Panel discussion: Community-centred resilience – protecting vulnerable populations

This session explores how cities can place equity at the core of resilience planning by identifying the people and neighbourhoods most exposed to climate impacts, infrastructure disruptions and social stresses. Speakers will discuss approaches that strengthen local networks, improve access to essential services and ensure preparedness and recovery measures are shaped around community realities. The panel will highlight how inclusive engagement, partnerships and data can support more just and effective resilience outcomes.

Key talking points:

• Using social vulnerability data and community insight to identify priority needs and guide interventions
• Strengthening local networks, service access and support systems before, during and after emergencies
• Designing preparedness and recovery programmes that reduce inequities rather than reinforce them
• Building long-term partnerships with community organisations to ensure resilience is co-created, not imposed