnetwork.org/recovery

GRCN is a city-led organisation that is helping to drive urban resilience action to protect vulnerable communities from climate change and other physical, social and economic urban adversities and challenges.

With support from the Rockefeller Foundation and other funding strategic partners, the network aims to continue supporting cities and their chief resilience officers in future-proofing their communities and critical infrastructure.

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