Investing in Systemic Resilience: From Subnational Action to Local Delivery for the Most Vulnerable

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COP31 comes as growing geopolitical uncertainty is sharpening governments’ focus on climate resilience as a foundation for economic security, stability and competitiveness. As countries update their National Adaptation Plans and NDCs and begin work on the second Global Stocktake, it is a timely moment to show that resilience is an investment in development and growth, not only a cost.

For resilience to strengthen economic security and stability, national planning must translate into action for those most exposed to climate impacts, including informal settlements, informal workers and low-income communities. Subnational governments are central to that translation, connecting national
priorities with local risks, projects, services and infrastructure.

Delivering this requires three things to work together: governance to coordinate action, data to reveal interconnected risks, and policy to translate that understanding into economic decisions and capital allocation.

Co-organized by World Resources Institute, CDP, Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action (YUVA), Regions4, this UNFCCC Official Side Event will show how investing in systemic, growth-oriented resilience protects the communities most exposed to climate hazards such as extreme heat, drought and flooding. It will focus on multilevel governance, strong data on shared, interconnected risks and joined-up policy and investment.